Problem Econ 7

[bigd]

6 Econ 7 storage heaters in an old local authority flat. Each heater supplied from its own individual 20A MCB in a Wylex fuse board. 4 of the heaters work. 2 have suddenly stopped working as there is no 230v supply to these heaters.

Checked at the board and each MCB has a 230v supply? Econ 7 supply OK and working between 0200-0700

There is an Enbray contactor fitted to the system. This is not something I've come across before and could it be fitted 'downstream' of the MCBs?

Could this be the issue and, if so, is this the DNOs equipment?

 

[uksparks]

If there is 230v at the source and not and the heater then there is something in the middle causing a problem, you could find the contactor has failed on a couple of poles, not uncommon. I changed one some time back where it had failed on one pole.

Failing that, if you have tested each circuit and it is ok with no problems, I have no idea other than to say the heater is broken.

 

[snowhead]

It'll be the contactor which belongs to the customer not the DNO

Either contacts burnt out or coil failed

 

[bigd]

All the heaters work fine. Its the supply to the heaters which is the issue. I'm scratching my head as to why I have 230V at the MCB but not at the heater. Could be a break in the cable, but the circuit is a simple radial to the heater wall switch. I do mainly domestic work, so its rare for me to come across contactors and I'm wary if this is DNO equipment!

 

[Octopus]

How do you know that 2 of the heaters don't have a 230v supply? Have you been there at night?

 

[bigd]

Yes. Checked the econ 7 working between 0200-0700. 4 heaters have a supply. 2 don't.

 

[uksparks]

if you are suggesting that there is 230v at the board after the contactor, and 230v on each circuit leaving the board to each heater, then there is more to this story.

Maybe a broken wire? No idea without seeing it.

 

[Octopus]

Yes. Checked the econ 7 working between 0200-0700. 4 heaters have a supply. 2 don't.

So you went there during the night? Really!

 

[gnselectricals]

I usually pinch a supply temp off the peak board and see what's what then. Saves the customer massive rates for night work !

 

[Octopus]

I usually pinch a supply temp off the peak board and see what's what then. Saves the customer massive rates for night work !

Or do a R1 + R2, then a Rn + R2 on the E7 circuits

 

[gnselectricals]

Or do a R1 + R2, then a Rn + R2 on the E7 circuits

Probably should to start but I'm all about speed haha

 

[snowhead]

This is not something I've come across before and could it be fitted 'downstream' of the MCBs?

The contactors will be in circuit after the MCBs

 

[bigd]

I did go to the flat at night! 5am this morning as its just next door on my way to work. What a bunch of cynics!

Never expected the contactors to be in circuit downstream of the MCB. Not something I've come across before in a domestic. I guess I expected the contactor to be energising the Econ 7 board. Sticking my head above the parapet why is it done this way? All the other E7 I've done have been fuse board fed direct off the tele switch tails.

I shall go back during the day and do some R1+R2's back to the contactor and the board!!

 

[Octopus]

I did go to the flat at night! 5am this morning as its just next door on my way to work. What a bunch of cynics!

Never expected the contactors to be in circuit downstream of the MCB. Not something I've come across before in a domestic. I guess I expected the contactor to be energising the Econ 7 board. Sticking my head above the parapet why is it done this way? All the other E7 I've done have been fuse board fed direct off the tele switch tails.

I shall go back during the day and do some R1+R2's back to the contactor and the board!!

Matey.... you have to admit that you didn't confirm "how" you knew it was live and most of us were working on the fact that you were probably tucked up in bed !!:smile5:

Oh and by the way, I would be doing Rn + R2's too!

 

[nunthe wiser]

It is quite possible it has a weather watcher system, these are quite common in rented accommodation. I believe pactrel made them. Outside sensor and controller, switching contactor.