Under floor heating - spare part?

[larkim]

The actuator on an underfloor heating system in my house has failed in some way (leaking, lots of crystalline brown stuff around it!) so I'm obviously in need of a new one.

I'm sure the devices come and go, but it was put in about 4 or 5 years ago by a contractor who has since left the trade.

The documentation I've still got says it is a "Floortec" product, and the whole actuator / pump set is described as a "Water Temperature Compact Control Pack".

I *think* that Myson now operate Floortec, so I will get in touch with them today to see if they hold the spares.

If they don't, two questions arise:-

- any recommendations for a pump / actuator set for a two loop (30m2- ish) UFH system?

- any recommendations alternative sources for tracking down a like for like replacement?

Cheers!

Matt

[The Natural Philosopher]

not sure hat an 'actuator' is or does.

If you mean a motorised valve, they are ubiquitous. many people make them.

[Tim Watts]

The Natural Philosopher ( [e-mail]) wibbled on Monday 10 January

2011 11:02:

Might be a thermal wax actuator - like a TRV but the head is a cylinder filled with wax + electric heating coil which operates a plunger as the wax expands.

I've seen UFH manifolds that have an array of these with the various takeoffs - and single units too. York Uni back in the 80's had full TRV head swaps with these so rads in the college could be on a touch timer (easily defeated by the students!).

To the OP:

Do you think the residue is wax or leaking dried water?

If the former, you should be able to swap the head without touching the plumbing. If the latter, you need a new valve base or a full new unit - in which case any make should be fine, provided the control voltage is the same

- many are mains, but 24V and others do exist.

Cheers

Tim

[larkim]

You've got me wondering now why I am calling it an actuator! Must have seen it in the docs somewhere....

shows the device (and accumulated crud around it - can't believe we didn't spot it sooner!).

I appreciate that there will be many suppliers of motorised valves, but there is a possibility that they won't fit this setup.

Cheers!

Matt

[The Natural Philosopher]

That looks a bit like my wax filled heads .. mine are polyplumb tho. Screw onto the manifold to shut off various circuits.

Should be a simple job to replace, if you can find the right part.

[Tim Watts]

larkim ( [e-mail]) wibbled on Monday 10 January 2011 11:56:

It is.

Looks like the wax had leaked out. New head if you can match it would be easiest otherwise new unit, which as I mentioned, does not have to be the same make as long as you can get it fitted.