Heating and Water control panel - No power

[redrabbit]

I noticed i had no hot water yesterday and went to the fuse box. One switch for the boiler had tripped and was OFF.

I switched it to On and thought that was it.

However upstairs in the airing cupboard I saw the panel where I control water times and heating was off. No power at all.

I've not touched anything so I don't know why it's off.

Does anyone know what this may be?

Thanks

 

[ericmark]

I will guess some where this is one of these

they are called fused connection units (FCU) and that the fuse has blown, these is likely a good reason for fuse rupturing so even when you find it likely it will require some other action other than simply replacing the fuse.

 

[crystal ball]

Have look for a switch usually nearby, it will probably have a fuse in it, and may have blown

 

[bernardgreen]

I switched it to On

Some MCBs have to be pushed down before then being pushed up to switch them back on. Just pushing it up does not reset them.

 

[redrabbit]

Thanks everyone so far ... thought some pictures may help

PICTURE 1: As you can see there is a switch with a fuse bit very near to the panel. All the cables from the actual panel however go into the black box.



PICTURE 2: There's also this switch which I have no idea what it's for. I've lived here 5 years and it seemingly doesn't do anything. No loft lighting which is what I thought it may initially be for.

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Picture 1- Have you checked the fuse in that FCU yet? I know there are no visible cables but people do bury cables in walls
Picture 2- Does the neon light up when you switch it on? Most likely for an immersion heater (which may no longer be there)

 

[redrabbit]

Picture 1- Have you checked the fuse in that FCU yet? I know there are no visible cables but people do bury cables in walls

Picture 2- Does the neon light up when you switch it on? Most likely for an immersion heater (which may no longer be there)

Haha, I did think they may be buried... sneaky builders!

About to go to the shops and will get a new 3A fuse which is what was in there. Will try that out.

Picture 2: nope, doesn't light up at all

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Someone already mentioned that fuses usually blow for a reason.....have a good look inside that cupboard (and that black box) for any scorch marks before you stuff a new fuse in. Don't suppose you own a multimeter do you?
Pic 2- ignore it then. Somewhere there'll be a large lump of cable hopefully not connected to your consumer unit

 

[redrabbit]

We have in the past had some issues with our boiler. Particularly as it is very old.

I'm assuming this is an electrical issue and wouldn't be caused by the boiler breaking?

 

[oldbutnotdead]

There's a saying about the dangers of assuming anything. The fuse MIGHT have expired of old age, more likely (especially since the MCB has tripped as well) it has expired because whatever was connected has tried to draw too much current. Could be a failing boiler, could be some DIY nail through cable scenario, could be an arcing terminal. Visual inspection and testing is the only way to get a definitive answer.

 

[EFLImpudence]

We have in the past had some issues with our boiler. Particularly as it is very old.
I'm assuming this is an electrical issue and wouldn't be caused by the boiler breaking?

That seems very illogical.

 

[redrabbit]

Thanks ... I've a horrible feeling it is the boiler. We've had issues with it and it's been on it's last legs for ages now

 

[Adam_151]

Before worrying about it being the boiler, one should rule out the heating circulation pump which as it seems you have got a traditional heating setup (rather than a combi) should be a standalone piece of kit.

If the new 3A fuse blows as soon as you try and activate the heating or hot water, then switch off, open the pump terminal cover, take L and N out and place in separate bits of connector block and try an again with another fuse to see if you get as far as the boiler firing up without it blowing, switch it off at this point, (the boiler should be protected against overtemp, but probably not good for it to be left to cycle rapidly on its own stat.)

 

[redrabbit]

UPDATE

The new fuse seems to be working. I placed in, turned the circuit breaker thing to ON. I then switched the switch on where the new fuse was and the control panel turned on

Finally I turned boiler switch on and it ignited and is now producing hot water again.

I have noticed a tiny few droplets of water from the base of the boiler. So I'm a bit concerned that there's some minor leakage there.

 

[Taylortwocities]

It may just be condensation. See if its still leaking in an hour. Sounds like you need a visit from your local friendly heighbourhood plumber to check out the boiler.