Storage heater query

grahamc2003

I expect Mr Fulloflove is perfectly correct, with a perfectly deduced statement from what was written (assuming the wiring is correct of course).

If you want to convince yourself even further, set the output and input to max, and both switches off during peak time (like now). Turn on the unfused switch. Wait 10 minutes. Fell the top of the storage heater - it should be cold (assuming you didn't have it on last night!). So yopu've proved (within reason) that the switch without a fuse controls the cheap rate heating. If you turn it on, andleave it on, you'll get heating starting late at night (01:30 for me atm), going off in the morning (08:30 for me atm).

Now turn the fused switch on and the unfused switch off. Wait 10 minutes. Feel the top of the heater - it will probably be warm/have hot air coming out. Turn the switch off (since it's costing you a lot when on). You'be now proved (within reason) that the fused switch is connected to the daytime rate circuit, and will therefore cost you a bomb should you ever turn it on for a few hours (probably something like 50p/hour). I personally wouldn't turn the daytime switch on ever again!, and also probably pull the fuse out.

edit 'fell' above should of course be 'feel'. On second thoughts ...

Richie-from-the-Boro

Mr_Man_Full_of_Love wrote: »

Aside from not knowing, or caring, what polemic means I didn't give an opinion. I answered a straightforward question. IE: How do you tell which switch is peak or off peak.
Sorry if you find that polemic, but that's your problem not mine.:)
Plus I wouldn't even dream of stopping anyone passing an opinion - let's face it, it would be a tad difficult short of hunting them down and shooting them.:)

- [ anitEDIT ] - just DUPing what you said about shooting people

chris1973

I would have assumed that the unfused spur would be the E7 storage heating and the fused spur would be a 24hr feed

The reasoning behind this, is that the Storage heater elements are usually fed from their own E7 distribution board and protected by an RCD (or fuse on older installations) at the DB

A 24 hour feed would usually be fed from a spur fed off an existing ring main (socket) circuit, which is 30A / 32A, therefore some 'local' fusing would be required at the appliance end, in order to correctly protectand maintain the a lower current rating of the spur (13A) and also any low current appliance connected to it.

In additon, some large storage heaters (3.4kw and 4kw models) draw more current than the 13A permitted from a conventional fused spur outlet, therefore to prevent overloading and fire, they are often connected to a 20A switched spur, which are always unfused, and are protected by the 16A / 20A breaker at the Distribution Board.

jackshelac

Make sure you have seperate timers. If the timing is controlled by the meter you'll probably find the e7 is still on after 7:30am or comes on early. I'm not sure what the charge is using e7 at peak rates but I think it's about double normal peak rate. Despite having a new meter installed I still have to get up at 7am to switch all the appliances off! There should be a light on the switch to indicate it's on or not.

Mr_Man_Full_of_Love

jackshelac wrote: »

Make sure you have seperate timers. If the timing is controlled by the meter you'll probably find the e7 is still on after 7:30am or comes on early. I'm not sure what the charge is using e7 at peak rates but I think it's about double normal peak rate. Despite having a new meter installed I still have to get up at 7am to switch all the appliances off! There should be a light on the switch to indicate it's on or not.

Seek help. That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

Hezzy

Hi Everyone,

I have a similar question...as it's started getting a bit nippy was trying to figure out how to use the storage heater in my lounge (the larger one although there is a smaller one which is completely different!)

It has two dials 'automatic input' and 'room temperature boost' and importantly only ONE plug on the wall. So how do I use it without running up a massive bill?!

I'd be most likely to only have it on in the evening so between 5pm and 10pm...(and maybe at weekends in the day if I'm around) how do I sort it out? I've never even seen a storage heater before...and the instructions are just confusing!

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Mr_Man_Full_of_Love

Hezzy wrote: »

Hi Everyone,

I have a similar question...as it's started getting a bit nippy was trying to figure out how to use the storage heater in my lounge (the larger one although there is a smaller one which is completely different!)

It has two dials 'automatic input' and 'room temperature boost' and importantly only ONE plug on the wall. So how do I use it without running up a massive bill?!

I'd be most likely to only have it on in the evening so between 5pm and 10pm...(and maybe at weekends in the day if I'm around) how do I sort it out? I've never even seen a storage heater before...and the instructions are just confusing!

Any advice greatly appreciated!

You don't put storage heaters on at that time. The point of them is that they come on during the night at a cheaper rate of charge and stay warm for the day. You don't say if you have an Economy 7 meter or tariff. If you do the electricity point won't be live anyway at those times. If per chance you can switch it on during your desired hours there's no point anyway. Just buy an electric fire.:)