Gas thermostat/display control unit not working

pk1900

So I think the control unit connected to my combi boiler has gone kaput. The LCD dsiplay doesnt work and when slide the switch on the unit to 'off', the gas boiler is still on. The CH light is on though. I have to turn it on and off manually from the main switch on the left of the unit.

Can I change the unit myself or does it have to be done by a qualified gasman/woman?

Will anynstandard unit do or do I have to get a specific brand/unit?

WIAWSNB

Straight-on photo that shows the unit clearly, please, complete with make and model.

Also one taken looking up at its underside. 

This will likely be a simple DIY replacement, or possibly a slightly more competent DIY jobbie. It certainly does not require a GasSafe. 

WIAWSNB

Potterton EP1?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/297431651145?

This is for a combi boiler? 

Don't buy yet, as there may be better or cheaper alternatives. 

bjorn_toby_wilde

pk1900 said:

So I think the control unit connected to my combi boiler has gone kaput. The LCD dsiplay doesnt work and when slide the switch on the unit to 'off', the gas boiler is still on. The CH light is on though. I have to turn it on and off manually from the main switch on the left of the unit.

Can I change the unit myself or does it have to be done by a qualified gasman/woman?

Will anynstandard unit do or do I have to get a specific brand/unit?

Very often these are a simple replacement. The controller sits on a backplate and it’s the backplate that is wired to the boiler.

Depending on the model there’s often a simple catch that can be released with a screwdriver or similar. The whole unit then pops off and you simply plug the new one in.

The instructions can usually be found online once you know the model number.

pk1900

pk1900 said:

So I think the control unit connected to my combi boiler has gone kaput. The LCD dsiplay doesnt work and when slide the switch on the unit to 'off', the gas boiler is still on. The CH light is on though. I have to turn it on and off manually from the main switch on the left of the unit.

Can I change the unit myself or does it have to be done by a qualified gasman/woman?

Will anynstandard unit do or do I have to get a specific brand/unit?

Potterton unit

WIAWSNB

Yes, the Potterton EP1.

Silly price new, but my link above is a bit cheaper. I was hoping some second-hand items would be there.

If you look at it from below, you'll likely see one or two screw heads? (Post photo if uncertain).

Make sure that power switch beside it is off, after confirming it IS the switch for that unit? I'd turn off the circuit breaker in your 'fuse box' for that circuit too, tobesure. 

Then you slacken the one or two screws - half way, no need to fully remove - and the unit should lift away from the bottom, and be 'hooked' at its top; pull away at the bottom, pivot it upwards, and then lift it fully away. The new one goes back in reverse.

The wired 'backplate' found on the wall underneath will likely be a standard fit, so will take a good number of different models, some of which are likely to be cheaper, but we won't be able to tell until the unit is removed. 

Bear in mind that your CH won't work again until the unit is replaced, and also that the exposed pins on the backplate will be LIVE when the power is on.

So, unscrew, lift off, take a photo, replace. Report back, and we'll try and find a replacement. But, the one on eBay is likely your best bet. 

WIAWSNB

'Industry Standard Backplate', so should fit straight on (but if you are capable of basic wiring as in 'wiring a plug', then you can swap the backplate too, so it's all new.)

£15 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285050620697?

This is ~£70 from plumbers merchants. 

Reviews suggest it can be tricky to set up the initial timings, but folk always manage it... Once set up, it has a very good display, and seems to indicate not only current time, but when the next change will happen. 

EssexExile

First things first - turn the power to the heating system off then on again. That cured a similar problem with my Danfoss controller.

Also, when you turn the heating to "off" the boiler doesn't normally stop straight away.

WIAWSNB

EssexExile said:

Also, when you turn the heating to "off" the boiler doesn't normally stop straight away.

But if they flick that FSU switch, it would? 

molerat

WIAWSNB said:

'Industry Standard Backplate', so should fit straight on (but if you are capable of basic wiring as in 'wiring a plug', then you can swap the backplate too, so it's all new.)

£15 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285050620697?

This is ~£70 from plumbers merchants. 

Reviews suggest it can be tricky to set up the initial timings, but folk always manage it... Once set up, it has a very good display, and seems to indicate not only current time, but when the next change will happen. 

The EP1 is not on the industry standard backplate so will not be a plug and play swap and rewiring to a new backplate will be required, not difficult for someone with some DIY electrics knowledge - plenty of wiring guides out there.  I remember swapping out my old EP2000 and found a simple wire for wire swap guide.  If the unit does need replacing it could be the time to swap for something "smarter"

WIAWSNB

molerat said:

WIAWSNB said:

'Industry Standard Backplate', so should fit straight on (but if you are capable of basic wiring as in 'wiring a plug', then you can swap the backplate too, so it's all new.)

£15 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285050620697?

This is ~£70 from plumbers merchants. 

Reviews suggest it can be tricky to set up the initial timings, but folk always manage it... Once set up, it has a very good display, and seems to indicate not only current time, but when the next change will happen. 

The EP1 is not on the industry standard backplate so will not be a plug and play swap and rewiring to a new backplate will be required, not difficult for someone with some DIY electrics knowledge - plenty of wiring guides out there.  I remember swapping out my old EP2000 and found a simple wire for wire swap guide.  If the unit does need replacing it could be the time to swap for something "smarter"

Thanks.
I struggled to find installation instructions for the EP1, and even photos of the removed item are rare. But one did seem to show the 'usual' backplate, and another forum reply suggested it was - I think someone was going 'Hive'. But, I don't know for sure.
Once the OP unclips his EP1 for a look-see, we can advise. Yes, I'd definitely go 'Smart', but he has a simple £15 option too. He's spoilt!
Or will be once he comes back...