Boiler Wiring

Empire_2

Alot of the systems and their wiring techniques will come with experience. Alot of times it's a matter of how things are wired and why they are that way. Everyone likes to do different things a certain way, but in the end the object is to make the equipment work properly and safely.

lwal

Boiler Wiring Resources Available?

Whenever I go on a service call, I am expected to diagnose the wiring on a boiler to see if this could be the cause of a "No-Heat" call/ Okay, I understand the basics, but when it comes to 3,4,5,6,etc zone boilers, I find that some are wired oneway and others another. From trhermostat to gas valve, thermostat to aquastat and thermostat to switch relay. So that I may improve my skills can someone recomend a practical and "Easy" to read book that can help me, something along the lines of "Boiler Wiring for Dumies" Thanks and Keep Warm

J.C.A._3

Click ...

Books and more to the left and go through the list. Carol Fey has an offering that is just what you're looking for. Chris

jim lockard

Boilers for dummies

Carol F. boiler control wiring and Timmie M. troubleshooting guides have helped many a dummie including myself. Well worth the money-everyone will think you is boilersmart. Best Wishes J.Lockard

Bill Nye_2

Lance

Lance, try to forget the wiring for a minute. By the way I highly recomend George Lanthiers books, Firedragon.com.

If you fully understand what is supposed to happen the wiring is easy. The troubleshooting is easy. 99% of the time it is not the wiring. It worked for 5, 10 , 20 yrs why would the wiring go wrong tonight. It is usually because someone did something.

The basics is, the power comes from the street to the switch at the stairs to the burner etc.

Same if you had one zone or ten. The best way to understand the relays is save the installation sheet and read it, or read the cover. You will only find so many different brands in your area. Go to the website and download installation guide.

In my experience, electricians who do not service burners for a living, are not as qualified to wire a heating system as a heating technician. Although their license and the law may say they are more qualified.

A good number of the systems you will see won't be technically correct.

In most 4 or 6 zone relays TT from the thermostat will initiate a call for heat. The relay will start the pump or open the zone valve and close the xx terminal to start the burner , oil or gas.

Another way, the burner signal may come from ZR or X on the panel.

They are pretty much all the same, Taco , Argo , Erie, Honeywell, the flavor of choice in your area.

Does your boss let you wire stuff on new installs? Is there a control or two laying around the shop you can "play with" on the week end ?

A quick troubleshooting thing is , what works? this can lead you to what doesn't work.

Get a good meter and a good pocket pen looking thing that beeps and lights up around electricity. The safety circuits are wired in series, switch - LWCO - high limit - etc. Start at the begining, do I have power here ?, how about here ? here? All you have to do is pop the cover and wave the tester at it.

It does not take long to become a good trouble shooter if you know what to look for and why.

Broken neutrals and wires that fell out of the wire nut are a stumbling block too. The power can get to your motor or control , but it has to get back to the panel too.







Bill Nye
Nye Plumbing & Heating LLC