radiator switches - problem with identification

Adi · Nov 21, 2013

Hi, I am totally new to this forum, based in London, having some electrical qualifications I am mostly dealing with general building maintenance and not very often come across some electrical stuff, but now it's the moment. Basically I have 3 radiator switches to be replaced, the job seemed to be very easy, the trick is I can't find them anywhere and no shop can recognise them neither tell me where to ask, they were all fitted there from new and are the same in every apartment of the building. I had a word with two professional(?) electricians and non of them was able to identify them, so this is headache - have to change them but how.
Thanks

[ElectriciansForums.net] radiator switches - problem with identification

Silly Sausage · Nov 22, 2013

HAHAHAHA...
Preyecless!!!

GLENNSPARK · Nov 22, 2013

snowhead said:
Sterileyes or Pastureyes ??

either....take your flick:

Adi · Nov 22, 2013

Lucien Nunes said:
And check the switch and fuse modules for a brand name moulded in that won't show in the photos. My hunch is that they are custom relay units made by the heater supplier, using bought-in switch and fuse modules. I was trying to identify those at least from the shape of the fuse carrier but can't place it.

The trick is there is no any brand name on them, the customer wants to change them because one is smashed. Apparently the apartments were built by German company and lots of stuff was brought
from there. I did some research of international websites with no luck so it looks like they are really custom made

odawire · Nov 23, 2013

Adi said:
The trick is there is no any brand name on them, the customer wants to change them because one is smashed. Apparently the apartments were built by German company and lots of stuff was brought
from there. I did some research of international websites with no luck so it looks like they are really custom made

Do you know how much load they are pulling? maybe you could use a double grid plate for the fuse and switch, tuck the controls in the box and blank off the rest of the plate, it will look fine.

Adi · Nov 23, 2013

odawire said:
Do you know how much load they are pulling? maybe you could use a double grid plate for the fuse and switch, tuck the controls in the box and blank off the rest of the plate, it will look fine.

Looks like 30A, I think you are right it's probably better to change it a bit rather than keep looking for something impossible to find

Engineer54 · Nov 23, 2013

I've never seen anything like them before either!!

If you can't find any other alternative means of replacing or repairing these custom units, maybe try replacing the standard double gang back box, for a two single plate back box, which you can then use any switched fused unit and mount the relay (or whatever it is) in the other single compartment!!

All i can come up with at the moment, pretty sure that would solve your problem.... lol!!

Adi · Nov 23, 2013

Engineer54 said:
I've never seen anything like them before either!!

If you can't find any other alternative means of replacing or repairing these custom units, maybe try replacing the standard double gang back box, for a two single plate back box, which you can then use any switched fused unit and mount the relay (or whatever it is) in the other single compartment!!

All i can come up with at the moment, pretty sure that would solve your problem.... lol!!

You are right, since there is no chance to find a new one I will do as you say, thanks