Reverse Polarity Protection
Electrical devices have universal colour coding and symbols to ensure they are connected correctly.
The universal colour code and symbol for a positive terminal is RED and a plus (+) sign. The universal colour code and symbol for a negative terminal is BLACK and a minus (-) sign. The same universal colour codes and symbols are used on DC devices.
When connecting DC devices to a power supply, it is crucial to observe the correct polarity. In other words, Positive to Positive and Negative to Negative. DC current travels in one direction around the circuit. Think of it as a one-way valve - if you try to force the current the wrong way through the valve it will break and fail.
How is the Spring range protected against reverse polarity? (mis-wire)
From the V9 onwards all our pump controllers feature reverse polarity protection.
The controllers are supplied with 1mm Tri cable rated to 18 amps. The controller itself is rated to 10 amps. Plus:-
1. Reverse polarity diode
2. Supply and recommendation to fit a fuse
3. Over current protection
1. We fit a reverse polarity diode to the power supply circuit on the PCB. The diode is fitted so that in the event of a mis-wire (reverse polarity) it will blow. In this way, we are able to protect the sensitive parts of the controller and effect a repair if needed. We see a handful of controllers come back to us having been mis-wired in any one year.
2. A fuse(s) is needed in any electrical system (AC or DC). These protection devices react to the amount of heat being produced by electricity passing through wires and/or components. They are used so as to protect wires and components from the extreme heat produced should there be an electrical overload or short circuit.
Please see Fitting the Correct Fuse
Fitting a fuse will provide additional protection to the controller in a reverse polarity situation. As the current passes the wrong way around the circuit with the fuse now on the output part of the circuit, it will still blow helping to prevent further damage to the controller.
3. For additional protection, we have added to the controller over current protection. This is a uniquely engineered device to be found only on Spring manufactured controllers. If the unit sees a current above 9a it shuts down the pump, stopping the current draw from the battery, protecting the controller and system.
So what steps can be taken to avoid mis-wiring the controller?
The cables on your controller comply with the universal colour coding system. So when connecting, your controller, the BLACK cables should be run to the negative ( - ) terminal, and the RED cables to the positive ( + ) terminal. Following this coding will ensure you can not miss-wire the controller.
You could remove the fuse prior to disconnecting the battery for charging, only refitting it once you have checked the polarity is correct. After a while this becomes a good habit, making mis-wire-less likely.
Marking the cables with tape or ties can also ensure correct polarity is followed.
As a manufacturer, we recognise that on occasions mistakes happen so we engineer in a range of protection features to your controller. In the event of a mis-wire, the diode means the main circuits and processor of the control are protected and the diode can be repaired quickly and easily with the minimum of fuss.
If a mistake happens - no worry - return the controller to us or contact us for advice and if needed repair.