Arctic Pac

Lostdog · 01-07-2014, 10:55 AM

AAARRGGG. Got down to 18 degrees last night. Turned the Arctic Pac on for the first time ever and nothing froze but I don't know if it is working. The question I have is: Does the Arctic Pac switch light up when on? Ours did not. If it is suppose to light then I've some trouble shooting I need to do. Thanks.

Weezer · 01-07-2014, 11:24 AM

Not sure what I'm going to describe is the "artic pac" but I just went out to check our 5er and on the panel is a rocker switch for "tank heaters". I flipped it on and the rocker switch itself lit up (blue light) and I heard a fan come on.

(We're not using that, as we're fully winterized (pink stuff) and with outside temp of 28, it's 41 in there with only a small ceramic heater going in it.)

bubbles · 01-07-2014, 11:35 AM

I believe the switch does not illuminate when on. I think the artic blankets do not apply heat till the temp gets below about 40 deg. The switch is the same as the water pump in that it is not imperative the switch be off. Therefore a warning or notification indicator (light) is not needed. I think this is correct. There is no fan associated with your arctic pack, just heated blankets throughout.

Prothos · 01-07-2014, 12:35 PM

when i turn on my switch i get a blue light. I dont think that means anything is actually work other than ther is power to the switch.

ramair · 01-07-2014, 12:43 PM

on my 378 XL the artic pac light does light up, however my light went out but the heater still works. take the panel out and check with volt gauge when turned on see if there is voltage going out. if so the light is out, but everything else is working.

youroo · 01-07-2014, 12:52 PM

Our tank heater switch turns on a Blue internal light when (ON). The fan that (Wheezer) heard was probably the converter fan coming on from (12V) load.

Youroo!!

jtrader · 01-07-2014, 12:53 PM

Wow 18 isn't bad. We got down to -9 yesterday. No arctic pac on ours. Just a lot of insulation and heat tape on our water lines.

cfsoistman · 01-07-2014, 01:15 PM

Sigma A1 Series Rocker Switches.pdf

The switch will illuminate to indicate the circuit is hot. The heat pads turn on & off by the in-line thermostat outside as long as the switch is energized. I will tell you the bulbs aren't the strongest thing. I've replaced at least 6 over the years. Same switch is used for the porch light, steps and water pump. All are 12 volt. I switched up the color on my artic pac to amber so I know whether on not I had it on at the same time as the water pump which is red and directly next to it. I found the switches on eBay at 1/2 the price of the dealerships.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Red-15a-12v-...ht_2664wt_1120

Best way to save $ is look for more than one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Illuminated-...0#ht_50wt_1120

I bought 10 for $13.90 about 2 years ago but I heven't seen that type of listing since.

Be sure you get 12 volt type because the 120 volt switches look the same. The switch will work but the bulb will not light up.

alparmer · 01-07-2014, 01:52 PM

We had a wind chill factor of -41* last night. At 18* we would be out grilling. LOL.

Ours lights up when switched on.

garbonz · 01-07-2014, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weezer

Not sure what I'm going to describe is the "artic pac" but I just went out to check our 5er and on the panel is a rocker switch for "tank heaters". I flipped it on and the rocker switch itself lit up (blue light) and I heard a fan come on.

(We're not using that, as we're fully winterized (pink stuff) and with outside temp of 28, it's 41 in there with only a small ceramic heater going in it.)

The converter fan should be a good secondary indicator the the heaters are on if it is cold out. At 7 or so amps per pad, they will be a significant draw on the batteries, and enough pull on the converter to engage the fan, I would think. Checking the amperage being drawn would be another way to find out...

Weezer · 01-07-2014, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garbonz

The converter fan should be a good secondary indicator the the heaters are on if it is cold out. At 7 or so amps per pad, they will be a significant draw on the batteries, and enough pull on the converter to engage the fan, I would think. Checking the amperage being drawn would be another way to find out...

Now see? Sometimes I wonder if I should comment on some of these questions, since I'm still such a newb.

But because I commented I learned something through your response.

And so do the members.

bubbles · 01-07-2014, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubbles

I believe the switch does not illuminate when on. I think the artic blankets do not apply heat till the temp gets below about 40 deg. The switch is the same as the water pump in that it is not imperative the switch be off. Therefore a warning or notification indicator (light) is not needed. I think this is correct. There is no fan associated with your arctic pack, just heated blankets throughout.

I stand corrected. I thought the straight TS (vs: XL) was different. I think the light though is still an indication of switch position and not for verification of item operating. Yes, as previously mentioned I find the lighted switches in my unit not of the best quality bulb wise.

bend302 · 01-07-2014, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubbles

I stand corrected. I thought the straight TS (vs: XL) was different. I think the light though is still an indication of switch position and not for verification of item operating. Yes, as previously mentioned I find the lighted switches in my unit not of the best quality bulb wise.

My light does illuminate when in the on position. Actual heat is dependent on outside temps. Used Artic Pac last night here in FL (30 deg.). And, I agree, the bulb portion of these switches fails frequently.

Bill

Lostdog · 01-08-2014, 10:00 AM

Thanks for all the responses. Nothing froze so it appears that the system works but the little bulb in the switch doesn't. Warm up starting today and will be in the 70s this weekend.

alparmer · 01-08-2014, 02:18 PM

You should be able to pull the switch out and replace the tiny bulb.

bubbles · 01-08-2014, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alparmmer

You should be able to pull the switch out and replace the tiny bulb.

I'm thinking because these type switches are not very expensive that the bulb is an integral part of the switch assembly and not replaceable as a separate item. In otherwords, a throw away switch.

alparmer · 01-08-2014, 02:44 PM

Could be. It's a shame they are not making them with LEDs instead of a bulb.

bubbles · 01-08-2014, 04:13 PM

In the quantities that FR buys they're probably less than a couple bucks each as is.

alparmer · 01-08-2014, 04:53 PM

Well, it looks like I'm going to need one too. I cracked a corner on the switch trying to remove it. Like you said, it's a throw away item. The tiny bulb is crimped on the leads.

I found the exact same one on eBay. I just ordered it:

Sigma 12volt DC Illuminated Red Rocker Switch SPST on Off Black RV 12V Boat | eBay

bubbles · 01-08-2014, 07:38 PM

Uh oh, sounds like you tried to remove it from the front of your panel. Should have pulled the panel and pinched the tabs on the back of the switch to push out front. They are like any other automotive switch. Now you don't have to remove your panel to install the new. Hook up and push in opening from panel front.

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