Storage Heaters - which power switch is off-peak?

galswoj

Hi

I've just moved into a new flat which has storage heaters. I have two power switches which, upon reading up on it, understand these to be two different power circuits - one for on-peak and one for off-peak usage.

However, there is no way to tell which is which. There is no red light on them and the only distinguishing feature is one has a fuse and one doesn't. How do I know which is which so I can ensure I am using the off-peak as opposed to the on-peak?

I have tried switching both on independently to see if I can hear something kick in but nothing happens. They are working, as last night we left both on to at least get some heat stored for today and tonight, but I cannot think of any other way to tell which is which!

Thanks

Jo

Swipe

The off peak one won't work outside of the E7 window so switch one on, wait an hour or so, if it's still cold, that is the off peak one.

newbie1980

galswoj wrote: »

Hi

I've just moved into a new flat which has storage heaters. I have two power switches which, upon reading up on it, understand these to be two different power circuits - one for on-peak and one for off-peak usage.

However, there is no way to tell which is which. There is no red light on them and the only distinguishing feature is one has a fuse and one doesn't. How do I know which is which so I can ensure I am using the off-peak as opposed to the on-peak?

I have tried switching both on independently to see if I can hear something kick in but nothing happens. They are working, as last night we left both on to at least get some heat stored for today and tonight, but I cannot think of any other way to tell which is which!

Thanks

Jo

normally the on peak will have a fuse as is part of another circuit
the off peak will just be a switch as it has a dedicated circuit

dave

Premier_2

Swipe wrote: »

The off peak one won't work outside of the E7 window so switch one on, wait an hour or so, if it's still cold, that is the off peak one.

Or look at the electric meter. If the speed increases signficantly when you flick the switch, you'll know that one is live 24/7 (assuming you don't try it during the off peak period, and the water is not already hot)

Haarlem

galswoj wrote: »

Hi

I've just moved into a new flat which has storage heaters. I have two power switches which, upon reading up on it, understand these to be two different power circuits - one for on-peak and one for off-peak usage.

However, there is no way to tell which is which. There is no red light on them and the only distinguishing feature is one has a fuse and one doesn't. How do I know which is which so I can ensure I am using the off-peak as opposed to the on-peak?

I have tried switching both on independently to see if I can hear something kick in but nothing happens. They are working, as last night we left both on to at least get some heat stored for today and tonight, but I cannot think of any other way to tell which is which!

Thanks

Jo

From how you have described it, turn on a light then turn off one of the swiches. If the light goes off then that is the that is the on peak switch. If it doesn't turn off the other and the light should go off.

You may have separate lighting circuits with a further swich, so try the above with a mains powered appliance such as a radio.