Storage heater local timer

[JonathanP]

I have 2 storage heaters in the flat I let out (in London). They are 3.5KW As far as I am aware there has never been a separate off peak supply for these heaters. Around 5 years ago the heaters were replaced and one timer was fitted to each heater in place of the switch - the model was Timeguard fst-17a. Last year one timer broke and was replaced.

Recently the second timer also broke. It was replaced with a Greenbrook T205-C. After this was fitted the storage heater did not work and the electrician concerned stated that it could not be repaired and needed to be replaced with a panel heater as new regulations mean that storage heaters with a single supply aren't allowed, and running a second supply in would be too expensive. However I had a second electrician visit to check the storage heater and he replaced the timer with a switch and the storage heater is working fine.

The second electrician has suggested fitting mechanical timers at the consumer unit as the best solution, as the single gang timers are not suited for this kind of load. The cost will be notable (about £250) so I am checking options. Are there suitable timers available to replace a standard switch, or is fitting a mechanical timer at the consumer unit the best option?

Thanks

 

[SJD]

If there has never been an off-peak supply. why are there even storage heaters installed, as the occupant is paying to store heat (during the night, I presume?) when they could have the same heat when they want it (rather than guessing ahead the night before) for the same price from a panel heater?

 

[JonathanP]

If there has never been an off-peak supply. why are there even storage heaters installed, as the occupant is paying to store heat (during the night, I presume?) when they could have the same heat when they want it (rather than guessing ahead the night before) for the same price from a panel heater?

I believe it is a dual rate meter without a separate economy7 output.

 

[ferg]

The Greenbrook timer is under rated for the load and premature failure was always very likely.

Replacement with a good quality suitably rated timer is recommended.
Where the timers are installed is purely an aesthetic decision.

£250 doesn't sound too extravagant for London TBH.

 

[JonathanP]

The Greenbrook timer is under rated for the load and premature failure was always very likely.

Replacement with a good quality suitably rated timer is recommended.
Where the timers are installed is purely an aesthetic decision.

£250 doesn't sound too extravagant for London TBH.

Is this suitable ? NTT03 - 24 Hour/7 Day Compact Electronic Immersion Heater Timeswitch | Timeguard - https://www.timeguard.com/products/time/immersion-and-general-purpose-timeswitches/ntt03-24-hour-7-day-compact-electronic-immersion-heater-timeswitch? Or do I need a higher rating to be on the safe side?

 

[pc1966]

That would be OK for a single 3.4kW heater.

If you wanted to control more on a single timer then the way to do it (and to spare the timer's switching capacity) would be to use a contactor that can handle the total load. They are available up to 100A or more!

 

[freddo]

Is this suitable ? NTT03 - 24 Hour/7 Day Compact Electronic Immersion Heater Timeswitch | Timeguard - https://www.timeguard.com/products/time/immersion-and-general-purpose-timeswitches/ntt03-24-hour-7-day-compact-electronic-immersion-heater-timeswitch? Or do I need a higher rating to be on the safe side?

Those are not very reliable, the timer electronics seemed to die after a year or so on the ones we fitted.