The AKW P12D Pump Controller is a device designed to manage and control a pump for shower systems, ensuring a consistent and reliable water flow. It is compatible with both electric showers and mixer showers, offering versatility for various bathroom setups. The controller is designed to enhance the showering experience by providing precise control over pump operation and offering features for safety, calibration, and troubleshooting.
Function Description
The P12D Pump Controller serves as the central control unit for a shower pump, allowing users to adjust and monitor the pump's performance. It receives input from flow sensors (either one or two, depending on the shower type) and an auxiliary switch, and can also integrate with a wireless module. The controller's primary function is to maintain a consistent water flow rate, preventing fluctuations that can occur with varying water pressure. It offers different sensor types, including flow switch (on/off) and flow sensor (proportional), with the proportional rate configurable to 600, 1000, or 2200 pulses per litre.
A key feature is its calibration capability, which allows users to run the shower at an expected normal flow rate and then adjust the pump speed to remove any amount of water flowing in. This ensures that the pump operates efficiently and matches the desired shower performance. The controller also includes a "Run on time" feature, where the pump will run after the shower has stopped to ensure complete clearing of water from the shower tray, preventing stagnant water and potential hygiene issues.
The device incorporates a "Fault Detect" mechanism that can sense a fault or signal the shower to shut off, preventing flooding or other issues. This is particularly useful when used with AKW compatible showers. The "Start Delay" feature allows users to set a time before the pump starts after the shower starts, which helps to prime the pipework with water.
The P12D Pump Controller supports various operating modes, including Auxiliary/Test/Settings, which can be accessed via an automatic running mode triggered by a flow signal input. It also has a "Test Mode" for checking the pump's functionality and a "Running Mode" for normal operation.
Important Technical Specifications
- Shower Compatibility: Electric Shower, Mixer Shower
- Ingress Protection: IPX4 (protected against splashing water from any direction), making it suitable for bathroom environments.
- Supply: 230V AC 50Hz 60W. This indicates it requires a standard household electrical supply.
- Inputs:
- Flow Switch x1 or x2
- Auxiliary Switch
- Wireless Module
- Cable Entry Points: 6, providing flexibility for wiring.
- Digital Display: Yes, for easy monitoring and adjustment of settings.
- Status Indicator: Yes, to provide visual feedback on the device's operational status.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 271.4 mm
- Width: 165.0 mm
- Depth: 59.0 mm (main body), 28.5 mm (from wall to front of unit)
- Mounting Dimensions: 233.5 mm (height), 88.0 mm (width of mounting bracket), 46.0 mm (distance between mounting holes).
- Safety Information: Class II appliance, meaning it has double insulation and does not require an earth connection. It is designed to be installed with a two-pole isolator switch and a dedicated circuit with a 30mA RCD device. A fused, un-switched, fixed wiring connector fitted with a 5 amp fuse is required.
Usage Features
The P12D Pump Controller is designed for user-friendly operation with a digital display and intuitive controls.
- Display: The digital display shows important information such as the sensor type, pulses per litre, auxiliary switch type, fault detect status, and calibration settings.
- Controls: The controller features UP, DOWN, and F (Function) buttons.
- UP/DOWN: These buttons are used to increase or decrease parameter values, navigate through menus, and adjust settings.
- F (Function): This button is used to momentarily press, confirm selections, and access different modes. Holding the F button for 3 seconds typically enters Test Mode or confirms settings.
- Setting Modes:
- Standby Mode: The default state where an LED dot indicates the mains voltage present.
- Adjusting the Settings: Pressing UP and DOWN buttons simultaneously for >3 seconds turns on the display, allowing adjustments.
- Sensor Type: Configurable to 0:00 (Off), 0:01 (600 pulses per litre), 0:02 (1000 pulses per litre), 0:03 (2200 pulses per litre).
- Auxiliary Switch Type: Configurable to 1:00 (Disabled), 1:01 (Momentary), 1:02 (Latching).
- Fault Detect Value: Configurable to 2:00 (Off), 2:01 (Active).
- Calibration: Allows setting the default speed (3:12) and range adjustment (3:04 - 3:12) for proportional sensors, or default speed (3:50) and range adjustment (3:01 - 3:99) for flow switch sensors.
- Start Delay: Configurable to a default setting of 4:05 and a range of 4:01 - 4:99.
- Run-On Time: Configurable to a default setting of 5:20 and a range of 5:01 - 5:99.
- Mounting and Flow Direction: The manual provides clear instructions for securing the controller to a wall and connecting the pump cable, ensuring proper flow direction. It also details the plumbing zones (Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 0) for safe installation within a shower room.
- Wiring: Detailed wiring diagrams are provided for both electric and mixer showers, showing connections for mains supply, flow switches, and the pump. A wiring table clarifies the function of each terminal (0V, Signal, Positive, Pump A, Pump B, Live, Neutral).
- Installing Flow Switch: Instructions are given for correct orientation of the flow switch (Y-Pattern filter) for both vertical and horizontal water feed installations, ensuring accurate flow detection.
Maintenance Features
The P12D Pump Controller includes features and guidelines for maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure long-term performance.
- Commissioning Checks: A step-by-step process is outlined for commissioning the pump, including turning on power, running the shower at low flow and confirming pump operation, setting the shower to maximum flow, following calibration settings, and adjusting RUN-ON.
- Error Codes: The controller displays specific error codes to help identify and diagnose issues:
- E.01, E.02 or E.03: Internal Failure: Indicates an internal problem with the controller. Contact AKW Technical Enquiries.
- E.04: Over Current: Pump current is too high. This could be due to a fault in the power supply, pump, or the error code itself.
- E.08: Motor Not Connected: Pump connection is open circuit. This could be due to a fault in the power supply, pump, or the error code itself.
- E.10: 12V Under Voltage: Controller internal low voltage. This could be due to a fault in the power supply, pump, or the error code itself.
- Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive table helps users diagnose and resolve common issues based on reported faults and possible causes.
- No LED or display: Possible causes include fuse/fuse board turned off, isolation switch turned off, break in supply cable, or not wired correctly. Actions involve checking power supply and wiring integrity.
- Pump does not activate when power is turned on: Possible causes include flow switch(s)/sensor(s) not connected properly, incorrect controller setup, flow switch(s) blocked, insufficient flow rate, connection from controller to pump broken, or faulty pump motor. Actions include checking switch/sensor installation, wiring integrity, referring to controller manual for settings, checking filter, and replacing the unit if necessary.
- Pump flow rate too fast/too slow or delay time/run-on time too long/too short: Possible cause is incorrect controller setting(s). Action is to refer to the controller manual for correct settings.
- General Maintenance: The manual emphasizes that the integrity of the case and RCD device operation should be checked quarterly. Any mechanical damage should lead to isolation and replacement. Pipework connections must be maintained to prevent leaks, and the unit should be regularly cleaned using normal bathroom cleaning materials. Strong or concentrated acidic or alkaline cleaning materials should not be used.
The AKW P12D Pump Controller is a robust and feature-rich device designed to provide reliable and controlled pump operation for shower systems, with a strong emphasis on safety, user control, and ease of maintenance.