Putting central heating on with no thermostat

DocQuincy

We have a Ideal Logic+ 30 boiler managed by a wireless thermostat and the batteries went on them recently. No big deal as I replaced them later that day but it made me realise that I don't think you can put the heating on with no thermostat. I just wanted to check this was the case. I checked the instructions and could only find that is has an internal thermometer that forces the heating on once it goes down to 5°C.

For this boiler is there an “always on” option independent of the thermostat that I have missed — or a way to trick it into going on? It's not a big deal if not, just curious.

If the thermostat breaks do you need a plumber to replace it or can you just disconnect the old one and connect the new one? We have a Salus RT300RF.

ic

The wireless receiver for your thermostat that will be mounted close to your boiler may have a button to switch the boiler from off to heat, but you've no guarantee of that.  An old Honeywell thermostat had it for me, whereas I don't think the tado unit I have has one.

FaceHead

As IC says, I'd expect all the receiver of all wireless thermostats to have a button to turn the boiler on in the event of a failure of the wireless unit.

I have a nest and the receiver has just one button on it for that purpose.

TELLIT01

Our thermostat failed once and I managed the heating by adjusting the temperature on the boiler.  Thankfully only a short term fix as the stat was quickly replaced.

Jeepers_Creepers

A quick look at the Salus RT300RF suggests the receiver only has an on/off switch to control the receiver itself, and does not have an 'override' control as many other do. So, exhausted batteries = no heating.

That is completely pants.

DocQuincy

Thank you everyone for your replies.

@TELLIT01 Our boiler has no such thing other than an automatic kick-in at 5°C to prevent pipes freezing. The options are boiler off, taps only or taps and radiator. That's it.

@Jeepers_Creepers You are absolutely right. I checked and there is only the button to power the wireless receiver. If you switch it off the heating stops working. I can keep spare batteries no problem, it's just in the unlikely event the actual wireless receiver fails it means no heating. I guess it's unlikely, just strange that neither the boiler or the thermostat take this into consideration.

Are wireless systems interchangeable? As in if I bought one myself that has an “always on” option is it a case of unplug one and plug in a new one or is it a job for a plumber? I'll probably just leave it but would be interested to know.

Thanks.

southcoastrgi

Obviously your installer didn't like you very much, fitting a logic & a salus 

TELLIT01

DocQuincy said:

Thank you everyone for your replies.

@TELLIT01 Our boiler has no such thing other than an automatic kick-in at 5°C to prevent pipes freezing. The options are boiler off, taps only or taps and radiator. That's it.

That obviously doesn't help then.  Our boiler has separate temperature controls for heating and hot water.

Jeepers_Creepers

DocQuincy said:

Are wireless systems interchangeable? As in if I bought one myself that has an “always on” option is it a case of unplug one and plug in a new one or is it a job for a plumber? I'll probably just leave it but would be interested to know.

It's a job for a sparky  

Or a semi-capable DIYer.

You'll need to transfer 4 wires from the current receiver to the new one. Slightly more complex than wiring a plug, but not a lot - it's the same principle. We can guide you through the process, but only if you are happy undoing terminals and stuff, and promise not to 'cute yourself.

Tbh, if you are otherwise happy enough with the Salus, there's little point. Batteries have a good shelf-life, so there would be no problem keeping a spare set in a cupboard nearby.

DocQuincy

Well, at least I know it can't be done.

Thanks everyone.

ic

Given your receiver is ultimately just a glorified light switch, you could wire in an actual light switch (or perhaps preferably a switch with neon light) alongside that you could turn on and override the receiver should the need arise.  I imagine however it'd be easier and cheaper just to make sure you have some spare batteries to hand.