Storage heater Saga!

[Tinbum]

How come the live peak and the live off peak seem to be connected?

[Stinsy]

How come the live peak and the live off peak seem to be connected?

You have the option to run a single 24/7 connection in which case you bridge the two with supplied connectors. (I'll take some pics when I open it up...)

[Tinbum]

So it's an either or not and.

[Tinbum]

Wow, they are expensive!!

[GarethC]

I've been looking into fan convectors. Similarly bizarrely pricey.

Not much competition in the clever radiator space perhaps?

[Tinbum]

Prices amaze me. Look at how much a heat pump is compared to a fridge or a freezer. Ok there's a pump, fan and heat exchanger extra but they aren't that expensive parts.

[nowty]

So it's an either or not and.

I believe its an AND if the storage capacity is under 50% full.

Note - the thermostat for the boost is 10 degrees less than the main heater so should simply switch off first.

[GarethC]

I'm actually trying to comission a short research study to look into this. It might be lack of competition, demand outstripping supply (same thing really) or a subsidy markup effect. I'm not sure, but prices seem stratospheric, and we won't achieve our retrofit targets unless they come down.

[Stinsy]

UPDATE: I've found a circuit diagram! The over-temp sensors are separate from the PCB and inline with the power cables so I don't lose them if I disconnect the heating elements form the PCB and connect them to the off-peak supply.

Excellent, that means you can run the booster element as well in your 4 hour slot for that little bit extra and have a manual or timed switch for running the fan.

I feel a dastardly project coming on here and we like pictures.

Done! Was ridiculously easy! Just a case of patching the spade connectors from the PCB to the off-peak mains supply.

Not the best pics:

Before:


After:


Has worked a treat. Had no doubts but good to confirm it has worked!

[Tinbum]

Is that an Earth marking on the peak neutral?