If your Potterton Gold electric boiler is not functioning correctly, there are several steps you can take to diagnose and resolve the issue. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed, technical, and hands-on approach to troubleshooting your Potterton Gold electric boiler.
Power Supply Issues
Check Power Supply and Wiring
- Ensure the Boiler has Power: Verify that the boiler is receiving the necessary power supply. Check the circuit breaker or fuse to ensure it has not tripped or blown.
- Inspect Wiring Connections: Examine the wiring connections at the top of the boiler, ensuring the live (brown), neutral (blue), and earth (green/yellow) terminals are securely connected.
- Measure Voltage: Use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the boiler’s supply terminals. The reading should be around 230-240V for UK single-phase mains.
- If the voltage is significantly lower or higher, there may be an issue with the power supply or the boiler’s internal wiring.
- Ensure the boiler is connected to a dedicated circuit with the appropriate circuit breaker or RCBO (Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent protection) rated for the boiler’s maximum current draw.
Thermostatic Dial and Temperature
Check Thermostatic Dial
- Adjust Thermostatic Dial: Ensure the thermostatic dial is turned up to request a temperature higher than the measured temperature on the boiler’s gauge.
- Verify Temperature Readings: Compare the temperature readings on the boiler’s gauge with a separate, calibrated thermometer. If the readings differ significantly, the boiler’s temperature sensor may be faulty.
High Temperature Cut Out Switch
Inspect High Temperature Cut Out Switch
- Understand the High Temperature Cut Out Switch: Each Potterton Gold electric boiler is equipped with a high temperature cut out switch that automatically turns the boiler off if the water temperature exceeds 80°C or 90°C, depending on the model.
- Check for Tripped High Temperature Cut Out: If the boiler is not heating, the high temperature cut out switch may have been triggered. Locate the switch and check if it has tripped.
- If the switch has tripped, allow the boiler to cool down, and then manually reset the switch by pressing the reset button.
- If the switch continues to trip, there may be an underlying issue, such as a faulty thermostat or a problem with the heating elements.
Overloading and Electrical Circuit
Assess Overloading
- Verify Circuit Load: Ensure the total load on the electrical circuit that the boiler is connected to is not exceeding the circuit’s capacity.
- Check Circuit Breaker or RCBO Rating: Confirm that the MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) or RCBO protecting the boiler’s circuit is rated higher than the maximum current draw of your Potterton Gold electric boiler.
- For example, some ThermoSphere Electric Boilers have a maximum current of 21 Amps.
- Isolate the Boiler: If the boiler is not on a dedicated circuit, try disconnecting other appliances and devices to see if the issue is resolved.
Leak to Earth
Investigate Leak to Earth
- Isolate the Electrical Supply: Turn off the power supply to the boiler and disconnect the supply cables.
- Remove the Boiler Cover: Carefully remove the boiler’s cover to access the internal components.
- Test for Leak to Earth: With the supply cables disconnected, use a multimeter to check for any leakage to earth. If the RCD (Residual Current Device) still trips, the issue is likely with the external wiring. If the RCD holds, the fault is within the boiler.
- If a leak to earth is detected, the boiler may need to be serviced by a qualified electrician to identify and resolve the issue.
Heating Element Issues
Inspect Heating Elements
- Boiler Has Power but Not Heating: If the boiler is receiving power but is not heating, the problem may be related to the heating elements.
- Hire a Qualified Electrician: Have a licensed electrician perform tests on the heating elements to determine if they are faulty and need replacement.
- The electrician can use a multimeter to check the resistance of the heating elements and identify any issues.
Other Issues
Pump Not Circulating Water
- Check Pump Operation: Observe the pump to see if it is making any noise or vibration. If the pump is not running, it may not be circulating the water properly.
- Consult a Heating Engineer: If the pump appears to be malfunctioning, it’s best to have a qualified heating engineer inspect and service the pump.
Central Heating Not Working
- Verify Pressure: Check the pressure of the central heating system to ensure it is within the recommended range.
- Inspect Thermostat Settings: Ensure the thermostat is set to a temperature higher than the current room temperature to call for heat.
- Check Flame Light: When using the central heating, make sure the flame light on the boiler is illuminated, indicating the burner is firing.
- If the flame light is not on, there may be an issue with the boiler’s controls or the gas supply.
Technical Specifications
- Voltage: 230-240V (UK single-phase mains)
- Maximum Current: Varies by model (e.g., 21 Amps for some ThermoSphere Electric Boilers)
- High Temperature Cut Out Switch: 80°C or 90°C (depending on the model)