New Build - 2010 regulations on heating compliance: Timers on thermostat?

[sigmundfridge]

I've bought a new build that followed the 2010 regulations. In the domestic heating compliance guide 2010 it states that a timer and thermostat is needed for all electric heating panels. However, I believe this is just a "guide" so was trying to find out the official requirements. The house as it stands has 4 panel heaters, each with a thermostat, but with no way to turn on/off other than changing the thermostat temperature.....

 

[JohnD]

They're not storage heaters, then?

Please show how the flex goes into the wall.

 

[sigmundfridge]

Nope. They are thin panel heaters. Each one attached to it's own thermostat, but with no timer.

Electical connection

• sigmundfridge
• 24 Jan 2017

Thermostat

• sigmundfridge
• 24 Jan 2017

Heater from side

• sigmundfridge
• 24 Jan 2017

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

What does that switch in your first photo do then? Sometimes it's better to provide some context as well as specific questions.

 

[sigmundfridge]

Sorry about that. Basically the house has 4 panel heaters (two per floor, one at front, one at back). Each is connected to it's own thermostat. They are all independent. The wall switch is simply on/off for electrical supply to the unit. Each unit also has a little red switch (pictured) that turns on and off. This means I can set temperature or turn it on and off manually. However, there is no way to get them to turn on/off at specific times (so that at night you basically have to leave all the heating on, at a low temperature). Similarly through the day it is left on constantly at a set temperature rather than (what I would take as normal use) turning on before you get back from work.
The Domestic building compliance guide (pdf link) states that electrical panel heaters should have a programmable thermostat or separate time/thermostat. However, I've been led to believe that this is just a "guide" and actually regulations don't require this. I'm trying to get clarification on this point.