Help needed with wiring heating systems/controls

[jaydebruyne]

Went to a job today after fitting a new 15/60 grundfoss pump.. Switched everything on and it wasn't getting any current.

Long story short had to call the boss who after a few calls got quite frustrated with me as I just wasn't really understanding what he was getting me to do.

I've never delved into wiring for heating systems other than to fit new wireless stats (hard wired receiver).

Needless to say I want to learn more about it so I don't feel like such a dumbo next time. I don't expect to grasp it in a couple of days but if I can start to get my head around it it'll be a bonus.

So I was wondering if anyone knew of any good books, references, websites, free training (or if anyone on here fancies teaching me)?!?!?!?!

(Turned out the issue was a faulty PCB on the potterton gold electric boiler).

 

[Atouchofgas]

Honeywell do training on s and y systems
http://www.honeywelluk.com/professional-zone/training-onsite/

It does cost £50 or so but is really good at getting your head around how things go together

Better link this time

 

[goz666]

Honeywell do a good app for fault finding and advice.

 

[goz666]

Honeywell do training on s and y systems
Training - Honeywell UK Heating Controls
It does cost £50 or so but is really good at getting your head around how things go together

HAHA you was quick there...lol

 

[joni os]

Not unusual to find birds nest of wires crammed into normal socket box. I always carry Honeywell 10 way junction box and find if wired up correctly faults are then easy to locate.

 

[jaydebruyne]

Cheers guys, next course is October 20th..

 

[dave1]

The easiest way I learnt was to learn the sequence of controls. Followed by what the coloured wires do on the zone valves. That way I can trace back and work out what's what. If you know what each cable is and what the sequence is it makes life a lot easier.

 

[dave1]

I also did the honneywell course a few years ago, well worth it will give you a better understanding.

 

[joni os]

Knowing what the coloured wires do in the zone valves is essential. Also realizing zone valves can open without engaging micro switch and that on some stats the points can stick together giving a false call.

 

[Masood]

Jay, the Honeywell course mentioned above is brilliant. If you go to their website you can download wiring diagrams for all the different wiring plans, then follow each component sequentially to see how current flows. It's basically a series of switches, nothing more.

 

[joni os]

Basically a series of switches is the best way to describe what happens. The system has no brain. The boiler does not know if it is firing for heating or DHW, that is determined by the zone valves that function in accordance to the programme and stats.

 

[jaydebruyne]

Is the course aimed for people like me who know sod all, or do you need to have knowledge already? I mean, I have some knowledge but not enough in my book...

 

[jaydebruyne]

Jay, the Honeywell course mentioned above is brilliant. If you go to their website you can download wiring diagrams for all the different wiring plans, then follow each component sequentially to see how current flows. It's basically a series of switches, nothing more.

I'll give it a look tonight, cheers masood

 

[Masood]

Is the course aimed for people like me who know sod all, or do you need to have knowledge already? I mean, I have some knowledge but not enough in my book...

You'll be fine mate. They start from first principles and build up to wiring up a Y-plan and S-plan on their training boards. We worked in pairs so it was plenty hand-on.

Once you've wired up your system you energise it and lightbulbs go on and off showing what's on and off at any given time. Really helps understand how the current flows from start to finish.

The one thing that has stuck with me to this day was something so basic that it seems obvious but until it's pointed out, a lot of people overlook.

"Time - temperature - flow"

If the timer (programmer) isn't calling, nothing should happen.
If the timer is calling, it sends a switched live to the stat. If the stat is satisfied (off) it goes no further.
If the stat is calling, it sends a switched live to boiler / 2-port / 3-port depending on setup.

 

[jaydebruyne]

You'll be fine mate. They start from first principles and build up to wiring up a Y-plan and S-plan on their training boards. We worked in pairs so it was plenty hand-on.

Once you've wired up your system you energise it and lightbulbs go on and off showing what's on and off at any given time. Really helps understand how the current flows from start to finish.

Sounds like a great course.. I'm gonna book my place!!!!

 

[lame plumber]

John reginald, central heating book is around £25, great way to learn the basic and leave in the van, I left mine at a customers years ago though doh

 

[jaydebruyne]

John reginald, central heating book is around £25, great way to learn the basic and leave in the van, I left mine at a customers years ago though doh

I have two if his books, the one you mentioned and the one on combi's. I've looked through some of his troubleshooting techniques and because I didn't understand how things were wired up I couldn't visualise how to do his methods.

But I'm just getting my head around wiring up a complete typical honeywell s-plan so I'll take another look through his book once I can wire up a y-plan as well. At least I'll know a bit more of what he's talking about

Cheers lame

 

[ShaunCorbs]

I have two if his books, the one you mentioned and the one on combi's. I've looked through some of his troubleshooting techniques and because I didn't understand how things were wired up I couldn't visualise how to do his methods.

But I'm just getting my head around wiring up a complete typical honeywell s-plan so I'll take another look through his book once I can wire up a y-plan as well. At least I'll know a bit more of what he's talking about

Cheers lame

you know what your going to do with the old 3 and 2 ports now do a mock set up if you have any in the bin

 

[jaydebruyne]

you know what your going to do with the old 3 and 2 ports now do a mock set up if you have any in the bin

Already started collecting I have a cylinder stat so far.. Lol

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Already started collecting I have a cylinder stat so far.. Lol

good lad its they only way you will find it out/ learning on site

 

[solutions]

Already started collecting I have a cylinder stat so far.. Lol

Crack them open too so you can see what is happening mechanicaly when power is applied to the synchron motor. Honeywells are probably best for this but the draytons can be opened too.

 

[lame plumber]

and wire in a light socket and lamp to act as the boiler when it comes on

 

[jaydebruyne]

IM SO EXCITED!!! I'm not joking either lol