Micro Switch

[Verteuil Man]

We are currently just outside Dalbeattie and the sun is shining for a change. We came back to the van yesterday to find the water pump running. Luckily no damage done to the pump. After checking to see if a tap was just open enough to trigger the switch I concluded that there must be a faulty micro switch. I assume the only way to test for this would be to disconnect each tap cable individually to find the faulty one.
Any hints on taking the taps apart or a link tona YouTube video? Picture of the taps below.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Mr Colpot]

Hi Nigel
Did you manage to suss out the issue?
I have a weird issue when the bathroom tap will work for a second or two (sometimes five) when I turn it on.
If I turn the kitchen tap on the bathroom tap works. I am thinking it's dodgy micro switch or connection but am scratching my head when it comes to getting to it.
Thanks

 

[Landy Andy]

Hi Nigel
Did you manage to suss out the issue?
I have a weird issue when the bathroom tap will work for a second or two (sometimes five) when I turn it on.
If I turn the kitchen tap on the bathroom tap works. I am thinking it's dodgy micro switch or connection but am scratching my head when it comes to getting to it.
Thanks

Sounds like a failed micro switch, or more likely the wires to it. To access it you will have to partially dismantle the tap.

 

[RobPeel]

I found this video on Youtube very helpful:

regards

Rob

 

[RobPeel]

Sure enough there was a break in the wire. Hold them together with insulated pliers, switch water on, pump works fine. Now what can I use thats small enough to joint these two fine wires in such a tight space….. Bit of head scratching now. Guess insulating tape just won’t last.

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[RobPeel]

Looks like these will suit. As per Youtube video.

 

[pappajohn]

As a temporary measure just twist together and a bit of tape.

 

[Sue26]

Hi Nigel
Did you manage to suss out the issue?
I have a weird issue when the bathroom tap will work for a second or two (sometimes five) when I turn it on.
If I turn the kitchen tap on the bathroom tap works. I am thinking it's dodgy micro switch or connection but am scratching my head when it comes to getting to it.
Thanks

I bought a new basin tap last week that came complete with microswitch. Our system is the pressure type so I removed the microswitch. If the microswitch is any use to you I could post it out to you foc. (Will send pic of microswitch if any help. )

 

[B+W vanman]

Wago inline connectors work, not cheap, but don’t need heat

 

[pappajohn]

Wago inline connectors work, not cheap, but don’t need heat

Correct, but a wago ain't going to fit in there once the switch is put back

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[Mr Colpot]

I bought a new basin tap last week that came complete with microswitch. Our system is the pressure type so I removed the microswitch. If the microswitch is any use to you I could post it out to you foc. (Will send pic of microswitch if any help. )

Thank you for your kind offer. Its on the back burner at the moment as Motorhome is away having the Clutch replaced. I'll pm my details if that's acceptable thanks again.

 

[Sue26]

Thank you for your kind offer. Its on the back burner at the moment as Motorhome is away having the Clutch replaced. I'll pm my details if that's acceptable thanks again.

Yep no problem. Will put in post tomorrow.

 

[RobPeel]

Correct, but a wago ain't going to fit in there once the switch is put back


View attachment 1068251

Thanks Pappajohn. I have wago connectors but realised not enough room. Any idea where I can source spare microswitch please? Anyone? Cheers Rob

 

[Lenny HB]

I've repaired quite a few of them, soldered the wires then sleeved with 1mm silicone sleeving.

I think Lesuire Shop Direct stock the switches.

 

[Manic]

Just solder them together with a short overlap, no room for anything else. I also swapped the wire from close to the switch with more flexible wire, the wire they use is very stiff and brittle for the application.
Also whilst doing this it worth fitting a non latching switch into circuit and fitted inside cupboard local to the tap, so when it breaks again you have a standby

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[MisterB]

Just solder them together with a short overlap, no room for anything else

Would there be enough space to add an additional short piece of wire to make the 'connection' easier?

Also wago do inline connectors not just the side by side version.

 

[Lenny HB]

Would there be enough space to add an additional short piece of wire to make the 'connection' easier?

Also wago do inline connectors not just the side by side version.

No room inside the tap for anything other than the wire.

 

[Thornebt]

Looks like these will suit. As per Youtube video.

View attachment 1068241

I've never seen these before. Do they work well?

 

[MisterB]

No room inside the tap for anything other than the wire.

then perhaps adding a small piece of wire to extend the cable could be an option ?

 

[Lenny HB]

then perhaps adding a small piece of wire to extend the cable could be an option ?

I've done that a few times.
In the last van I got fed up with repairing them & fitted a Shureflo pressure switched pump.

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[tony_g]

The microswitch in our bathroom tap failed recently. It's a flimsy design, as I know from fixing the kitchen tap when that went. We were away at the time and, in any case, I couldn't work out how to get into the tap. None of the online advice or descriptions matched. Anyway, a temporary workaround is to very slightly crack open another tap until you hear the pump start but before water comes out, then use the faulty tap as normal. Knock off the other tap when done.

 

[Toady]

I have replaced the microswitch before and it was a bugger of a job. Not a great design in my opinion. A new microswitch is was around £20 online. Now carry a spare.

 

[RobPeel]

I've never seen these before. Do they work well?

Just got delivery last night. They seem to work fine - very little heat required!

 

[buzz1]

I didn’t think much of them , worked ok as a temporary fix , but I used them on a spare piece of wire to test the strength, and it pulled apart quite easily.
I even tried out heating longer and shorter times to see best results.
But I would use again but only in emergency situations.
It’s a good idea in principle.

 

[peterc10]

After having 3 failures of microswitches I decided to change the system to pressure activated, whilst still utilising the quiet submersible pump in the tank. It was very quick and easy to do using a Whale pressure switch.

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[L' Hobo]

IMO, like Lenny HB , it's far easier and quicker to fit a Shuflo where you can easily get to it.