Wendy Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 So, my Central Heating cut out Wednesday evening. It had been on when I arrived home and got chilly through the evening. I checked the radiators, cold, so went to the Controls, no lights on showing the heating was on, so I switched it all off. The Boiler was serviced 9 days previously and I knew I was low on Oil, but thought I had enough for another month as indicated by my Watchman. It was pitch black, cold and the boiler is situated in the garage. . I had the Log burner going, so stocked it up, no worries, I could check everything in the morning in daylight. In the morning - I checked the Tank, plenty of oil. Didn't even go to see the Boiler - what was I going to do - kick it ? !!! So I rang the Engineers - same company I have used to service the boiler annually for the last 14 years. They came out this morning, sadly I had to leave keys with neighbours, as I am in London today. They rang me, to say, no problems, the clock had reset itself to zero ????? How ? Yes the electric was off for hours on Wednesday, the Electric Board were doing some mains work. But in this village we regularly are without electric, like at least monthly it will go off, sometimes for seconds, minutes, even the odd hour but this has not happened previously. He reckons there is probably a battery in the controls, although I may need a new controller if not. These are both minor things that I can resolve if needed, it is now working as he reset the clocks. Yes, I feel like a fool for not checking this element, but then why would I with my previous experiences. Annoyingly not the usual chap who comes out, but then as they were only at my house for 15 minutes - they are not charging me - How Kind is that ! Anyways - Can anyone explain better what has happened here as I really am not understanding. Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
350zedd Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 The timeswitch may have backup batteries to run the clock when the mains fails. The batteries may now be exhausted as you said the power went off on Wednesday. This would cause the digital clock to blank out. What make and model is your timeswitch/controller? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudman Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 (edited) Sounds like the back up batteries indeed had it happen to me before - Some displays have a little flashing battery as an indicator Edited March 5, 2015 by Mudman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldel Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 My elderly neighbour had a problem with a tap, plumber guy came over, took 2 mins to fix but prior to that she had no running hot water downstairs. Didn't charge her. There are some really good hearted tradesmen out there, worth keeping tabs on them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Posted March 5, 2015 Author Share Posted March 5, 2015 Thanks for the replies. No idea what make the Timer/Controller is and can't check until back home tomorrow evening. Hadn't thought about battery back up for when the power is off to operate the Controller. Makes sense. Also these batteries have been in for over 14 yeas and there certainly have been many power cuts in that time. Not noticed a Flashing battery indicator. I do find it frustrating when the electric power goes off that the Oil powered central heating does not work, as it needs electric to fire it up. ?? !!! Shame there is not a battery override for this feature too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Posted March 5, 2015 Author Share Posted March 5, 2015 I agree with the kind hearted tradesman. It is quite amazing how many local self employed people are like this. They are always fully booked, never have advertised and go out of their way to help in a crisis Does help that they usually drawl over my cars. Have been known to take the odd one for a burn !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 I really should get new glasses, I read that last sentence completely wrong...! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
350zedd Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 Living in the Welsh outback, we too have frequent power cuts in the winter. I've considered buying a small generator to power up the oil CH. No probs for heating though as we utilise the woodburner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ebized Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 Hadn't thought about battery back up for when the power is off to operate the Controller. Makes sense. Also these batteries have been in for over 14 yeas and there certainly have been many power cuts in that time. Most likely the answer in what you have said - the batteries age and the fact they have been put to use on numerous occasions - like me, old and worn out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Posted March 5, 2015 Author Share Posted March 5, 2015 Living in the Welsh outback, we too have frequent power cuts in the winter. I've considered buying a small generator to power up the oil CH. No probs for heating though as we utilise the woodburner I deliberately bought a wood-burner with a flat top, so I could cook on it if need be due to the amount of power cuts. Regularly use it too - even if there is not a power cut. Usually have hot water in a pan on it, works with my type of thinking. Have done Boiled eggs, steamed vegetables, toasted bread. Proper Scout me !!! Even bought a reciprocating power saw last week to cut up the branches from my trees for the fire. Brilliant bit of kit............ Think I may have become Proper Sad !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
350zedd Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 Proper Sad.....no way!!! Its called being resourceful. Planted loads of willows here years ago, but have never had to use them, as we get a good supply of pallets with deliveries. Cut them up with a jigsaw........can't beat free heating! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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