
Insurance Discount Campsite Offers All offers UK Sites French Sites European Sites Map Search Text Search Near your Location Popular Searches Leave a Review My Saved Sites Add a New Site All Sections Caravanning Camping Tent Talk Motorhomes Trailer Tents Backpacking Equipment Statics UK Campsites Camping Abroad General Chat News More Sections Latest Posts All Adverts Tents for Sale Caravans for Sale Motorhomes for Sale Equipment for Sale Post an Advert Campsite Jobs All Categories Caravanning Advice Caravan Equipment Tents and Camping Motorhomes Towing and Towcars Equipment Furniture and Cooking Electrical / Gas Shows and Events General More Categories Join for Free Log In

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning - Caravan Repairs, Servicing and Maintenance

Topic: Zig-a-Zig arrrghhh

Post Reply

onmehedson

24/8/2010 at 5:19pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 24/8/2010

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 2

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2026:	0
Site Reviews 2025:	0
Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0

Site Nights 2026:	0
Site Nights 2025:	0
Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0

Hi all, this is my first post so please be gentle!!

We have an old Abi Daystar which has a zig cf9b fitted to manage the electrics.
Took her out this weekend, connected to the site electric and noticed that the front panel on the zig got very hot to the touch after a while. I switched off the 12v lights (2 of them)that were on and things cooled down, popped them back on and it heated up... also noticed that the lighting would dim when the pump was activated..

I dont know much about these systems so if anyone can offer some advice it would be gratefully received..

Rune Caster

24/8/2010 at 6:41pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 20/1/2010

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1568

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2026:	0
Site Reviews 2025:	0
Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0

Site Nights 2026:	0
Site Nights 2025:	0
Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0

Inside your Zig unit you have a big transformer that converts 230v to 12v, in the process of doing this job the transformer gets hot, to dissipate this heat the whole unit is made of a thick aluminium, there are holes in this to encourage air circulation to assist in cooling.

Make sure that you have nothing surrounding the back of the Zig that may block these air holes. The Zig unit also charges the on-board battery as well, if the battery is nearing the end of it's life it will make the transformer work harder and overheat eventually tripping a safety cutout.

It would be normal for the unit to get warm, but not extremely hot although would probably cut out before reaching this stage.

The lights dipping when the pump runs is normal, although if you changed all your lights to LEDs this would not happen and your battery charge would last longer

-------------
Caravanning is a way of getting a cheap holiday out of an expensive hobby

rune@tabbytha.com

arc systems

25/8/2010 at 9:36am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: http: www.arcsystems.biz

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 02/12/2003

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4375

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2026:	0
Site Reviews 2025:	0
Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0

Site Nights 2026:	0
Site Nights 2025:	0
Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0

I would add and if the Zig seems more hot than normal? then this would indicate something is working it harder than usual, the likely suspect for this is a faulty battery

prov1

26/8/2010 at 11:03pm
Location: manchester
Outfit: swift conqueror 640

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 10/3/2010

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 7

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2026:	0
Site Reviews 2025:	0
Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0

Site Nights 2026:	0
Site Nights 2025:	0
Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0

hi
You could give zig a ring they have tec guys who can offer adive & also repair the unit if broke.but check condition of battery

onmehedson

29/8/2010 at 2:46pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 24/8/2010

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 2

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2026:	0
Site Reviews 2025:	0
Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0

Site Nights 2026:	0
Site Nights 2025:	0
Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0

Thanx all...

The battery is a bog standard car starter type so i guess a new leisure battery is in order.
I will report back when I manage to get get one....

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Repairs, Servicing and Maintenance - Top of Page

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

Upcoming Event

Elvaston Steam Rally 2026 03/07 to 06/07

Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.

5545 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Special Offers]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Tent Reviews]

[Contact Us]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2026