Dimplex storage heater qm050rf only works with boost on

Kid_Icarus

A good thing to do with storage heaters that have 2 supplies (off peak and 24hr) is to replace the connection unit for the Off Peak switch with one of these:

https://www.diy.com/departments/mk-20a-rocker-raised-slim-control-switch-gloss-white-neon-indicator/53989_BQ.prd

The neon on the switch will turn on when the off-peak electric supply is energised - and is a really useful indicator that tells you a) the meter is switching the off-peak on/off b) your off-peak consumer unit and wiring is all working correctly c) aids troubleshooting and d) is a reminder that the off peak rate is now on so you can put the washing machine/dishwasher/tumble dryer etc on!

Best fitted to a storage heater in a living area & where the switches are visible - so you can easily see the off-peak is on or off.  Put one on a storage heater in my bedroom and the orange glow was annoying/kept me awake!

GibbsRule_No3.

Kid_Icarus said:

A good thing to do with storage heaters that have 2 supplies (off peak and 24hr) is to replace the connection unit for the Off Peak switch with one of these:

https://www.diy.com/departments/mk-20a-rocker-raised-slim-control-switch-gloss-white-neon-indicator/53989_BQ.prd

The neon on the switch will turn on when the off-peak electric supply is energised - and is a really useful indicator that tells you a) the meter is switching the off-peak on/off b) your off-peak consumer unit and wiring is all working correctly c) aids troubleshooting and d) is a reminder that the off peak rate is now on so you can put the washing machine/dishwasher/tumble dryer etc on!

Best fitted to a storage heater in a living area & where the switches are visible - so you can easily see the off-peak is on or off.  Put one on a storage heater in my bedroom and the orange glow was annoying/kept me awake!

My Quantum’s seem to work well but I was really surprised that my HA did not use the switch with the red light, (two sockets system in my bungalow, as I have a separate E7 meter, at least one of my neighbours has just one meter) especially as these were fitted in an estate for old people, a visual aid to show when on/off like the red light would have been a reassurance that they were not charging at peak rate.

Ildhund

Kid_Icarus said:

The neon on the switch will turn on when the off-peak electric supply is energised - 

Sorry if this is a silly question, but does this mean that the red light will show regardless of whether the rocker switch is on or off? There are switches in my house with red lights, but I think they only shine when the switch is on.

Froggy8

I have tested downstairs one and that works.

I have ordered the voltage stick.

Anyone know what the cause could be if downstairs is working?

Swipe

Froggy8 said:

I have tested downstairs one and that works.

I have ordered the voltage stick.

Anyone know what the cause could be if downstairs is working?

The most likely cause will be a fault with the heater which your voltage pen will confirm if the off peak circuit wiring shows as live when it switches on.

Scot_39

When you said you had a meter - I read that as an electrical multimeter - not the main incoming meter.

So wasn't sure why waiting for the non contact pen.

And so given you had the cover off I assumed you could just measure the two feeds at the connections.

Froggy8

Sorry I meant the electric meter.

Ok let's say the off peak is not working, how do I go about fixing it?

Swipe

Froggy8 said:

Sorry I meant the electric meter.

Ok let's say the off peak is not working, how do I go about fixing it?

If the off peak cable is not live during the off peak window, check nothing has been tripped and the fuse is still good if it's an old school consumer unit. And if your off peak wall spur socket has a fuse, also try replacing it. Failing that, call an electrician or someone you know who is confident with electrics to do a sanity check. The likelihood will be that your storage heater has a fault rather than the circuit. If that's the case, call Dimplex and ask for advice or for them to send someone out to fix it if it's still under warranty.

Scot_39

You probably don't directly.


The fact the other heater assuming it too off peak fed  perhaps suggests it's the 050rf unit itself.

But if you have time - let's see what the pen test says.

Having said that a local Dimplex installer may well be able to cover the full chain - CU MCB feed down to diagnosing heater unit internals.

Froggy8

My pen turned up and the off peak power is not working