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Switch panel - what's in yours?
Posted: 12 May 2010, 07:25
by rustytop
I am currently trying to work out what is the best and neatest way of providing the following for the van:
12v cig lighter socket
Leisure battery indication meter
Obviously Zig panels are perhaps the neatest solution, but I have also found this one
http://www.thornycroftparts.co.uk/produ ... 25235.aspx#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
which seems a lot cheaper (albeit it has some boaty type text on there - which I am sure can be masked over).
Just wondering what your van has in terms of 12v (and 240v switch gear/ panels)? Just looking for the neatest solution.
Thanks
Re: Switch panel - what's in yours?
Posted: 12 May 2010, 09:56
by 1664
I have a Zig CF6, a 500 Watt inverter below, a 12v ciggie light style socket next to that (not big enough to power a lighter though) with a second one behind the driver's seat and a fused spur and 13 amp socket that are fed via the hook-up next to the Zig - the fused spur is for the Zig on hook-up. There's another 13 amp socket in the lower cupboards for the fridge. There's also the actual van 12v ciggie lighter in the dash.
That marine one in your link doesn't have a charging facility in it unlike the Zig. The Zig charger however just provides a trickle charge as it's not very powerful.

Re: Switch panel - what's in yours?
Posted: 12 May 2010, 11:19
by horns
I've just got the usual little westy panel with a switch that turns on LED meters for battery and water tank level, an LED that tells you the fridge is on, and a switch for the gas tank de-icer thingy that never gets used. I've never understood why other conversions seem to have such complicated arrangements. What does all that other stuff on a Zig actually do?
Not mine - but just to show you what I mean. Sticker is from Brickwerks, although I've just gone with original-style decals on mine.

Re: Switch panel - what's in yours?
Posted: 12 May 2010, 11:43
by 1664
horns wrote: I've never understood why other conversions seem to have such complicated arrangements. What does all that other stuff on a Zig actually do?
Depends on the Zig unit, but it allows you to choose which battery to use and fuses the camper circuits seperately in the case of the CP400. A CF6 or CF8 also allows to to run your camper electrics and trickle charge whichever battery you want when on hook-up. It's not complicated - it just looks like it is

Re: Switch panel - what's in yours?
Posted: 12 May 2010, 15:10
by rabbids
I too have the factory fitted westy gauge which works nicely, but the zig system sounds good if you can switch between battery. If you are building a new interior or adding electrics to an existing set up and can find space to fit one, then the zig, or similar is probably best, as this is what nearly all boats, caravans and motorhomes use.