EDF storage heaters night rate not activating.

Gerry1

IIRC you haven't told us the make and model of the big NSH that doesn't heat up overnight.  As it has two supplies it may be a High Heat Retention one with an electronic programmer that relies on the 24 supply to work properly.

The programmer will have a battery backup unit.  Like a digital watch left in a drawer it may last a considerable time, and if you occasionally switch on the 24h circuit it will recharge.

Effectively you would not have been using the HHR NSH as it's intended; it's therefore quite possible that if the 24 supply was left off all summer it's now finally gone flat and/or lost its settings so won't be calling for heat when the E7 supply is live.

If you can provide info about the controls and/or the model info then this possibility can be ruled out or investigated further.

OpolE

@TheElectricCow

Yes it actually did! And that was around the time where I noticed my night rate shift come to think of it!

07/07/2023

We've updated our systems to improve your experience and help you manage your energy account.

Your new account number is A-F4F****

It was all numbers before

OpolE

Gerry1 said:

IIRC you haven't told us the make and model of the big NSH that doesn't heat up overnight.  As it has two supplies it may be a High Heat Retention one with an electronic programmer that relies on the 24 supply to work properly.

The programmer will have a battery backup unit.  Like a digital watch left in a drawer it may last a considerable time, and if you occasionally switch on the 24h circuit it will recharge.

Effectively you would not have been using the HHR NSH as it's intended; it's therefore quite possible that if the 24 supply was left off all summer it's now finally gone flat and/or lost its settings so won't be calling for heat when the E7 supply is live.

If you can provide info about the controls and/or the model info then this possibility can be ruled out or investigated further.

I have never been able to find the name of them. The flats were built in 1992 completed 1993. No idea if they are the original ones or wiring.

Electric cow makes a good point. When i noticed issues with my IHD it was when they change my account number. 

Do I have to dismantle part of the storage heater to see a logo or sticker with branding?

Gerry1

TL;DR: Check for volts on the E7 spur outlet.  If it's OK then suspect a fault within the heater, e.g. all the heating elements failed, faulty thermostat, faulty fusible link, reset button needs pressing.  All DIY stuff if you're fully aware about electrical safety but definitely a big NoNo if you're not: that's when you call in an electrician (make sure he's familiar with E7 and NSHs).  Also beware that some very old NSHs contain asbestos which should not be disturbed, search online when you know the model and serial number (may be on a small plate near floor level or behind a flap).

=========

How is the big heater controlled?  Two knobs or an LCD screen?  Early 1990s were probably a fair bit too early for HHRs so I'm intrigued by the twin supply, unless it was fitted later, perhaps to replace panel heaters that were too expensive to use.

Perhaps it's really basic, an old style simple Box of Bricks that leaks heat through the night plus a built-in convector for use if it gets chilly in the evening or if you've returned from holiday.

A few more questions may help to clarify.

If it's stone cold and you switch on the 24h circuit, can you feel the heat within 2-3 minutes?  That would suggest it has a simple convector. 

Do you ever hear any fan noise?  If it's always completely quiet that suggests it's not HHR, same if the case gets warm when it's in use.

If you post photos of the control arangements someone may be able to help.

OpolE

That's all i've got. Both sides of main living room heater. 1 side of the hallway heater. I think you turn them to dictate the speed of heat release. They click when you get to a certain point. Assume thats low-high. Tried all combinations.

When I turn on the anytime I want heat switch it heats up within seconds bloody hot at the top. 
No there is never any fan noise

Gerry1 said:

TL;DR: Check for volts on the E7 spur outlet.  If it's OK then suspect a fault within the heater, e.g. all the heating elements failed, faulty thermostat, faulty fusible link, reset button needs pressing.  All DIY stuff if you're fully aware about electrical safety but definitely a big NoNo if you're not: that's when you call in an electrician (make sure he's familiar with E7 and NSHs).  Also beware that some very old NSHs contain asbestos which should not be disturbed, search online when you know the model and serial number (may be on a small plate near floor level or behind a flap).

=========

How is the big heater controlled?  Two knobs or an LCD screen?  Early 1990s were probably a fair bit too early for HHRs so I'm intrigued by the twin supply, unless it was fitted later, perhaps to replace panel heaters that were too expensive to use.

Perhaps it's really basic, an old style simple Box of Bricks that leaks heat through the night plus a built-in convector for use if it gets chilly in the evening or if you've returned from holiday.

A few more questions may help to clarify.

If it's stone cold and you switch on the 24h circuit, can you feel the heat within 2-3 minutes?  That would suggest it has a simple convector. 

Do you ever hear any fan noise?  If it's always completely quiet that suggests it's not HHR, same if the case gets warm when it's in use.

If you post photos of the control arangements someone may be able to help.