Potterton Mini Minder query.

[Brian Lacey]

On the wall above our old (35yrs) gas boiler is a similar aged Potterton Mini Minder that controls the on/of function of the C/H and H/W.
Just recently it has started to fail in either turning on the H/W or turning off the H/W. Not every time but enough to be a problem.
I am assuming that the mechanical function of pegs/springs /clips and tiny switches with - in the workings are wearing out. I also assume that a like for like replacement is a no-no as they were probably made obsolete long ago.
So...
What simple and cheap, easy to use programmer can be purchased that will be a straight replacement ? I don't want anything fancy as the boiler will be replaced sometime in the next couple of yrs or so anyway and a new programmer as part of the package.
And..
I suppose that I have to get an electrician in to remove the old one and put the replacement in its place ? It is no longer an allowed DIY job ?

Cheers and thanks

Brian

 

[kevindgas]

I also assume that a like for like replacement is a no-no as they were probably made obsolete long ago.

I suppose that I have to get an electrician in to remove the old one and put the replacement in its place ? It is no longer an allowed DIY job ?

Brian

wrong and wrong i'm happy to say

a replacement is still available
why do you think it is no longer a DIY job? you are replacing the timeclock this will not alter the characteristics of the circuit so is not a notifiable job

the mini minder was a good timer when they came out but they are dated the newer timers have extra time settings / features

if you are reasonably ok with wiring it is not a big job to change timer to a more up to date one

just write down or mark the existing cable positions

live
neutral
earth
hotwater on
hot water off
C/H on
C/H off (not normally used)

and wire into the new one (watch for changed positions) diagram on back/wall plate usually tells you what each terminal is

 

[dal5band]

The mini minder had a pin connection system so you can undo the two screws and lever off the body (having switched off the mains to it first). So the first thing would be to try to get a second hand mini minder and just swap it over. Could try a squirt of WD40 ?

The connection system is still in use and is now "standard" so you could replace it with a modern electronic one. But the connections are not always the same. Space around the mountig is also importand - some are bigger and go left or right of the mounting plate.

I replaced mine with a Potterton EP2000 but that itself is over 10 years old and I had to swap some of the wires over.

 

[kevindgas]

personally wouldn't replace it with a potty EP20xx timer as they are huge and aren't any better than the miniminder IMO
if you are replacing it get a drayton clock much better

 

[Brian Lacey]

Thanks everyone for such a quick response.

I will try the simple first, ie , remove the cover and give it a gentle clean. As the cats have always slept up there it could be a bit hairy !

Then if no better a cheap replacement unit. With the new regs re electrics I didn't know if I could remove/replace or not so thought best to check.

Thanks

Brian