FL Pump Installation Guide

Which Escaping Outdoors pumps are these instructions suitable for?

These instructions are applicable to the following models:

• FL-2202 – (No fittings, suitable for water or farm chemicals)
• FL-3203 – (Includes 2 elbow fittings, suitable for water or farm chemicals)
• FL-30, FL-35, FL-40, FL-43, FL-44, FL-60 (Includes three fittings and a screen filter. For fresh or salt water)
• FL40C and FL60C (Includes three fittings and a screen filter. For farm chemicals)

What is my Escaping Outdoors 12v water pump suited for?

Your new pump is ideally suited to a coffee cart, caravan, boat and camping applications. It will happily supply water for your sink, hand basin, toilet or shower and may need a pressure tank if the match is not close enough. It can pump either fresh or salt water. The pump uses an inbuilt pressure switch and will turn itself on when it detects a drop in water pressure. This means that if the water supply empties or there is an air leak in the suction line the pump cannot turn itself off. If the pump is left unattended it should be turned off at the power source.

Why does my new 12v water pump have water leaking from it?

This is normal. All the Escaping Outdoors water pumps are factory tested with water run through them to ensure they are working correctly. The water from the factory testing may come out of your new 12v water pump either during shipping if the water plugs move or when you remove the water plugs upon setting up your new pump. Water from the factory testing of your new 12v pump may come out of the pump when you remove the plugs or during shipping to you.

What fittings come with my Escaping Outdoors 12v water pump?

Most pumps come with a screen filter and three different 12mm fittings. You then are able to choose the most suitable fitting for your set up.

How does the Plumbing work on my 12v water pump?

The Escaping Outdoors diaphragm water pumps are self-priming. Depending on your pump model the suction lift will be up to 2 metres and the head will be up to 5 metres. The pump won’t be damaged if run dry for short periods. For best performance mount the pump as close as practical to the tank. It can be mounted either horizontally or vertically, but keep the motor above the pump head to reduce the chance of water damage to the electrics. It is recommended to use either a 1/2" non-return valve or foot valve between the tank and the pump to avoid water siphoning back to the tank and create and air lock. Make sure you use a flexible suction hose between the tank and pump but one one that can squash flat when pumping. Check for air leaks at any joins. Ensure the suction hose is free from sharp bends or kinks. Warming the hose first with hot water makes it easier to push over the fitting.

A pressure tank is recommended with all 12v pump set ups using diaphragm pumps as they will absorb any excess pressure in your system, therefore extending the life of the pump and to ensure a quieter operation with less vibration and pump cycling.

A non-return valve should always be placed joining the water source and the pipe which goes to the pump. The non-return valve will stop water draining back to the tank which in turn, creates air pockets and causes pump issues.

How does the electrical work on my Escaping Outdoors 12v water pump?

Input voltage range for 12V pumps is 10-14V. For 240V pumps, it is 220-250V. All pumps must be fuse protected. Recommended fuse is 15 amps (240V model only needs 10 amps). Pump should be operated on its own circuit (except 240V models). If the pump is installed in an area where inflammable vapours may exist, you must protect any electrical connections with mechanical protection to prevent sparking. Poor or inadequate protection can lead to sparking and the resultant explosion can cause injury or death. The pump will run differently depending on atmospheric conditions and load. A qualified electrician must perform all electrical work.

12v 24v and 240 diaphragm water pump Installation Instructions

1. Keep in mind which Escaping Outdoors pump model you are installing (refer to package label). If mounting outside, ensure you protect the pump from the weather. For rough roads you may need to make the pump extra secure by strapping it around the mortor since the feet may not hold.
2. Hold the pump in position and mark where the holes need to be drilled to mount the pump or to mount the base plate. Make sure there is enough room to install the filter, fittings and hoses and accumulator tank (as applicable)
3. Drill the holes, but don’t mount the pump yet. This gives you more flexibility to install the water lines.
4. Remove the plugs from both the inlet and outlet sides of the pump (Not applicable to FL-2202 and FL-3203). (NOTE: water may come out and this is normal from factory testing)
5. The arrow on the outlet side of the pump indicates water flow direction. If the pump does not have an arrow, turn it so both the inlet and outlet are closest to you. The inlet will be on the left, outlet on the right. (the FL2202 has the inlet on the right)
6. Install the filter by pressing it firmly into the inlet housing (wetting first helps). Twist gently as you push the filter in. Engage the locking collar (Not applicable to the FL3203 or the FL-2202).
7. Install your chosen fitting on the outlet side (wetting first), and engage the collar to lock the fitting in place.
8. Install the 12mm suction rated hose (10mm on FL-2202 and FL-3203) onto the inlet. Stainless steel clamps are essential to marine environments, and recommended elsewhere. Braided, flexible food grade hoses are recommended.
9. Install 12mm outlet line (10mm on FL-2202 and FL-3203), again using stainless clamps as applicable.
10. Bolt the pump in place ensuring you are not stressing either of the water lines. Please note that stainless steel bolts are essential for marine environments, and recommended elsewhere.
11. Install a 15 amp rated switch near the pump. (10 amp for 240V models)
12. Run the active line using electrical cable from power source to switch. Run cable from switch to positive wire (red) on the pump. Make sure it is fuse protected. Run negative (black) to an earth source (if none, run back to the power source). (For 240V models, simply plug into an approved 240V 10 amp power source)
13. Fill the tank with water to a level that ensures complete coverage of the tank outlet.
14. Check for leaks. Check all hose clamps for tightness.
15. Test run pump. Listen for the pump being noisy, the water flow not being smooth or the pump jumping around. This is a sign that the pressure switch is going on and off as the pump runs and it means you need to adjust the system until this no longer occurs. See the FAQ on Pressure Tanks.