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  1. #1
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Yonsai Greg S's Avatar
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    Heater Error Code

    Got an error code showing on my Elecro 3kw heater.

    Bought second hand and it is an old model - Have tried contacting Elecro and they cannot / will not support.

    Any ideas? (as i have no manual and the one online does not say) on how to fix it?

    Would like it working before winter sets in case i need it as a back up.



    1a.jpg



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  3. #2
    Senior Member Rank = Rokusai Rayman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Greg S View Post
    Got an error code showing on my Elecro 3kw heater.

    Bought second hand and it is an old model - Have tried contacting Elecro and they cannot / will not support.

    Any ideas? (as i have no manual and the one online does not say) on how to fix it?

    Would like it working before winter sets in case i need it as a back up.



    1a.jpg
    Hi, it could be a flow sensor issue. Is it installed the correct way around i.e. water flow in correct direction? Sure it is if you have always run it this way but gotta ask Heater Error Code Does your unit have the reversible flow sensor? If not, it is possible the sensor may have failed. Please note I'm not 100% sure that is what the error is but similar heaters throw this code when a sensor is knackered.

    Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

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  5. #3
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Yonsai Greg S's Avatar
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    Rayman,

    Yes the flow sensor is the right way round (have even tried it opposite to be sure).

    Guess the next step is a new sensor..... annoying.

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  7. #4
    I would try bypassing the sensor with a wire link and running the heater without it literately for just a couple of seconds to see whether it's actually faulty before I replaced it. If the heater contactor operates and the heating light comes on, it's either a faulty sensor or it's operating correctly but the flow is insufficient.

    Two things to note:

    The sensor may be at mains voltage so, if you feel ok to do this test then take the usual precautions or (no disrespect intended) get someone experienced to do it.

    A couple of seconds with a poor flow won't cause the element to overheat but don't let it run any longer than that.

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  9. #5
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Yonsai Greg S's Avatar
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    Syd,

    Have done exactly that tonight.

    Putting the link wire in clears the code and the heater works perfectly normal.

    As for flow i have variable flow pumps on the return line (20,000lph) and they are throttled back to displaying 50% power. When i take into account 6 or 7 bends plus the pipe run it should be well under the maximum 10,000lph flow recommendation.......?

    I have also tried reducing the flow on the pump further to ensure i was under 10,000 - i got as low as 40% power with the heater still not working correctly. Leads me to the sensor fault i think.

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  11. #6
    Greg, just one point to clarify. The flow sensor is there to protect against a low flow not a high flow.

    So far you've proved that all the all the control and safety circuits in the heater are ok so it may be that the sensor is faulty but, this would be unusual. Not impossible but rare, so the last things I would check is to whack up the flow rate as much as possible and see if the heater operates. If that fails, in order to verify that the sensor is faulty and totally remove any possibility that the flow is inadequate, I would try one more simple test if it is possible and you're confident to do it.

    Without the bypass link I suggested in my previous post, remove the flow sensor and tape it in the operated position then (bearing in mind it could be at mains voltage) switch the heater on without the pump running literally for a couple of seconds. If it operates, the problem is a low flow or, if it doesn't operate, there are two possibilities. Either the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced or it may be prevented from fully travelling to the operated position due to a build up of scale or biofilm and it might just need cleaning.

    Even in the relatively clean water of a swimming pool I've found sensors being prevented from operating a few times by scale. Ponds are full of suspended stuff or biology that make it more likely. So by taking a few more minutes to do these last tests, you will have proved whether your problem i
    s insufficient flow or whether the sensor should be changed or just needs to be cleaned.

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  13. #7
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Yonsai Greg S's Avatar
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    Syd,

    Awesome - you have just saved me £50 for a replacement flow switch.

    Went out and used a drop of brick acid on the flow switch paddle - bit of fizzing but not much.

    Rebuilt and then switched all back on and hey presto - working!

    Ran the pump up to full speed and then down again - tested the "on/off" of the heating controls. All working fine it seems - even at lower flow than i was running at.

    Thanks again.

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  15. #8
    I thought that might have been the problem Greg. I'm glad to have helped.

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