Horstmann Economy 7 Quartz! Help!

jujuB

Hello all!

I'm not sure if I'm writing this in the right place. I just moved into an apartment and for the life of me I cannot figure out how to work the water heater! Does anyone have any experience with this particular model?! Horstmann Economy 7 Quartz. I'm used to having an electric shower and/or an easy immersion but this looks so complicated to work! I can't set the timer as there is no dial to do so?! I read on another forum that you have to take the front off to set it? Also I'm so not familiar with this kind of water heating so I'm not sure when I should be heating the water i.e to keep costs down?! I found these user instructions online but once again it doesn't say how to set the timer! I'm so confused! Also there is a picture of it so people can maybe figure it out! I would seriously appreciate any type of help! Thanks! http://www.horstmann.co.uk/downloads/ElectronicDocuments/Electric-Water-Heating/E7Q-UserGuide.PDF

JOHNPT

1 Turn the clock on it so its set to the proper time of day
2 Leave the switch turned on - It should heat up every night and you will have hot water in morning. If you are going away for few days turn the switch Off. If you run out of water during the day turn the boost button on - it will heat the water for 2 hrs max.

jujuB

I did everything you said except I dont have any idea what time it is set to because there is no timer dial visable!! The dial that IS visable is to set the currant time. As I said, I think I may have to take the front cover off to set the timer but Im not sure, so confusing!

Rainbow_brite

Sorry for dragging up an old post I have the same problem I have no idea how to set the timer, I would like to have hot water for between 7am-9am does anybody know how to do this?

cast_iron

Rainbow_brite wrote: »

Sorry for dragging up an old post I have the same problem I have no idea how to set the timer, I would like to have hot water for between 7am-9am does anybody know how to do this?

As Johnpt says, just set the dial on the front to the current time of day. Note the summer/winter hour difference - currently it's winter time.
The time the water is heated is pre-programmed into the timer, so you make no more adjustments. It heats the entire tank overnight on the cheap rate electricity so should be nice and hot by 7am.

You use the boost dial if there's no water left later in the day. It heats half the tank at a quicker rate (like the sink setting on a standard immersion).

Rainbow_brite

cast_iron wrote: »

As Johnpt says, just set the dial on the front to the current time of day. Note the summer/winter hour difference - currently it's winter time.
The time the water is heated is pre-programmed into the timer, so you make no more adjustments. It heats the entire tank overnight on the cheap rate electricity so should be nice and hot by 7am.

You use the boost dial if there's no water left later in the day. It heats half the tank at a quicker rate (like the sink setting on a standard immersion).

Thats great thanks mil for the reply because i couldn't get my head around it i'm used to timers with teeth on them! so just to clarify does that mean i turn the clock around and say for example its 4pm I put 16 under the line that says winter time? and when the clocks change end of march do i need to change the clock again? its the winter time / summer time that's confusing me?

cast_iron

Rainbow_brite wrote: »

Thats great thanks mil for the reply because i couldn't get my head around it i'm used to timers with teeth on them! so just to clarify does that mean i turn the clock around and say for example its 4pm I put 16 under the line that says winter time? and when the clocks change end of march do i need to change the clock again? its the winter time / summer time that's confusing me?

Yes. If setting it now, set the winter time line to 16.30. And change it to the Summer line when the hour goes forward. If you don't, it just means one hour may be billed at the day rate which is much higher.

Rainbow_brite

cast_iron wrote: »

Yes. If setting it now, set the winter time line to 16.30. And change it to the Summer line when the hour goes forward. If you don't, it just means one hour may be billed at the day rate which is much higher.

That's brilliant it makes sense now, I'll give it a try tomorrow thank you!

Pete67

Actually you shouldn't change the time on the dial timeswitch when moving from winter to summer time. The ESB dual rate meter contains a timer which is not adjusted either. So in winter time make sure the correct time is showing against the winter mark, and in summer time just use the summer mark - no adjustment of the dial will be needed.

Stoner

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055400462

there are two downloadable PDFs on this sticky thread about how to adjust this timer./

Rainbow_brite

Pete67 wrote: »

Actually you shouldn't change the time on the dial timeswitch when moving from winter to summer time. The ESB dual rate meter contains a timer which is not adjusted either. So in winter time make sure the correct time is showing against the winter mark, and in summer time just use the summer mark - no adjustment of the dial will be needed.

Stoner wrote: »

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055400462

there are two downloadable PDFs on this sticky thread about how to adjust this timer./

That's great thanks for the info, I'll have a look now at that PDF as well!

uli84

sorry for reviving quite an old thread but though itd be good if everything is in one place. Just wondering- timers on Quartz are pre set. Now our apartment is quite big but only 3 of us living in it. The timer is set for 7-8 hrs on a night tariff surely) to accommodate more people I'd imagine-is it not a waste? i.e.-does it heat through those 8hrs every night or it only heats up for as long it takes to top up the usage from the previous day? I am not exactly an electrician to change it;)but wouldn't like to pay for what seems to be water heating for about 6-7 people. Thanks for any advice.

M cebee

any i've seen are 3 or 4 hrs off-peak heating
if i recall

uli84

sorry to be a pain, maybe im reading it wrong, just attached the pic- arent the black stripes areas the ones when it is on?

M cebee

uli84 wrote: »

sorry to be a pain, maybe im reading it wrong, just attached the pic- arent the black stripes areas the ones when it is on?

not sure
can you turn the dial and check?

M cebee

http://www.horstmann.co.uk/downloads/ElectronicDocuments/Electric-Water-Heating/E7Q-InstallationInstructions.pdf

seems to be adjustable between 4 and 7hrs

doesn't say what factory preset is
if i recall it's prob 4hrs
you will know if you turn dial anyhow

JOHNPT

There is a digital version available now - more user friendly - you can set 3 different off-peak periods.

derryos

On my E7 Quartz (non digital model), the timer is set from 11:30 pm to 3:30 am and again from ~5am to 9:30am:


Seems slightly overkill for a 2 person apartment?

Also, maybe i'm missing something but most other timers just go on for an hour or so before they are needed - how come these need to be on for 4 hrs; isn't keeping the water warm rather than boiling it at the end just wasting electricity?

I seen the defaults about 4.5 to 7 hrs but the above seems overkill?

JOHNPT wrote: »

There is a digital version available now - more user friendly - you can set 3 different off-peak periods.

JOHNPT

Its only set for one period at night - turn the dial and u will see what time it comes on - turn dial back to correct time after.
It still probably an overkill - thats why the new digital version better

derryos

Thanks for the reply John.

Just checked and it comes on at 3:30 and goes off at 8:30 (so the timer is not based on when the black-out part is hit, it starts on the first black-white change and ends on the 2nd).

Other places i've lived, the heating comes on for ~1-2 hrs in the morning for showers and that is it. I know this uses the night rate but still 5hrs seems like a long time but i get the impression everyone with the old digital model is like this?

Padington

Hi guys, sorry to be chirping in a little late on this thread.

I've just opened my E7. It seems from the design that there is no physical way to switch the cams such that you will have less than 4 hours heating each night. This is because there is a "lock" between the blue and orange cam that allows you to adjust between 4 and 7 hours (at any time of day) but no longer and no shorter.

anniehoo

Need to ask a question on this too. Have had this timer for 5 years and never had an issue, but 3 weeks ago i had an all out power cut in my apt when i came home one evening and now the nightime timer wont kick in at all.

It works fine on boost but its a pain as i just about get a 5-10minute shower from that half tank boost. Any ideas? Could a fuse or something have gone in the powercut? I never had to touch the dial ever in 5 years and always had hot water so its annoying that i cant fix this.

audi tom

Hi all

Ive find this water heater fairly annoying. Theres just two of us in our apartment and we dont need it heating for 4 hours but there seems no other way to set it so that you can have it come on for an hour or two at night.
Does anyone know what wattage these heaters are? I want to calculate the cost of running it...Have crazy high electricity bills for a small one bed apartment and I think this maybe the culprit.

Thanks

M cebee

audi tom wrote: »

Hi all

Ive find this water heater fairly annoying. Theres just two of us in our apartment and we dont need it heating for 4 hours but there seems no other way to set it so that you can have it come on for an hour or two at night.
Does anyone know what wattage these heaters are? I want to calculate the cost of running it...Have crazy high electricity bills for a small one bed apartment and I think this maybe the culprit.

Thanks

prob about 3kw-it'll be at the cheaper rate though

Astuliukyte

Hi. I need so much help! I will go crazy soon with this boiler! :-( i read all your comments and cant deside, which time is the best to set the timer during the night? Offcourse, that it use electrisity as minimum as it can? Maybe someone could tell me? :-)
I set few times on 24.30.. But in the morning the timer on that line "summer/winter" time shows 12 and its still turning around i think.. Is that means, that all night and day the electrisity is running???
All in all, in the morning I had hot water.. Didnt washed dishes, didnt use the shower, just turn on washing mashine. And guess what happened? I went to shower and there was no more warm water at all!!!
I will go crazy...

anniehoo

Im still having problems with mine. ESB checked meters and they're fine, heating is working so the Devi reg controller is working (i think) properly. Its this stupid timer. Even though its set to come on at 24 (midnight) it doesnt. I can hear the night meter "clunk" in but the timer doesnt seem to recognise this now, when it did before. The boost function works on it, but "boosting" it meant i had a MASSIVE bill the last 2 times. :mad:

Diggerdunne

the timer has gone faulty on it... I had to replace one only last week with the same problem...They are not a cheap timer... between 80-100 euro but you can leave all in place and just replace the face of it...

anniehoo

Diggerdunne wrote: »

the timer has gone faulty on it... I had to replace one only last week with the same problem...They are not a cheap timer... between 80-100 euro but you can leave all in place and just replace the face of it...

Where did you buy it from Diggerdunne? Is it easy enough to replace? Im clueless, but i cant afford to get an electrician out to spend hours faffing around if its a simple enough job

Diggerdunne

i got it in a local elec wholesaler...They are just push on connectors i think and they are numbered so you can t go wrong, once you turn off the power its an easy swap.....Take the cover off to make sure its push on connectors numbered 1-5 so i'm thinkin of the right timer...

anniehoo

Diggerdunne this is what i have:


I dont mind buying a new timer, its the electricians fee i cant afford aswell, if its as straightforward as you say.

Diggerdunne

Yeah once the cables look ok and connections are tight and no scorched or burnt connections it's a simple pull off the lugs and replace the new face... Turn off the power and open up the unit and you will see how easy it is to replace...

Cushie Butterfield

anniehoo wrote: »

Im still having problems with mine. ESB checked meters and they're fine, heating is working so the Devi reg controller is working (i think) properly. Its this stupid timer. Even though its set to come on at 24 (midnight) it doesnt. I can hear the night meter "clunk" in but the timer doesnt seem to recognise this now, when it did before. The boost function works on it, but "boosting" it meant i had a MASSIVE bill the last 2 times. :mad:

Your problem may not be the timer at all. It could be that the immersion heating element in the lower part of the tank needs to be replaced, or that the thermostat cut-out switch needs to be reset.

If you are ever up late/early look & see if the off-peak led is on. It should come on for about 4 hours between 2.30am to 5.30am. If it is your timer is working & the problem is either the element or thermostat. (the devi-reg would kick in at midnight but it has nothing to do with your water heating - it's for storage/underfloor heating)

Edit: Instead of staying up late you could set the actual time on the clock at any time during the day to say 2am to test that the off peak led comes on within about an hour & stays on for 4 hours)

Diggerdunne

pressing the reset button will sort out the thermostat, or disconnect and place it in hot water and check the contacts are opening and closing with a multi meter...Also disconnect the element and check the resistance of it, that will tell you very quickly if the element is good...Between 18-24 ohms is what you are hoping for a good element.....

anniehoo

Ok, i'm in way over my head now as i wouldnt know how to do whats mentioned above.

Diggerdunne wrote: »

pressing the reset button will sort out the thermostat.

Where would i find this in relation to the timer and tank?

Diggerdunne

the thermostat sits into the element. Its a rod that takes the temp of the water...You normally find it on the side of the tank if there are two elements or on top if only one element....

lynsey.pea

Hi there! Dont u know if u can help! I hope so! I have a horstmann economy 7 quartz with a 1 hour timer! The off peak light is staying on all the time! The boost light doesn't come on when I click it to boost and ive no heating now! Is it knackered or has anyone any suggestions?? Please help thanks lynsey

tomdempsey200

lynsey.pea wrote: »

Hi there! Dont u know if u can help! I hope so! I have a horstmann economy 7 quartz with a 1 hour timer! The off peak light is staying on all the time! The boost light doesn't come on when I click it to boost and ive no heating now! Is it knackered or has anyone any suggestions?? Please help thanks lynsey

does it go off if you turn the clock dial?

lynsey.pea

tomdempsey200 wrote: »

does it go off if you turn the clock dial?

Hi there! When I turn the dial the off peak light stays on!

tomdempsey200

lynsey.pea wrote: »

Hi there! When I turn the dial the off peak light stays on!

sounds like a mechanical fault or maybe contacts welded

you're turning the top clock dial..yes

lynsey.pea

tomdempsey200 wrote: »

sounds like a mechanical fault or maybe contacts welded

you're turning the top clock dial..yes

Yeah im turning the top dial! Guess ill have to get someone out! Thank you!

APFoley

Sorry to resurrect this thread but I'm lost. I moved into a new apartment with this water heater control unit. They said the apartment had underfloor and ceiling heating but they didn't work, so not to adjust the thermostats. The problem is my first two electric bills are higher than my rent and most of the usage is at night! After the first bill I shut off my heaters and unplugged any unnecessary appliances. I was also away for three weeks but my second bill is higher than the first!?! I couldn't figure out how to adjust the controls so I shut off the power switch two nights ago and today I still have hot water!?! Do I need a plumber, an electrician, a new control unit or a new water heater? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

K.Flyer

The electric companies love these timers.
The clock usually switches on around midnight and goes off around 7 or 8 in the morning and there is no easy way to adjust them. Even with the half rate charges its still too long a time for the immersion to be on.
Personally I would pay an electrician to fit a more manageable and flexible time clock, keeping in mind to put things back before you vacate, as his charge would most likely save you a ton of cash over the year.
Also watch out for your electric storage heaters, they can be very expensive to operate as well.

tomdempsey200

K.Flyer wrote: »

The electric companies love these timers.
The clock usually switches on around midnight and goes off around 7 or 8 in the morning

don't think that's correct

think it's 3-4 hours preset for water heating

K.Flyer

tomdempsey200 wrote: »

don't think that's correct

think it's 3-4 hours preset for water heating

They vary greatly depending on how they were assembled. I think the minimum is 3 - 4 hrs, but I have come across some that can be on for over 7 hrs.
IMO the bigger part of the problem is the small 11" immersion trying to heat all the water.

APFoley

Thanks for your quick responses...but how do I know if this one is programmed for 3 - 4 or 7hrs? Can Electric Ireland change the settings or do I need an electrician to do it?

K.Flyer

APFoley wrote: »

Thanks for your quick responses...but how do I know if this one is programmed for 3 - 4 or 7hrs? Can Electric Ireland change the settings or do I need an electrician to do it?

With the switch in the timed position, rotate the 24hr dial clockwise slowly while observing what number (hr) is aligning with the summer or winter marker.
At some point the light will come on, note what number is aligned with the pointer, keep rotating the dial until the light goes off, subtracting the first figure from the second gives you the time duration.
When finished set the current time to align with the summer time pointer.
A good electrician should know how to adjust the time period on these clocks, but best to ask first before having someone call out.

tomdempsey200

K.Flyer wrote: »

They vary greatly depending on how they were assembled. I think the minimum is 3 - 4 hrs, but I have come across some that can be on for over 7 hrs.
IMO the bigger part of the problem is the small 11" immersion trying to heat all the water.

which ones are preset for 7 hours?

K.Flyer

tomdempsey200 wrote: »

which ones are preset for 7 hours?

In at the back of the timing mechanism on the E7 there are two tags that adjust the time duration. Whoever assembles them will set them to whatever time duration.
Have you ever looked at this?
I have adjusted them a few times.

APFoley

K.Flyer: Can they be adjusted to less than the 3 - 4 hours, i.e. 1 - 2? It is as easy as removing the panel or do I need an electrician to do it?

Thanks for all the input everyone, this is very helpful!

K.Flyer

It has been a while since I was at one, but I don't think that they can be reduced by that much.
As I said in an earlier post, I would consider changing it for a more user friendly unit, something like this one where you have more control over when you heat the water..
http://www.tfc-group.co.uk/ecosave.html
Any work in this area I would be suggesting you use an electrician.

Stoner

that is correct you can adjust them, its in the instructions how to do it. I posted a Pdf for it years ago scanned it in, you search with my user name you might get it, but this came up here before.

Edit here it is


http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=57702908

its in the excellent post/archive