Fitting an unvented direct cylinder - some queries

[GB]

Thanks for all the help on my other post. This is about my flat that I am trying to refurbish on the cheap, as it's due to be demolished fairly soon.

I did look at instantaneous water heaters, but I don't think the electricity supply is up to it. The input fuse is only 60A. I ssume that that means the cable coming into the flat cannot support more than 60A? How would I go about checking that?

A combination cylinder would be a possibility, but I can't find anything cheap, and it won't give any pressure for a shower. These guys do them:

The big advantage is they are straightforward to fit - no specialist skill required. I assume that you can add a pump if you really want to run a shower off one?

That seems to be the front-runner, but I am also considering an unvented direct cylinder, in particular the Ariston ST80 and the Aquapoint III, with a 3KW immersion heater that should be okay for the electrics. Is there any reason to prefer one rather than the other? They are both miles cheaper than the Megaflos.

These seem to require specialist fitting. Is that correct? If so, can I fit it and maybe get a specialist to commission the system in some way? It sounds like these may need to be reported to the local authority under the building regs? Is that right, and how long does that all take?

Any help most gratefully received!

[Owain]

Ask the electricity supplier (the network operator, not who sends you the bill). If the cable is up to it (and this may include the submains in the building) the charge might be minor if all they have to do is upgrade the fuse/fuseholder.

tp://

big

Yes, but if you use a small cylinder and a powerful pump you'll run out of hot water very quickly.

Owain

[Cicero]

=========================================

Since you appear to have ruled out an electric instantaneous water heater consider a gas multipoint water heater. Try googling for 'Main' and 'Rinnai', for some ideas.

Cic.

[Steve Walker]

It may be your fusebox/consumer unit that is the problem. When I replaced our consumer unit some years ago, the next meter reader noted it and a couple of weeks later two guys turned up at the door to replace my main fuse and holder, uprating it in the process from 60A to 100A.

SteveW

[onetap]

Most pumps recommend something like 40 or 50 gallons cold water storage so, no, not practical.

It should be fitted by someone 'competent' who has done the relevant 1 day course but it's not beyond the abilities of a good DIYer who can follow the installation instructions.

Yes. You should notify them. They ask for the BBA No. and the details of the installer. They may ask for a qualified installer to certify it. Probably you'll never hear from them again. Especially if, like most unqualified installers, you don't let them know.

For the record they should be also notified if you fit a vented cylinder, but no one does.