Storage heater recommendations

Gerry1

The timer and fan are built in.  They don't need separate supplies.  Just follow the single circuit wiring instructions, connect to a 24h supply of adequate rating and program correctly.

lilac_dawn

QrizB said:

lilac_dawn said:

It's not the times I need to know - Gerry1 said:

lilac_dawn said:

@Gerry1 do you know about the wiring on these? I see a bargain Quantum 150 but would need it to replace an old SH where there is only 1 circuit so constantly on, corrected with an external timer. I have emailed an installer but he hasn't got back to me. Also wondering if I can get all those bricks up the stairs.

Yes, have a look at the wiring instructions.

https://www.dimplex.co.uk/product/quantum-hhr-storage-heater

Take GREAT care to verify your meter's E7 times (best to have a neon indicator on a circuit switched by the meter).

Similarly, make sure you understand and program the Quantum correctly.  Watch out for GMT/BST variances and 'split shift' E7 times with a two hour gap in the middle.

You in may also wish to set the peak rate boost heater so that it can't kick in automatically.

Get it right and it'll work a treat.  Get it wrong and it'll be expensive !

It's not the times I need to know, it's if it can be wired as my current one is - to a live circuit, with a timer attached to it. As well as an extra socket needed for the fan.  

No, it can't. (Well I guess it could but it's a dreadful kludge.)

In your situation it's best wired directly to the permanently live circuit, without an external timer and without an extra socket for the fan.

Will that not mean it's permanently on to charge though? 

QrizB

lilac_dawn said:

QrizB said:

lilac_dawn said:

It's not the times I need to know - Gerry1 said:

lilac_dawn said:

@Gerry1 do you know about the wiring on these? I see a bargain Quantum 150 but would need it to replace an old SH where there is only 1 circuit so constantly on, corrected with an external timer. I have emailed an installer but he hasn't got back to me. Also wondering if I can get all those bricks up the stairs.

Yes, have a look at the wiring instructions.

https://www.dimplex.co.uk/product/quantum-hhr-storage-heater

Take GREAT care to verify your meter's E7 times (best to have a neon indicator on a circuit switched by the meter).

Similarly, make sure you understand and program the Quantum correctly.  Watch out for GMT/BST variances and 'split shift' E7 times with a two hour gap in the middle.

You in may also wish to set the peak rate boost heater so that it can't kick in automatically.

Get it right and it'll work a treat.  Get it wrong and it'll be expensive !

It's not the times I need to know, it's if it can be wired as my current one is - to a live circuit, with a timer attached to it. As well as an extra socket needed for the fan.  

No, it can't. (Well I guess it could but it's a dreadful kludge.)

In your situation it's best wired directly to the permanently live circuit, without an external timer and without an extra socket for the fan.

Will that not mean it's permanently on to charge though? 

No. See Gerry1's post above and the installation instructions.

lilac_dawn

Sorry, I didn’t see G’s post above. I just read this on the installation instructions 
The supply to the storage elements is not suitable for connection to a 30A ring circuit (24 hour peak supply).

QrizB

lilac_dawn said:

Sorry, I didn’t see G’s post above. I just read this on the installation instructions 
The supply to the storage elements is not suitable for connection to a 30A ring circuit (24 hour peak supply).

That's to stop people trying to plug them in to a 13A socket.

The instructions stress that they need to be on a dedicated circuit.

There are lots of different installation instructions as there have been various versions of the heater. As an example, page 17 of this pdf shows how to wire Series Y heaters to a permanently-live supply:
https://product-portal.gdhv.com/sites/default/files/2022-08/Quantum Series Y Installation Instructions Issue 2.pdf

lilac_dawn

@QrizB @Gerry1 Are there any major differences between the series that I should be aware of, do you know? Thanks for all your continued help

Gerry1

@lilac_dawn

Unfortunately I don't have personal experience of using Quantums so it'll be a case of finding out the exact model number and comparing the specifications and manuals.

The main differences appear to be size (storage capacity) and whether you want the all singing all dancing RF version you can control from the other side of the world.

As with cars and almost anything else there will be changes over time, some may be worthwhile but others may be cosmetic.

I'd be cautious about buying anything that's been discontinued for too long unless spares remain readily available and affordable.

Make sure a qualified electrician checks it for safety and failed elements before installing it.

Scot_39

There have certainly been clear differences in software between generations from past users.

Some just improving user and potential diagnostic info - like say past n days average consumption tables from past posts.

But others maybe more significant for future. 

The current series are wireless linked, they can talk to central hub, and that hub I believe was part of kit needed for a trial of variable time charging with a couple of suppliers recently.  Think one supplier - OVO iirc - at one stage were even trying to sell it as a package few years ago c2019/20 -  heaters, hub and Internet gateway -   now ?

But went a bit quiet.

But the latest manual I read specifically refers to it as an option - but details pretty scant.  An addition as absent from that section of  previous manual versions

(Think e.g. not using based on E7 switched at fixed times of day- but when energy actually cheapest).

So like anything - if think might need the latest and greatest their is a cost - but if you think its beneficial now or near future - then can be worth paying.

I

lilac_dawn

I have bitten the bullet and bought what I hope is a bargain Quantum from Ebay. I know someone said any competent electrician should be able to install it - is there anything I need to know? This will replace a similar sized storage heater which is on an E7 circuit.  Presumably, find the installation manual somewhere? I don't have a smart meter so looking to fit that first, which might or might not help in understanding how much electricity is being used. Any advice is gratefully received as I will then feel a bit more confident with replacing the living room ones to try and improve the temperature in there, which is my main objective. 

Gerry1

There are two options.

1. The better one is to install a 24h circuit in addition to the existing E7 one.  That will make sure it never charges up using peak rate electricity.

2. A cheaper workaround (= bodge) is to change the existing E7 outlet to 24h (making sure that doesn't change any other outlets to 24h) and wire and program the Quantum accordingly.

The problem is that Option 2 can have a big pitfall.  You have to program the Quantum to mimic the cheap rate times set by your meter.  Forget the regional times, what your DNO says, what your supplier says, what the internet or the Forum says: all that matters is when your meter switches over.  Note that there can be a two-hour peak rate interlude in the middle of the night.

You have to be absolutely certain when your meter switches over; don't rely on the installer because he won't be there around midnight or at breakfast time !

If you go for the cheapskate option, before the installation date remember to stay up late and get up early to observe the meter on the wall changing over (up to four times).

Also check whether the boost heater can turn on automatically if it gets chilly later in the day.  That will use expensive day rate electricity so you may wish to set the permitted duration to zero.

Don't rely on your installer to get the switching times right; make sure you are familiar with the installation programming, not just the user instructions.  If you have a single supply and you get the programming wrong it will be an expensive mistake that goes on forever, hence all the bold text and dire warnings. 😧

Make sure the E7 outlet has a neon indicator so that you can see at a glance the exact times when the E7 circuits are live and all usage is cheap rate.

The manuals can be found online.