Heating controls. Confused.

fabo1thecross

I am looking into upgrading our heating controls and just would like some advice please. At present I have a one channel analog clock that seems to turn on the boiler (grant vortex) and also powers my two 2 zone valves(upstairs and downstairs).
I can switch between either zone by means of 2 switchs one for up and one for down. The zone valves have only 3 wires L N and E.
No feed back or switch live I think it's called.
Really I'm asking is the first thing to be replaced the zone valves for 5 wire can I still use my 3 wire valve.
Hope I'm making sence and im sorry if I've posted this in the wrong place.

K.Flyer

If you strip back the zone valve cable you will most likely find the grey and yellow wires.
To effectively set up the zones and boiler interlock you will need more than L.N.E., you will need some extra wiring, thermostats and a new timeclock.
As the pipework has been done, its just the extra cabling needed which might be tricky.
If thats impossible, you may be able to utilize a wireless relay system.

fabo1thecross

Thanks for the reply. No it's only 3 core going to the zone valves and the valves have no extra switch inside. Have looked closely. They are a mut brand of some description.
As for the wireless relay control option is that like a nest or hive type set up.

K.Flyer

fabo1thecross wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. No it's only 3 core going to the zone valves and the valves have no extra switch inside. Have looked closely. They are a mut brand of some description.
As for the wireless relay control option is that like a nest or hive type set up.

From what you describe the valves will need changing to modern ones Danfoss imo are best.
Cabling will need upgrading, new thermostats (wireless are the easiest option if you don't have any already) and new three channel clock.
Regarding the relay controls, no, there are just used in the situations where rewiring is definitely not an option.

fabo1thecross

K thank you. I was coming around to accepting that I will have to change my zone valves alright.
Out of interest why would my present valves be only 3 wire and no switch live. House was built around 2007.

K.Flyer

fabo1thecross wrote: »

K thank you. I was coming around to accepting that I will have to change my zone valves alright.
Out of interest why would my present valves be only 3 wire and no switch live. House was built around 2007.

The cable directly from the standard 2 port valve is nearly always 5 core, unless someone changed it , what make are they, got a picture of them?

fabo1thecross

Hope this works.

fabo1thecross

The company is MUT going by Google. And definitely only the 3 core. No micro switchs in there at all.

Wearb

fabo1thecross wrote: »

The company is MUT going by Google. And definitely only the 3 core. No micro switchs in there at all.

"Can be installed on request."
Seems they have to be requested when ordering.

K.Flyer

Mut by name mutt by nature

fabo1thecross

Ya so it's out with these and in with new 5 wire. What's drayton like. Only ask that as that is the type of controls I was thinking of going with. Or is danfoss just the best.

K.Flyer

fabo1thecross wrote: »

Ya so it's out with these and in with new 5 wire. What's drayton like. Only ask that as that is the type of controls I was thinking of going with. Or is danfoss just the best.

Ha, as ot happens I'm pulling out Drayton valves next week, I generally only fit Danfoss.

DGOBS

I prefer the EHP as once installed are plug&play to replace and come with a 5 year warranty

K.Flyer

DGOBS wrote: »

I prefer the EHP as once installed are plug&play to replace and come with a 5 year warranty

As long as they don't go changing the plug on them again as they did a few years back.

fabo1thecross

Right danfoss zone valves ordered. I use some of there other stuff at work and in fairness it's good stuff.
Is there much energy efficiency savings to be got by changing the circulation pump to one of the variable types. It's a 3 speed dab at present working fine.
Thanks again.

Wearb

fabo1thecross wrote: »

Right danfoss zone valves ordered. I use some of there other stuff at work and in fairness it's good stuff.
Is there much energy efficiency savings to be got by changing the circulation pump to one of the variable types. It's a 3 speed dab at present working fine.
Thanks again.

I once worked it out at about 30euro per year (I think that was the figure). Don't ask me for calculations now, and I am quite open to contradiction. I wont take it personally. :pac::pac::pac:

fabo1thecross

So it's an upgrade when it fails piece of equipment.
Perfect thanks.