Backup - Standby Equipment

[ChilliBear]

I'm struggling to find an automatic power backup switch in the UK. I want to have a 12v pump for if the mains power fails. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I seem to always end up at generators, boats or caravan mains supply switching pages ?

Thanks

ChilliBear

[bunya boy]

Hi CFB,
I'm sure Murray can get this to you ands I'm sure Gary won't mind me directing you there.
http://www.aquaponics.net.au/product/category12_1.htm
I use the 12V/240V relay switch, the Projector battery charger, 500GPH 12V Bilge pump and the Power Stream venturi for both air and water circulation in the fish tank.
All works well.

Cheers IanK

[arachdog]

Hi CFB,
I'm sure Murray can get this to you ands I'm sure Gary won't mind me directing you there.
http://www.aquaponics.net.au/product/category12_1.htm
I use the 12V/240V relay switch, the Projector battery charger, 500GPH 12V Bilge pump and the Power Stream venturi for both air and water circulation in the fish tank.
All works well.

Cheers IanK

Damn, that's one expensive relay in a box!

This will do the trick, but you'll have to wire it up yourself:
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/s...duct&R=2533518

[ChilliBear]

Hi Ian,

Thanks for replying. I had seen the one on Murry's site, I also thought it's pretty expensive considering what it is but I'm no electrician. Thanks for the other link I will look at this in more detail tonight. I'm still researching whilst my house sale goes through. I knew someone here would be able to point me in the right direction.

Cheers

Adrian

[Crusty]

Would Murray's do the voltage etc in the UK?

[bunya boy]

Hi All,
The relay system may seem expensive, but it works from day one, it is guaranteed for years, it is SAFE!, and it is horses for courses. I will dabble with timber_make a mistake and you get splinters; I will play with metal_make a mistake and you get scratched; I will even do some plumbing_make a blue and you get wet! I know what I'm doing with those things.
But play with 240v and make a mistake; you get dead!
By the time you factor in sourcing the waterproof box, leads, plugs, clamps, clips and the workings itself, I would far rather rely on expertise I don't have, to provide me with a guaranteed system item that is assured to function, and I'm prepared to shell out a couple of bucks for it. It really is cheap insurance for your fish with peace of mind and I know, having lost 200 Jade Perch by not having a back-up!! So don't tell me it's expensive!!
Let's have a look at your back-up system ArachDog, and show us what cheap alternative you actually use? I would also like to have a look at any actual system back up you are using Crusty?
I'd be very interested in any photos of systems and components you actually operate and use in your systems.

Looking forward to lots of photos. Cheers IanK.

[Crusty]

The relay system may seem expensive, but it works from day one, it is guaranteed for years, it is SAFE!

Didn't know Murray guaranteed anything, it is certainly not written on his site. Interesting that you say it is guaranteed for years. My suggestion was, it may not work on UK power, as from memory they are different to us.

By the time you factor in sourcing the waterproof box, leads, plugs, clamps, clips and the workings itself, I would far rather rely on expertise I don't have, to provide me with a guaranteed system item that is assured to function, and I'm prepared to shell out a couple of bucks for it. It really is cheap insurance for your fish with peace of mind and I know, having lost 200 Jade Perch by not having a back-up!! So don't tell me it's expensive!!

Didnt say it was expensive, though I know that Murray is not the only one to have backup systems... In fact, in the US (not the UK) http://www.basementwatchdog.com/ have some excellent set ups (not rated for AU at the moment) that are specifically designed as a back up system. They are correctly rated, guaranteed, built for purpose and all the things people would expect from a product they buy.

I would also like to have a look at any actual system back up you are using Crusty? I'd be very interested in any photos of systems and components you actually operate and use in your systems.

What's up your jumper today Ian? Am I not entitled to an opinion or something? I am certain you and others would be interested in photos, but for now you will live without them mate.

I tried to upload an image of our backup switch and it says "this PNG file has the wrong extention"...

[arachdog]

Hi All,
The relay system may seem expensive, but it works from day one, it is guaranteed for years, it is SAFE!, and it is horses for courses. I will dabble with timber_make a mistake and you get splinters; I will play with metal_make a mistake and you get scratched; I will even do some plumbing_make a blue and you get wet! I know what I'm doing with those things.
But play with 240v and make a mistake; you get dead!
By the time you factor in sourcing the waterproof box, leads, plugs, clamps, clips and the workings itself, I would far rather rely on expertise I don't have, to provide me with a guaranteed system item that is assured to function, and I'm prepared to shell out a couple of bucks for it. It really is cheap insurance for your fish with peace of mind and I know, having lost 200 Jade Perch by not having a back-up!! So don't tell me it's expensive!!
Let's have a look at your back-up system ArachDog, and show us what cheap alternative you actually use? I would also like to have a look at any actual system back up you are using Crusty?
I'd be very interested in any photos of systems and components you actually operate and use in your systems.

Looking forward to lots of photos. Cheers IanK.

I'd show you BB but I don't have a system, let alone a back up for it. It's pending construction of my shed. I don't disagree with your sentiments about not messing about with mains if you don't fully understand it. In this particular case though the wiring really is very simple and you'll get a wiring diagram with the relay (or possibly you may need download the datasheet), and it's not like you'd be messing with live voltages since you obviously wouldn't plug it in until you had the box all sealed up. Even so if the box from Murray had a reasonable profit margin on it I would probably still reccomend its purchase, because as you quite rightly say doing it yourself is a bit a faffing around. Its just annoys me when people who do possess a little knowledge in this area, try to exploit those that don't.

Crusty: They operate 240v the same as us, but the plug is different.

[bunya boy]

Crusty,

What's up your jumper today Ian?

New drugs! Roid Rage! I'm not sure anymore . . .
Sometimes I get carried away with the moment I seize: and it's normally the wrong moment!
This diatribe is not directed at you or ArachDog in any way, shape or form: I present this in general to attempt to explain at large.

There is a perceived difference, to me anyway, between expressing an opinion and being opiniated. Sometimes that perception gets me into trouble. I believe that opinion is developed based on fact, expressing uninformed opinions as fact is being "opiniated".

I have come across opiniated people many times in at lot of endeavours. The one I "like" most is "I don't know much about Art, but my 2 year old can do better than that!" or in a similar vein (when exhibiting some of my pencil works) "Yeah, I had a cousin (sister, brother, neice, Uncle etc. insert favourite relative or aquaintance) who did that, blah, blah, blah!" when you know damned well they had, or did, nothing of the sort!! Just had to appear to know best without any actual hands-on experience or knowledge and expouse it to all and sundry.

The same thing happens to me professionally; ". . . . just draw your own house plans up, it's easy!" Yeah! Right! That's why I spent 6 years of professional training and have had 40 years experience to make it "easy".
As I said, horses for courses, I don't go to a Butcher to buy Candles!
So, that's the feeling I get sometimes when I read personally disparaging remarks directed towards people and/or products that I use and try to pass on my working experience with them without fear or favour.

So, I value your informed opinions and experiences, but I don't give any credibility to un-informed opinion; regardless of the source.

UK is 240V but diferent plug/pin configuration, USA is 220V; again with a different plug/pin configuration, and, no, you didn't say it was expensive, Arachdog did. Everything I buy from Team Economics comes with a guarantee, normally the manufacturer's but in the case of purpose made equipment by TE, they come with the statutory buyer's warranty as well as a personal one from Murray, which I value.

I will stop the hi-jack now, crawl back under my rock and here's a picture or two of my back-up. (Not pictures of having my "Back Up!")

Cheers IanK

[Crusty]

Crusty,

There is a perceived difference, to me anyway, between expressing an opinion and being opiniated. Sometimes that perception gets me into trouble. I believe that opinion is developed based on fact, expressing uninformed opinions as fact is being "opiniated".

That is interesting that you form and uninformed opinion of what I am actually informed about. Then, in that sentence you suggest, out the side of your mouth, that I am opinionated. Further, I did not form or express any opinion about the backup switch, I merely asked if it would be suitable for the UK. You obviously have some other gripe with me mate, even though I don't know you from a bar of soap. I do know you made a really cool looking IBC but that is about all I know.

Some of my photos were here prior to some forum glitch. Just just for you Ian, I have whipped up a few pdfs with some pictures. You will note the type of backup system I am used to in one of them. Does it count if I don't own and operate them? The other shows our backup switch, which we sell and shows just how easy they really are to make.