Gas heating not coming on with timer

Kashkai

My parents gas boiler won't come on when it's set to the timer. It'll come on when it's set to "boost", ie manual. I think the timer clock is faulty. However before I replace this, is there anything else I should check first. Btw the boiler was serviced a month ago and when it runs after the boost button is pushed, it works fine. However they don't like getting up to a cold house when the timer fails. I think it's a baxi model where the boiler is onset behind the gas fire.

GopErthike

Most likely it's the clock, if it has a boost it might have an indicator to show that's it's on. Is this indicator coming on when timed? There is no difference as far as the boiler is concerned whether it's on boost or timed, it's just simply receiving the switch live. So most likely when it's timed it's just not sending the signal.

Hope this makes sense.

Kashkai

Yes the red light comes on when boost is pushed but it fails to come on for the timer so thats why I feel its a fault with the clock and not the boiler, which lights when its turned on manually by pushing "boost". I just wanted a second opinion before I shell out on a new timer for them. Thanks

GopErthike

Just check they are setting it correctly ie in the 'run' or 'auto' position.

yoshytoshy

There should be a reset button on the clock.
Give that a go and see what happens ,the times will have to be set again ,but it can fix this problem.

Kashkai

I've run the clock through the different settings ie auto, 24 hour, all day and boost. It only comes on when boost is pushed. I had reset the timer but this made no difference. I'll look for a reset button but I don't remember seeing one yesterday.

yoshytoshy

Prosperous Dave wrote: »

I'll look for a reset button but I don't remember seeing one yesterday.

It's usually a small button ,the type that needs a pin. Usually located behind the flap (if there is one)
If it doesn't have a reset button ,usually pressing all the buttons at the same time ,resets it.

wadk

Whats the name of the clock?? most can be swapped without changing the backplate or wiring,if you know the name ring heatmerchants and ask for a direct swap,not rgi work so they'll help if they can.

SakisP

Got a similar case here, only it's the whole CH operation that fails, whereas the HW operation works fine in the control panel:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055848196

yoshytoshy

O.P. Did you buy a new clock ?

Kashkai

My Dad doesn't think it's the clock but as the boiler fires when boost is pushed, I think it has to be some kind of timer fault. I checked the make of the clock and it's not one I've heard of before and it's about 10 years old. I'll buy a timer clock myself and fit it to see if this cures the problem. Would anyone recommend a particular make for a gas boiler.

yoshytoshy

I'd always try install a flash programmer for elderly people ,it has a basic on/off button ,along with pins for timing. (Needs small bit of wiring though)

If your going for a digital one ,most of them are all the same.

BTW ,it would be good to do a polarity check on the electrics aswell.

Kashkai

I replaced the timer with the same model I. E. Horstmann c11. While the gas is coming on the timer won't hold the correct time when entered. I set the time and go into the programme mode to set the on/off times for the heating but when I go back to the timer it's reset itself to 12.00pm. I now think it's some kind of wiring fault but don't know where to start looking

GopErthike

I think your just not setting it right. I think on those clocks you press enter, after each setting you put in, and then go back to run.

Kashkai

You got it in one. Thanks for putting me right.

Kashkai

Ok so it worked perfectly for one day but this morning, it's dead again. When the timer or the boost comes on, the red light on the inset boiler, a Baxi Bermuda 50/6 model, turns amber and then back to red again-it should go green to show the boiler has lit. It did light initialy when I pressed boost but then went off again and won't relight. Any ideas or is it time to call bord gais?

yoshytoshy

Prosperous Dave wrote: »

Ok so it worked perfectly for one day but this morning, it's dead again. When the timer or the boost comes on, the red light on the inset boiler, a Baxi Bermuda 50/6 model, turns amber and then back to red again-it should go green to show the boiler has lit. It did light initialy when I pressed boost but then went off again and won't relight. Any ideas or is it time to call bord gais?

It sounds like the latest version of the bermuda, could be the pump not working or the oxy-depletion sensor. You should get it checked out properly ,a service might cover it. Board gais service ,won't include the water side of your system and you may need this sorted.
Maybe ring someone from the SEI list of gas installers ,they all tend to be trustworthy.

Kashkai

Doubt it's the pump as the rads were all boiling yesterday when the gas was lighting. The oxy sensor could be it or the thermocouple. I had a thermocouple go in my gas cooker last year which wouldn't allow the gas ring to light.

Just checked bord gais website and they don't seem to do servicing anymore. I'm reluctant to pick someone from the yellow pages as the last guy we picked a few months ago obviously didn't do a great job as it's been acting up since.

yoshytoshy

Prosperous Dave wrote: »

Doubt it's the pump as the rads were all boiling yesterday when the gas was lighting. The oxy sensor could be it or the thermocouple. I had a thermocouple go in my gas cooker last year which wouldn't allow the gas ring to light.

Just checked bord gais website and they don't seem to do servicing anymore. I'm reluctant to pick someone from the yellow pages as the last guy we picked a few months ago obviously didn't do a great job as it's been acting up since.

If the bermuda has a light on it ,then it's the new model. There is no thermocouple on the new ones ,just an electrode.
It's important to have it inspected by a gas installer ,the electrics,gas and the flue should all be checked.


The only time I've ever had a problem with one of these boilers was were a draft prevention-vent was installed.
If it was windy outside ,the boiler would shut off because of lack of oxygen. The vent wasn't letting air into the room ,because it was windy outside.

Kashkai

Where is the oxy sensor? When the last guy serviced it, he took something off the boiler and blew through it like he was clearing it of a blockage. How do you fix the oxy sensor? Or do you replace it

yoshytoshy

It should be as easy as ringing the guy and getting him back ,if this is a new problem since it was serviced.
Would probably have saved you buying a clock aswell.