Is there a good document for novices?

Felix Domestica

OK, I admit it: I'm an electrical engineer by training, but I haven't yet completely figured out the control circuits on my oil-fired pumped-hot-water system... and given that we've had ongoing trouble with it over the past three years, I'd like to at least understand enough that I can give the service tech an accurate description of what seems to be going on.

It _looks_ like we've got three basic kinds of control components -- the pony relay accepting thermostat input, the stack themostat and its relays which seem to control ignition (does it also act as a safety to cut off oil flow if ignition fails for some reason?), and a trio of thermostats on the boiler body which appear to be safeties to guard against overheating and run the system at a "reasonable" outflow temperature.

Am I close? Is there a "typical" circuit diagram available somewhere that I could study to see how these actually interact with each other, the burner, and the pump?

I'm not about to muck with the system myself -- among other things, I'm a renter, and I'm not going to do anything to upset either the owner or his service guy, and I do know better than to assume I know more than a pro who's been dealing with the quirks of these systems for years -- but I really ought to be competent to at least understand what's going on next time it hiccups and needs service. Any advice you can offer in that direction would be greatly appreciated!

lchmb

start to a good book...

http://www.heatinghelp.com/shopcart/product.cfm?category=2-104

Bill Nye

Very Basic

but very well written. Carol is a very good teacher.


An engineer that asks questions? Maybe there is hope ! [ only kidding, mostly]

Try this link to books and more

http://www.heatinghelp.com/shopcart/product.cfm?category=2-41


Or go to www.oiltechtalk.com and find a link for firedragon ent. George has a good book on wiring.