Water heater (and switches) question

bluedots40

Hi! I was wondering if anyone could help with a no hot water/water switch situation. I have just moved into a 2 bed flat which is run purely off electricity, no gas. I think I also have a meter that does 2 different rates - one for day and one for night. I have no idea how this all works as it’s new to me. As a newly single mum I’m so paranoid over energy costs, especially with how high they are now. I was wondering if anyone could give any insight into my water heater/switches (landlord and and agent are not particularly responsive), and I haven’t had any hot water since this morning. I have been leaving only the bottom switch on which has given me hot water until today. I switched the top switch on and red lights came on the switch which has made me worried it’s an expensive immersion heater. Anyone know what’s going on or could help as to why the water is playing up. Hopefully it’s simple and I’m just clueless! Thanks

molerat

The bottom heater should be linked directly to the off peak low rate. It will heat up overnight (as it seems has been happening) and should normally be left permanently on.  The top is on demand and uses peak rate electricity heating only the top half of the tank.  The tank looks like a modern well insulated one so heat losses should be minimal.

If the lower one has stopped working you need to get the landlord / agent to fix it.  Can you post a picture of your fuse box / consumer so we can see how it is set up or if one of the breakers has tripped.

bluedots40

Ahh fab thanks for info. Yes lower one has been on as normal and no hot water used overnight, yet no hot water at all this morning. Left top switch on for a bit and now have hot water but don’t want that to be the solution if it’s expensive to run!

bluedots40

Thanks so much, fuse box image attached, looks to all be in position I think - looks like I’ll have to get agent on it!

molerat

All looks good there with no timers so either the stat or heater has failed.  Hopefully the stat as that is a quick and clean job for their plumber / electrician.  The bottom heater can be a bit messy.

lohr500

Molerat's diagnosis is more than likely correct.
If you are still using the storage heaters, are they heating up overnight? From the photo of your fuse box they are also wired to the off peak supply. 
It could be that the off peak switching relay or off peak signal system has failed, which would stop any power getting to the off peak side of the fuse box. If the storage heater/s have stopped as well, then the electrician will need to look further than just the immersion heater and immersion heater thermostat.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

don't think that's an LED on the bottom switch, or the top one would be lit up in photie as well as the 3.

gefnew

Sorry for that wrong glasses day
When they come to sort it out maybe ask them to fit one with neon indictor on.