Can I add a Heating Element to my InDirect Cylinder?

[markymarkuk]

I have a Potterton Boiler (Don't Laugh, from the 70s!!!), to heat water we have to have the heating (rads) on. I noticed there is a switch outside the airing cupboard that is not connected, but the red light glows when turned on. Could I screw one of those long heating elements into the cylinder, as shown in the attached picture there appears to be some kinda cap at the bottom of the cylinder. Can this be popped open? And could I connect the non used switch to power an element. This would be great so if kids need bath, we can turn on and heat the water without turning on the heating system.

Your professional comments greatly appreciated.
Ive included the layout of my system that is stuck to the Potterton boiler door!!


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[Fluffster]

I doubt you could sucessfully open the capping without distorting the main cylinder wall as they are very thin and that one looks pretty old and possibly full of limescale which will have set like concrete around the inside of the cap.

Elements carry 3kw so you would have to ensure your wiring was up to grade with a fused double pole isolation switch.

Your best bet in the short term would be to install a 3 port motorised valve and controls to have independent hot water function. from your boiler. Gas is a lot cheaper than elec per kw.

Pete

 

[xr4x4]

Why don't you just sort the problem with the heating system? Gas is cheaper to heat water than electric.

You shouldn't have to have the heating on to heat the water.

 

[markymarkuk]

thanks for the replies. My Heating system does not have any switches by the boiler that allows me to switch Heating or Water separately. Maybe this is how the old boiler systems worked??

Would you guys suggest I have the cylinder replaced (maybe has lots of limescale as we live in a very hard water area). What the problem is at moment is we have the heating come on during the early hours, say 4am til 7am and when we use hot water taps its luke warm, and not very much of it!!! The tank feels cold at the top.

your advice much appreciated.

 

[Charnwood]

You will not get a 'long' IH element in there. Probably a 14" at best.

Can we have a full picture of the cylinder, please.

 

[markymarkuk]

The Cylinder is a Hercules, Height 42" width 18"

Just wondered if replacing the whole cylinder with a new one would help with the heating of the hot water. Not sure how difficult it would be, there appears to only be 3 pipes that need undoing, two in the side and one from the top.

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[Charnwood]

Fit an Essex 21/4" E3/R to the top, domed part. Then you should be able to fit a 27" IH.
It will have to avoid the coil inside the cylinder.

You really need to sort the controls so you can have heating only.