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The case of the nocturnal boiler failure.

RayWohlfarth
RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,459
In this case, the boiler was problem free for the past three years. On the first cold snap, the boiler didnt work. I checked it and it ran great while I was there. Satisfied it was working correctly, I left. Later that day, the owner called and said his building was cold. You will not believe what I found. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y_tidilJwGc
Ray Wohlfarth
Boiler Lessons

Comments

  • PC7060
    PC7060 Member Posts: 1,155
    edited April 2023
    Hahaha, perfect example of the last idiot rule (“where was the last guy working?”).  And we all take turn being the idiot who caused a problem! :D   
  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,459
    @PC7060 LOl exactly I have to give the electron credit for his innovation
    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons
  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,459
    @PC7060 Electrician sorry
    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons
    PC7060
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 9,575
    pretty sure the code says that central heating equipment has to be on its own circuit...
    exqheat
  • PC7060
    PC7060 Member Posts: 1,155
    mattmia2 said:
    pretty sure the code says that central heating equipment has to be on its own circuit...
    Yes, but it’s faster to steal a branch!  🙄
  • Solid_Fuel_Man
    Solid_Fuel_Man Member Posts: 2,646
    So, did you bill him for both times? Lol
    Serving Northern Maine HVAC & Controls. I burn wood, it smells good!
    exqheat
  • Big_Burner
    Big_Burner Member Posts: 2
    So, did you bill him for both times? Lol
    Absolutely
    STEAM DOCTOR
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,042
    Yes, I believe that boiler should be on it's own circuit.

    I have seen incandescent short out inside the bulb, without breaking the glass, and trip a breaker.
    Or fluorescent ballasts short out and trip the circuit also.

    This would put one out of heat maybe for the weekend....always friday PM.

    And were the pumps on a separate circuit?
  • MaxMercy
    MaxMercy Member Posts: 507
    edited April 2023

    So, did you bill him for both times? Lol

    Absolutely
    Even after he specifically asked you not to????????????

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 9,575
    JUGHNE said:

    I have seen incandescent short out inside the bulb, without breaking the glass, and trip a breaker.
    Or fluorescent ballasts short out and trip the circuit also.

    When the filament breaks it flops around. Sometimes it touches other pieces of the filament and becomes much shorter and therefore much lower resistance which is sometimes enough to trip the breaker or blow the fuse before it overheats and burns clear.

    LED drivers either parts of lamps or parts of fixtures built with the cheapest parts the manufacturer can find can short in all sorts of ways.
    exqheat
  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,459
    @Solid_Fuel_Man I did invoice for one service call trip charge and for the hour I was there on the second trip.
    @JUGHNE They made the fire alarm company come back and fix it

    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons
    Solid_Fuel_ManCLambPC7060
  • exqheat
    exqheat Member Posts: 178
    The most asked question by the professional: " What was the last guy here thinking?"
    John Cockerill Exquisite Heat www.exqheat.com Precisions boiler control from indoor reset.
    Solid_Fuel_Man
  • exqheat
    exqheat Member Posts: 178
    Remember you called me. Problems take time to find. solutions are easy.
    You Mr. customer did not find the problem. That's why you called me.
    The boiler was fine.
    It took time to find what the last guy did.
    Your not paying for the two visits. Your paying me for the time to solve the problem.
    You couldn't think of leaving the lights on. I did.
    That's two problems solved.
    John Cockerill Exquisite Heat www.exqheat.com Precisions boiler control from indoor reset.
    STEAM DOCTOR
  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,459
    @exqheat Exactly Thanks
    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons
  • STEAM DOCTOR
    STEAM DOCTOR Member Posts: 1,953
    exqheat said:
    The most asked question by the professional: " What was the last guy here thinking?"
    Not necessarily. The assumption that the last guy was thinking, is not necessarily correct.
    Solid_Fuel_Manexqheat
  • CLamb
    CLamb Member Posts: 273
    edited May 2023
    I'm surprised the owner never went to look at the malfunctioning boiler and noticed that it worked then.
  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,459
    @CLamb The owner is not technical at all. I think he was just calling after hearing the office staff complain
    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons