Replace Manual Potentiometers on Boiler Controls - GSR?

[Callum MacArthur]

Hi all, I have a combination boiler that uses two manual pots for controlling HW and CH temps. Was looking to replace these with digital pots that I control externally along with the timing function. I have no issue whatsoever replacing these with the correct functional and safety spec (including prevention circuit to not exceed min/max ohms), but would this be legally something that could only be done/recertified by a GSR person?

Cheers for any help!

 

[Harvest Fields]

What boiler do you have and why do you want to do this?

 

[Chuck]

Hi all, I have a combination boiler that uses two manual pots for controlling HW and CH temps. Was looking to replace these with digital pots that I control externally along with the timing function. I have no issue whatsoever replacing these with the correct functional and safety spec (including prevention circuit to not exceed min/max ohms), but would this be legally something that could only be done/recertified by a GSR person?

Cheers for any help!

As far as I am aware, modifying a domestic boiler in such a manner (or any manner for that matter) can't be done legally by anybody, GSR or not.

If you want a boiler with digital controls, you'll need to get one that the manufacturer designed that way installed (by a GSR).

 

[king of pipes]

You cannot modify these on the pcb and expect the manufacturer to stand by the warranty, not sure it would even be legal fitting smart controls, weather comp will give you all the control you will need , look at the new Intergas Etreme boiler nice looking unit designed for the European market . Kop

 

[Riley]

Yeah modifying a gas appliance is a big no no

 

[Gasmk1]

contravenes gas safety regulations and nulls all warranties

 

[townfanjon]

I cant see why you would want to

 

[Harvest Fields]

Come on. Was trying to get an explanation as to why they wanted too.

 

[Ric2013]

I suppose there is nothing to stop the OP setting the manual pots to max and then adding external controls though?
Callum - what are you hoping to achieve?

 

[Last Plumber]

Maybe the Boiler is inaccessible? Loft?
It's a no though.
You should not modify the manufacturers design.
It's obviously OK to have external controls but not OK to override the internally wired controls of an appliance.

The question of 'why', really needs answering though.
What's the ultimate goal?

 

[Harvest Fields]

Doubt that we will get an answer now.

 

[Last Plumber]

Doubt that we will get an answer now.

You think that the OP disappeared?

 

[Harvest Fields]

Maybe.

 

[Welder]

Can someone explain to me exactly how this is a GSR issue please?

 

[Riley]

Because they are modifying a gas appliance

 

[Welder]

Not meaning to be funny, honestly, but adding a control 'modifies' an appliance in that case.

 

[Riley]

But he’s talking about bypassing the controls on the existing boiler and attaching new to the pcb I’m assuming

 

[Welder]

Not as I read it. He's talking about moving the controls not bypassing. Basically the same as adding.

 

[Riley]

Guess it’s interpretation mate I read it the other way

 

[Last Plumber]

I read it that he wants to replace the manual pots with digital remote pots.
That would render the manu's pots redundant and have the new ones in place of them. He does mention the Ohms resistance of the new pots too.
To my mind that would be modifying a Gas appliances controls.

I cannot think how you could add an external control to do their job without overriding them?

 

[Harvest Fields]

Not as I read it. He's talking about moving the controls not bypassing. Basically the same as adding.

He’s talking about changing the configuration of the pcb mate.

 

[Welder]

Not the configuration H, just taking out two components and replacing them. Done similar loads of times for all sorts.

 

[Harvest Fields]

Not the configuration H, just taking out two components and replacing them. Done similar loads of times for all sorts.

But they will be set to manufacturers spec mate. I wouldnt do it.

 

[Callum MacArthur]

Hi all, not gone, just sleeping. To clarify, the reason for controlling the temps remotely are so that I can have them dynamically set depending on certain heating profiles and other sensor inputs.

As for the PCB, the components being changed are incredibly simple. They go from one resistance to another and that sets the temp the boiler aims to hit. The components have a certain spec, and as long as the new components meet or exceed that spec I can't see how it could possibly affect the safety aspects of the boiler?

As someone said above, there isn't a way to bypass these controls, but the pots themselves could be easily desoldered.

 

[Harvest Fields]

Hi all, not gone, just sleeping. To clarify, the reason for controlling the temps remotely are so that I can have them dynamically set depending on certain heating profiles and other sensor inputs.

As for the PCB, the components being changed are incredibly simple. They go from one resistance to another and that sets the temp the boiler aims to hit. The components have a certain spec, and as long as the new components meet or exceed that spec I can't see how it could possibly affect the safety aspects of the boiler?

As someone said above, there isn't a way to bypass these controls, but the pots themselves could be easily desoldered.

Sounds like you have made up your mind mate. However you should be talking to the people that make the boiler before you do anything.