It is a simple operation to test for a failed pressure switch on a 12v water pump. If you have a 240v model diaphragm pump such as an Escaping Outdoors FL43, print these instructions and give them to a qualified electrician with the pump for them to check it for you or contact us for further assistance.
Testing a failed pressure switch on a 12v water pump - 5 easy steps!
The following steps are how to do the test. We will be by-passing the pressure switch to see if the motor of the pump is still working. If the motor works after completing this test you will know it is a pressure switch we needs replacing. You will also need to adjust your system (add an accumulator tank, check for air leaks, check your tank has not run dry) to ensure a smooth running system in future.
Step 1: Disconnect your 12v water pump from the power supply
Step 2: There is a square box on the end of your 12v water pump. This is the pressure switch. Take off the cap on the pressure switch. If the cap has a screw in the middle of it use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw and take off the cover. (This is for the FL range of Escaping Outdoors pumps). If there is no screw in the middle then simply flick the cap off. Other 12v water pump brands will be similar to do.
Step 3: Before proceeding check again the power is disconnected. There are 2 wires in the pressure switch we are connected to the contact. Slide out the two contact wires from the pressure switch. Touch the two wires in the pressure switch together and wrap them in electrical tape.
Step 4: Connect the 12v water pump to the power supply again. Don't worry if water is not connected - the pump can run dry for a short period as you only need to turn it on for a few seconds to test. If the pump motor runs, disconnect immediately from the power supply.
Step 5: If the pump now runs the water pump motor is fine and you need to replace the pressure switch. If the pump did not run then the problem lies elsewhere.
If your 12v water pump is newly installed and you heard it running in a noisy or bumpy manner then you probably have a pump which is too big for your system. This can be fixed by adding an accumulator tank (pressure tank ), dropping the PSI on the pressure switch ( see related FAQ ) or by using a different 12v water pump better suited to your application.
Other articles relating to this question are:
1. Do I need a pressure tank or accumulator tank? Check out Escaping Outdoors article here.
2. How to replace a pressure switch on a 12v water pump. Check out Escaping Outdoors article here.
3. How to make your 12v water pump quiet. Check out Escaping Outdoors article here.
Browse Escaping Outdoors for our full range of 12v water pumps, parts and accessories, and our informative FAQ's to help solve a query or contact us for assistance.
We welcome your enquiry
Check out our full range of pump products at Escaping Outdoors online
