Understanding economy 7

[Judd]

Economy 7 horstmann quartz timeclocks for water heaters with dual elements, from my understanding they would require two separate supplies to work on a off peak supply and regular supply, although after looking inside one today and looking at diagrams only 1 supply is used. How is this possible?

 

[Judd]

Also aren't teleswitchs time clocks and separate boards necessary for off peak supply?

 

[Taylortwocities]

There are two types of E7. One type has a controlled switch. This provides a separate supply at off peak times and requires a separate fuseboard for the off peak devices b

The other type has a dual rate meter that has only a single output. To take advantage of the cheaper cost electricity you need a timed device such as the Horstmann quartz.
It is designed so that the bottom immersion is only used at off peak times.

 

[Judd]

Thanks for your reply so in the picture I have shown it is the latter type you have described,
So all devices connected can benefit from economy 7 if used at off peak times?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Yes, good to get a tumble dryer/washing machine/diswasher with a timed start!

Edit. You can tell by the meter. It only has one line and neutral output.
The other type has a neutral and two line outputs (peak and off-peak) and two separate fuseboards.

 

[Judd]

Yes, good to get a tumble dryer/washing machine/diswasher with a timed start!

Edit. You can tell by the meter. It only has one line and neutral output.
The other type has a neutral and two line outputs (peak and off-peak) and two separate fuseboards.

I did notice on the meter a terminal inbetween the L out and N out that would probably only be large enough for a 6mm or 10mm cable? But it wasn't used.

 

[Resu]

The other tell tale is the two separate readings on the meter.

 

[Octopus]

Beware economy 7 prices - yes the night rate is lower, but the suppliers often charge more for the day rate ......... so unless you are using storage heaters, you may well end up paying more...

 

[PEG]

Also,beware suppliers who make 7 promises to fit said meter,send one fitter who does not understand a 4 pole isolator,finally fit correct meter after 5 months,lose all meter details,put them back with four different Mpan numbers,don't know what tariff applies or whether they want a shirt or a handshake....

So that's 5 months,5 compensation promises,7 resolution managers,1 ombudsman investigation,6 sets of fitters, 3/4" of paperwork and one 83 year old who has not missed a bill in 55 years of residence...

 

[Percyprod]

Small terminal is for switch wire from time switch or teleswitch to switch meter between low and normal rate, it is a switched neutral. The time switch has two switching circuits, one switches meter, other switches off peak load. Newer meters have no seperate time switch, it is built in to the meter, these are the ones with 2 outputs.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Just don’t ask how Economy 10 works.

 

[Judd]

The other tell tale is the two separate readings on the meter.

Just don’t ask how Economy 10 works.

I won't! Ha

 

[Judd]

Small terminal is for switch wire from time switch or teleswitch to switch meter between low and normal rate, it is a switched neutral. The time switch has two switching circuits, one switches meter, other switches off peak load. Newer meters have no seperate time switch, it is built in to the meter, these are the ones with 2 outputs.

In the picture I have uploaded it looks like a teleswitch has been removed from the wall (paint is slightly off) yet the meter looks fairly old. Will this be switching over to off peak, or just running at the normal rate constantly.

 

[Percyprod]

Sorry hadn't looked at picture, I was wondering how you knew about the switching terminal on the meter, now I see illegally removed seals! Yes, it is only registering on normal rate, but you will still be charged at higher economy 7 daytime rate. That is your punishment.