Economy 7 Switch

[mike2k111]

Having a few problems with my water heater in my flat. Basically when my feed switches over at night it seems as though the circuit isnt switching. I had a look in my circuit breaker box in my house and found this thing which i think is where the problem is.

There seems to be 3 positions on the switch (top/middle/bottom) where i can position it. Ive managed to get the water heater to come on permanent by moving it to the top position but im sure this should be done automatically when the electric feed switches over. Anyone know how these things work? What each switch position means etc. I can't even find the name of the bloody thing

Thanks

 

[Sintra]

The 3 positions could be

1. permantly on
2. automatic control
3. permantly off

can't really make it out on pic

 

[Guest123]

That looks like a contactor....there should be a timeclock around somewhere controlling that, which in turn controls the immersion.

 

[mike2k111]

Sorry yeah that picture is aweful, ive found my camera connector and took a better one.

So you think that theres a tele-switch or something which should send a current to the contactor to switch the circuit?

Eon came to fit a new meter yesterday and the guy said that when the meter switches over tarrif (according to its digital clock) it shorts the feed and this is what switches the feed from offpeak to onpeak via the contactor. The thing is, ive stood in the cupboard next to the contactor during the time's the feed should switch and nothing happens although when i go downstairs to the communal stair well i do hear a click as meter switches.

Should this contactor be left in the middle setting then for automatic switching?

Thanks

 

[rodney12]

middle i'd have thought

 

[Sintra]

Yes this is a contactor with built in locking.
Top position locked closed (on)
Mid position automatic
Bottom position locked open (off)

When your E7 switches on check that you have power between terminals A1 & A2 as this is the coil.