Switchmaster 400 obsolete?

michelefauk

Hi
Our timer for the central heating has broken, the heating still works but only when you manually put the switch on to Constant, which obviously is a pain these cold mornings. The control is a Switchmaster 400 which I have been told is now obsolete. Other than get a plumber in to fit a new one which we just cant afford before Xmas, are there any other controls you can buy which are compatible with the old controller? ie we can just remove the old one and rewire in the new one and hey presto it works!
Any suggestions greatfully received
Many thanks

withabix

A quick Google suggests that:

a) Switchmaster 400 units are still available
b) this unit has a standard chassis (back plate) and can therefore be replaced by most standard units.
c) You should be able to get a compatible one for about £25 or a Switchmaster 400 for about £50+

They are quite easy to fit and come with instructions. Take off the old one and wire up the new one. Even easier if it has the same backplate. Unless you get a Switchmaster 400, other units WILL be wired differently though - you will need to make a note of which wire is in which terminal before you disconnect. Also read the leaflet that comes with the new unit before disconnecting any wires, so that you understand which wire goes where.

Turn your electricity off at the main fusebox switch before taking the cover off the controller. 240V electricity inside, just like an electric plug socket.

Try B&Q or Homebase. I wouldn't normally suggest Homebase as they're shockingly expensive, but when I was in my local one the other week, all the heating controllers were reduced to clear and were around £10 each, so you could be lucky!

Canucklehead

Good morning: Drayton still make the Switchmaster 400 and it is available online http://www.invensyscontrolseurope.com/NR/rdonlyres/BDEBDF0D-5E00-4210-B254-4BF36435DCC2/0/D26_6Switchmaster800.pdf

http://www.discountedheating.co.uk/shop/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Invensys__ACL_Drayton__Programmers_1104.html


HTH

Canucklehead

michelefauk

Thank you both for your advice, much appreciated.

fwor

Your best bet for instructions would be to contact Drayton Controls! Most suppliers in the UK are happy to stick a copy in the post for you.

It's not really possible to diagnose faults on heating systems on this type of forum as there are so many different designs.

However, one common fault is that motorised valves seize up, and fail to switch the flow as required. They often have "manual override" levers on the side, so you can check if they move freely. Otherwise, it's probably best to call in a plumber (or two) to check it out.

economiser

Is your boiler connected to the electrical supply through a plug into the normal ring circuit like ours? If so why not leave the boiler on continuous and plug in to the mains using an ordinary timer as a short term fix.

debby1c

I obtained the instructions for this unit yesterday in .pdf from invensyscontrols

[EMAIL="contactusform@invensyscontrolseurope.com"]mailto:contactusform@invensyscontrolseurope.com[/EMAIL]

To change the four timing points you pull the tappets outwards, they can then be moved around the dial. Without this book I would have had to put up with hot water coming on at 05.00.

regards

EliteHeat

debby1c wrote: »

I obtained the instructions for this unit yesterday in .pdf from invensyscontrols

[EMAIL="contactusform@invensyscontrolseurope.com"]mailto:contactusform@invensyscontrolseurope.com[/EMAIL]

To change the four timing points you pull the tappets outwards, they can then be moved around the dial. Without this book I would have had to put up with hot water coming on at 05.00.

regards

Very handy bit of info for those people who have been waiting since December 2007.

suisidevw

However it IS helpful for me who has moved into a house with a Switchmaster 600 and wouldn't mind the instructions to it!

TY Debby!

suisidevw

Or maybe not! Email was bounced back!