Economy 7 hot water not working

cherryblossomzel

I'ver ecently moved into an all-electric economy 7 flat. The hot water tank has two switches (one to the bottom, one about mid-way up), but neither is labelled. When I first moved in I switched both on and left it for a few days and had hot water.

Yesterday evening I switched off the top switch (what I assumed to be the top-up), but left the bottom one on, and then had a hot shower. This morning I had no hot water (it was slightly warmer than the cold, but I assume that this is just leftover from yesterday's heating).

When I switch the top switch back on, I can see the electricity meter going (I tried this at about 7:30 this morning, and it changed the "normal" meter reading), but the bottom switch doesn't appear to be coming on over night.

I am going to leave it as is for the rest of the day to check if it comes on at an odd time, but is there anything else I should try before getting in an expert?

Edit: I should clarify that, even though I'm posting onthe DIY board, I am not capable of doing any serious work, so can really only try basic things. I am renting and the property is managed, so anything complicated will go straight to the agency.

lstar337

Have you got a separate fuse box for your E7?

Do you have storage heaters too?

cherryblossomzel

Only one fuse box, I think. I was told it was replaced just before I moved in. I can't remember right now what all the switches are labelled as, but I can find out a bit later today.

I do have storage heaters. I haven't tried switching them on yet.

lstar337

Really the heaters and E7 tank should have their own box and their own set of fuses, at least they should have their own section in the fuse box.

Have you got any pictures of the meter and wiring coming out of it?

If you have an old mechanical time clock, it could be giving you cheap electric during the day.

The E7 element in the tank (bottom one) should be on all the time anyway. The element at the top is just a boost and only to be used if you run out of hot water.

cherryblossomzel

Thanks for the help. I'll take some photos and try to post them this afternoon. I couldn't see a clock anywhere, but I'll have another look, maybe it's hidden.

lstar337

cherryblossomzel wrote: »

Thanks for the help. I'll take some photos and try to post them this afternoon. I couldn't see a clock anywhere, but I'll have another look, maybe it's hidden.

Ok, I'll keep an eye out for them.

lemon26

I also live in a house with Eco7 electricty and hot water and I'm pretty sure you'll have two consumer units (fuse boxes) if it is indeed Eco7 you have - that said, there are many weird and wonderful tariffs out there so have you confirmed with your supplier that you are actually on Eco7?

On the elements in your tank, you should have a small dial under a cover that's ususally held on with a single screw. This dial, which will have a little arrow in it, will also have a + and - on the outside (i.e. hotter / colder). Turn off the power and remove this cover and see what it's set to - it may simply be that the temperature is all the way down. You could also get an electrician to check the element, as that may be broken so not heating the water.

cherryblossomzel

OK, had another look. One big fuse box with the usual things: sockets, cooker and lights. However there is a small fuse box next to it with a label: "Water heater". Inside are two large fuses (I think, rectangular plastic blocky-type things?, I'll attach a photo). I can't tell if either one is blown or not.

The meter readings for both the "Normal" and "Low" readings are higher than they were on Saturday, so at some point it must switch over. Next to the meter is a Radio Teleswitch. Does this control the timer?

Bottom element is switched ON, top element is switched OFF; I still don't have hot water. I've already checked the temperature settings: both are around 60.




Edit: Aaaagh! I can't see the images, but this might be a work-PC issue. I've added direct links, which will hopefully work.

lstar337

lstar337

cherryblossomzel wrote: »

OK, had another look. One big fuse box with the usual things: sockets, cooker and lights.

Yep, all normal. I take it there are no fuses for the storage heaters in there? (there shouldn't be)

cherryblossomzel wrote: »

However there is a small fuse box next to it with a label: "Water heater". Inside are two large fuses (I think, rectangular plastic blocky-type things?, I'll attach a photo). I can't tell if either one is blown or not.

Yep, that would be for the water heater, I'm confused about where the fuses for the storage heaters are though. Usually they are with the water heater fuses as they are fed from the E7 part of the meter.

cherryblossomzel wrote: »

The meter readings for both the "Normal" and "Low" readings are higher than they were on Saturday, so at some point it must switch over.

So they are both advancing? The 'Low' will advance through use of your everyday items when during the E7 period. IF your heating element is working it would advance by quite a bit more as it would be heating the tank from cold. So has it been a big increase overnight or a little increase?

It could be that the fuse is gone. As the peak element clearly works, you could isolate the heater and swap the fuses over (if they are the same rating). If overnight the tank heats as normal then you have a duff fuse.

It could also be that the element itself is gone, which would be a pain in the bum!

cherryblossomzel wrote: »

Next to the meter is a Radio Teleswitch. Does this control the timer?

Yes, it works from a signal it picks up from the radio.

cherryblossomzel wrote: »

Bottom element is switched ON, top element is switched OFF; I still don't have hot water. I've already checked the temperature settings: both are around 60.

Are you renting or do you own the flat?

If you are renting then it should be your landlords responsibility to make sure the wiring is good and that the hot water system works properly.

cherryblossomzel

lstar337 wrote: »

Yep, all normal. I take it there are no fuses for the storage heaters in there? (there shouldn't be)

Nothing labelled for heating

lstar337 wrote: »

I'm confused about where the fuses for the storage heaters are though. Usually they are with the water heater fuses as they are fed from the E7 part of the meter.

Me too. Are both the fuses in the "water heater" box (the top picture above, thanks for posting by the way) actually for the water heater, or is one maybe for the storage heaters?

lstar337 wrote: »

So has it been a big increase overnight or a little increase?

From Saturday pm to this afternoon, so pretty much 4 full days, the low increased by about 3.2kWh and the normal by about 16kWh, so much more during the day than overnight. I had the peak element on all the time for the first three days, and only switched it off last night.

I'm renting, so I think I'll be giving the agent a call to send someone round.

Thank you so much for you help.