Cable repair – is it practical?

Fred2024-01-05T11:08:32+00:00

Cables work “forever” unless cut by mistake or their contacts get exposed to moisture, corrode and stop conducting. Often people purchase cables when their shower systems is down, while something else need fixing and the new or replaced cables are discarded or gather dust unused.

We sell cables, but having the ethos and expertise we do, obliges us to share our know-how and offer a kit to help you troubleshoot, repair and replace a cable only when it is absolutely necessary. There are occasions when the data cable is not accessible and heavy damage to property is inflicted in the running of a new cable. These are the situations when using this kit could save you hundreds if not thousands.  In fact any situation where the suspected culprit is the cable could be resolved faster and easier with the cable tester and kit.

The “usual” Aqualisa cable has 6 multicores running from a RJ11 (telephone type) plug to a proprietary 6 pin connector.

The cable tester contains two parts and an adapter cable. One part goes to one side of the cable, while the other to the other side. The adapter cable “converts” the proprietary 6 pin connector to RJ11 for the purpose of testing

Cable tester kit:

• Cable tester: Master + Remote
• Adapter cable
• Rechargeable 9V battery (micro USB chargeable, but not by USB on your computer)

When the kit is connected one needs to turn ON the Master. This will start shooting a signal through the cable and the Remote will indicate the receipt of the signal by lighting up the corresponding LED. It will cycle 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3… If a wire is damaged the receiving LED will not illuminate.

Once a cable failure is apparent the cable could be repaired

The typical aging failure is corrosion to the proprietary 6 pin connector due to water ingress on the side of the control keypad within the shower.  To ascertain this one needs to visually inspect the connector.  Any corrosion to the control button pins could indicate a problem to the connector. The reason to look for water ingress and/or corrosion on the control button side is because the conductors on the proprietary 6 pin connector are hidden and cannot be easily inspected. You could always use a camera with high magnification

Control button side connector replacement

Proprietary plug replacement.  There are different ways to replace the control button side plug (proprietary 6 pin connector) as this is not repairable. These will be listed by way of best to just acceptable, but working

Soldering. Each core is cut allowing for sufficient length, stripped and soldered. Using heat shrink tubing will protect the soldered area from corrosion and short circuit.

The kit includes the following:

• Auto-ignition soldering iron (filled with propane)
• Solder
• Flux
• Heath shrink (3:1 adhesive glue lined)

Soldering should produce elegant repairs ideally with staggered joints, thus low cable circumference. This method requires most expertise and experience, but should be within the scope of abilities of any technically minded person

Splicing with jelly crimp connectors

The cable is cut close to the proprietary connector and the other layer carefully pealed without damage to the wires. Every wire of the existing cable should be aligned and connected with the same colour of the proprietary connector using the jelly crimps. The wires are inserted fully in and with the help of players the jelly crimp are locked into place one after another. The jelly (thick silicon grease) makes the connection waterproof and the metal insert within bites into the wires, connecting them

The kit includes: 12 jelly crimp connectors

Splicing with in-line CAT coupler

Make provisions for the cable and coupler to fit in before cutting. Cut the cable and ensuring correct mapping all wires are connected with the help of the push-cut tool

The kit includes: 1 coupler and 1 push-fit and cut tool

Processor side

RJ11: The processor side of the cable terminates with RJ11 (phone) connector.  This side of the cable is earlier to repair, but we have left it for last as the likelihood for failure here is minimal. If rounded to the nearest whole number the occurrences are close to Zero. Re-termination is straight forward and you may choose to do it before you replace the proprietary cable as good measure.  Usually excess cable is left on the side of the processor and you can re-terminate multiple times before you run out of cable

Re-terminating the RJ11

This is easily done. The cable is cut, the outer sleeve is pealed and after reinserting the cable cores into the new RJ11 connector, the last is crimped. All is done with few manipulations with the same crimping tool.

The comunication bus between the processor and the control buttons is not demanding, thus the cable twist, individual lenghts, etc. are not critical.  Therefore any repair as suggested above or similar should work.

Aqualisa digital cable tester and repair kit for all cable types, including and not limited to: Quartz, Visage, Opto, Viso, Zuri, Rise, Axis, HiQu.  If the cable looks like the pictures than it is suitable

The entire kit is offered under our loan scheme. You take the kit paying a deposit of £80 and when you return it back we charge you only for the parts used plus £29.99 which is our handling fee for it

Please tell us what you think of this article. What you like, dislike, how to improve it, etc.

Thanks

Can I buy spares?

Mohammed Bidiwala2024-01-04T08:09:05+00:00We do not sell spares other than what is available on our website.  In a complex technology eco-system like a processor the cause and effects could not easily determine a faulty component, hence why we refrain from selling other spares.

Can I extend the warranty?

Mohammed Bidiwala2024-01-04T08:12:37+00:00Once a processor has been serviced and repaired by us one can take extended warranty of up to 5 years. This is subject to charge and are based on “Return To Base” type warranty.  You send the processor to us at your own cost and we take care of the rest including a speedy return. We aim to turn around warranty repairs within one working day. For convenince we can provide you with a lable - https://ourbathroom.com/product/ups-drop-off-service-label-only/

Can I fix a dripping Aqualisa processor by greasing

Fred2024-01-04T08:07:11+00:00NO. And it doesn’t matter how much and what type of grease you use. The cause of dripping is due to deterioration of the proportionating internal seals which need to be replaced. The rubber material of these both ages and wears similar to a car tyre and no other remedy is an option

Can you organise the removal and a site visit?

Mohammed Bidiwala2024-01-04T08:07:55+00:00Removing your processor is usually very simple process and most sensible people can do it.  In the worst case call the local plumber.  We do not offer this service.

Can you repair my Grey Processor?

Mohammed Bidiwala2024-01-04T08:07:26+00:00Due to popular demand we now extended the service to cover the Grey processors.

Can you service my processor during the Aqualisa warranty period?

Mohammed Bidiwala2024-01-04T08:14:38+00:00There have been few occasions when customers requested a paid repair during the official Aqualisa warranty.  You can choose to go this way, but we will not do it for free as we are not affiliate of Aqualisa.

Control button removal

Fred2024-01-04T08:06:50+00:00Depending on the model there is a screw (+) or two at the bottom of the control button. Loosening it will allow the control button to come free hinging from the top. Disconnect the wire by pulling or unscrewing the round terminal Sending your control together with the processor will ensure we test is and verify its operation. The control button failure is not uncommon. Only the control button within your shower is needed. All other buttons are insignificant (slaves) for the correct operation of your shower