testing heating

[Sparky_Ben]

What dead tests are required on a central heating system? this is a system which i have never come across or carried out.

thanks.

 

[trev]

All of them mate

 

[topquark]

What dead tests are required on a central heating system? this is a system which i have never come across or carried out.

thanks.

No different to any other circuit. Continuity, Insulation Resistance, Polarity.

 

[Sparky_Ben]

but what about the valves etc can they not be damaged?

 

[Guest123]

R2 wander lead for cpc continuity at each device, IR method 2 for sensitive equipment that cannot be removed.

 

[Sparky_Ben]

i was thinking the R2 method, so to clarify method 2 being live conductors to earth no between each other yes?

 

[Sparky_Ben]

also this might seem a stupid question but how am i suppose to check polarity on the valves when they are hard wired to the wiring centre?

go easy if this is a stupid question

 

[topquark]

also this might seem a stupid question but how am i suppose to check polarity on the valves when they are hard wired to the wiring centre?

go easy if this is a stupid question

In the first instance it's the circuit's polarity you are checking and testing (up to the FCU supplying the boiler). Then by inspection/testing the valves etc as attached in the wiring center (assuming there is valve/wiring center). You will occasionally find yourself in the position of just installing the FCU and Room Stat and the plumber will wire the rest (but not that often).

 

[Sparky_Ben]

right okay, but if everything is wired to the centre there isnt a great deal left to test other than stripping down all the pumps etc.

 

[topquark]

right okay, but if everything is wired to the centre there isnt a great deal left to test other than stripping down all the pumps etc.

OK, let me play devil's advocate. What would you want to satisfy yourself of before you energise the circuit (assume that a plumber had connected the wiring centre etc). What could be damaged if the circuit was energised and the centre was wired incorrectly? Assume your checks had confirmed a 3A fuse in the FCU supplying the boiler.

 

[Sparky_Ben]

thats a fair point in that case everything, IR method 2 and R2 tests with an R1+R2 being carried out up to the FCU,

 

[topquark]

Sooo, you can test up to the FCU using standard methods (per the book). Without having any voltage at the wiring centre you can still do a fair bit of continuity checking from the wiring centre to the valves etc to satisfy yourself it's wired as it should be (or not). Same for the room stat.

 

[Sparky_Ben]

thanks for all you advise, i am confident now that i will be able to test the circtuit as much as possible, prior to energising, much appreciated

 

[topquark]

thanks for all you advise, i am confident now that i will be able to test the circtuit as much as possible, prior to energising, much appreciated

Get a printed copy of the standard wiring diagrams (from the Central Heating Forum stickies). That'll give you some pointers on how they are often wired (but don't expect everyone to follow them rigidly).

 

[nick611]

is this a final circuit? surley that stops at the fused spur or socket outlet that supplies the control wiring. i dont think it would be part of the test cert. i would check the earth conection at various points of the system and the fuse rating probally the condition of wiring but that would be it.