Tunze 6105.500 / 6105 issues

[rite_eh]

Hello,

I have two Tunze 6105s in my 180g. They have been running well since purchases (about 4 months). I have several other tanks and an existing bank of 12v batteries on a float charger for when the power goes out. I ran two wires from my battery bank to the location of the 6105s and purchased a couple of the 6105.500 safety connectors earlier this week. Voltage of my battery backup at the end of each newly run wire was as expected (13.2 with charger connected, 12.8 when disconnected).

Last night I had a chance to connect these 6105.500s to the wires I had run, however I have since removed the safety connectors as they appear to be malfunctioning. Upon connecting them each 6105.500 would gradually heat up and the internal relay would begin clicking. Within a minute or two the relay would be turning on and off so quickly that the noise was steady and causing the safety connector to almost vibrate. At this point I disconnected them I didn't want to (further) damage the relay.

My main Tunze transformers are jumpered for 24v. I confirmed this with a voltmeter on each. Once I had the safety connector plugged in I tested its operation by disconnecting the 24v main power source, ensuring the reduction in speed was observed and then reconnecting it. After the units sat for the couple minutes as indicated above the relay clicking noise would begin. When the clicking began I believe I could stop it by disconnecting the main 24v power source.

At this point I'm assuming the safety connectors are defective; however I find it strange that both of them that were just purchased are failing in the same amount of time. I believe my LFS does have more in stock however I'm not sure if I'd have better luck with new ones at this point. I am located in BC, Canada. Do you have any suggestions of things I could try?

Thanks

 

[rvitko]

I would double check all connections. We do periodically see this and I am not sure what is the cause, but it is rare enough that having 2 such units seems improbable. I might strip things to the most basic, a charged battery running the pump on a safety connector and then add the charger. Be sure all polarities are correct. If it still has the clicking relay, I have to assume the relay is faulty and it should be replaced.

 

[rite_eh]

I will try removing the charger (as in a power failure it would not be on), however the connectors exhibited this behavior when they were operating on the 24v main supply (not the battery backup). I did confirm that polarities are correct via voltmeter, however I will recheck everything when I am back at home later today.

Thanks

 

[rvitko]

In the US I have to replace a few every year for this issue, so it is not something unheard of and I have never found the cause, brand new occasionally one does just what you describe. In every case though, a replacement has fixed the problem so it is just a dud, it just would be odd to have 2 duds to one person.

 

[rite_eh]

I disconnected the charger, verified polarity and voltages via a voltmeter and the problem occurred on both safety connectors. I tried each connector in both powerheads with the same result. Once each relay was rapidly cycling I was able to stop this be either disconnecting the 24v main supply or by disconnecting the output of the safety connector that plugs into the Tunze 6105 block. The relay heats up (I can feel it through the plastic case) before it begins to cycle.

It seems strange to me as well that I would have two failing in the exact same manner (though I do tend to have horrible luck with anything electronic). How would you recommend I proceed, LFS return or RMS, etc.?

Thanks,
Brandon

 

[rvitko]

I really couldn't advise you on that, I only handle the US distribution and service. I would ask your dealer and they should be able to handle it or get you in touch with the distributor.

 

[rite_eh]

OK, thanks for your help and prompt responses.