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Tekmar 260 install problems

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Tom_81
Tom_81 Member Posts: 6
in THE MAIN WALL
I'm installing a tekmar 260 on my 5 zone fin tube baseboard system with a zone valve operated indirect DHW. I'm encountering two problems:
1) I just burned up a zone valve power head while testing the system. They are Taco 570 series valves and I have 6 (5 zones plus DHW) on two 40va transformers wired in parallel. This is the second head that has failed. The first failed prior to installing the 260. Could I have two much load for the two transformers? Could it be a wiring problem? I took the inputs that were running to the Honeywell 8148 and placed them on the 260 boiler demand input with the boiler ouput from the 260 running back to the TT terminals on the 8148.

2) I'm having a tough time figuring the proper wiring for the DHW demand and DHW valve output. I know I need to run the DHW aquastat to the demand input on the 260, but it has to be powered. Where in the loop between the aquastat, DHW zone valve (again, a Taco 570 series) and transformer does the 260 sit?
Thanks, I appreciate the help. My wife isn't liking the cool showers and burning up power heads is kind of defeating the whole efficiency, cost savings thing!

Comments

  • Ken_40
    Ken_40 Member Posts: 1,310
    Break down,

    bite the bullet.

    Power the 5 Taco's with an 80 VA transformer.

    Part 2? You may simply want to get a 5 zone TACO relay.

    The 260 requires an isolation relay for the circ. If I recall correctly. Remember, in most instances, the stat does not turn on the control, it merely "makes" the device circuit.

    THEN, the device has an end-switch which makes the burner or control circuit - after it has been activated from the primary circuit...

    Again, it's been a while, but I recall the 260 having a d/h/w priority dip switch. Make sure that's "on."
  • Mike T., Swampeast MO
    Mike T., Swampeast MO Member Posts: 6,928


    I'll second the motion for replacing the two transformers in parallel with a single transformer of sufficient capacity. Have dealt with parallel transformers before and they seem to have problems. Like water heaters in parallel they don't seem to share the load equally...
  • Tom_81
    Tom_81 Member Posts: 6


    Thanks guys.

    So, running two underpowered transformers in parrallel - not so good, huh? I'll price an 80va transformer.

    I solved my wiring issues thanks to the good help of Mike at tekmar. Something about wiring a red lead into a bunch of white wires that I just couldn't do without a little technical support. I know the color of the jacket doesn't really matter, but....

    Thanks again.
  • hydronicsmike_2
    hydronicsmike_2 Member Posts: 6
    Tom....

    ....you're most welcome.

    Just call, should you have further questions and comments. And thank you for calling back to let me know all went well.

    Regards,

    Mike

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • lchmb
    lchmb Member Posts: 2,997
    Do yourself a favor

    In my opinion, do yourself a favor and get the Taco 406 control. You will thank yourself down the road...
  • Robert O'Brien
    Robert O'Brien Member Posts: 3,593
    Tekmar

    Wiring two 40va transformers in Parallel should NOT burn out a power head, unless your accidently wiring the secondaries in series instead of parallel--effectively doubling the voltage instead of the current capability!

    Pete
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