ALDE Heating...... Gas OK, Electric Not

[davyayr]

So my Alde heating system has a problem.
Works fine on Gas. Hot water immerser switch provides plenty.
Problems is that when I try to set heating to run on Electric only, it doesn't heat up.
Not on 1kW - 3kW. I know electric isn't that great but even after 4-5 hrs its still cold.
I can hear the pump running and the tank in cupboard gurgles away and has sufficient fluid in it.
I have bled both the bathroom rad and the one at the door. They both run really hot on gas heating.
Visited dealer where I bought van, second hand, from and its either an element issue, which will require a return of whole unit it ALDE.
Or it could be a PCB issue. They would need a check to see what, if any, the the current draw was on 1kW, 2kW and 3kW.
Just looking for some useful info and possible things I can check.
They suggested the cost to replace the PCB would be around £400.

Bailey Unicorn Madrid 2011

Thanks for any ideas.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Based on your description I concur, it will be either PCB or elements, but without further testing you cant tell which of the items is at fault. I don't know how easy it is to access the elements on the heater you have, but if you can access the electrical terminals of the elements and you know how to use a multimeter, you can determine if the elements have a reasonable resistance, or possibly establish if power is reaching them of not.

I have to advise dont attempt this unless you are both cmpetent and confident with using a multimeter.

 

[Jcloughie]

I think your unit has two elements. A 1 kw and a 2 kw. In this way the can switch 3 power choices.

For both elements to fail is improbable, therefore I would look for something common to both.

Fuses would be my first place to look at. Then sensors. Also the mains electric continuity to the boiler. Remember, the gas side will work with just a 12 volt input.

Others have had this problem, try looking at these.

One
Two
Three
Four

John

 

[Martin_E]

Another issue that I have come across is where there is a bad connection on the mains supply for instance the mains lead on a JST connector, you get 230v but not the amps

 

[otherclive]

Unless it’s a fix that you can discover, any dealer work should not be chargeable as the sale of the caravan is covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This makes the Seller responsible for repairs under certain criteria. Read up about it on the Which web site.

 

[Buckman]

Unless it’s a fix that you can discover, any dealer work should not be chargeable as the sale of the caravan is covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This makes the Seller responsible for repairs under certain criteria. Read up about it on the Which web site.

It is a 2011 caravan and unsure when it was purchased. It is possible that it has a load monitor fitted which shuts down the system when load is exceeded. Therefore if using 3kw and the load monitor is set to 10amp there will be no heating as system will shut down. Even at 2kw it will be close.

However if suggestions on here do not resolve the issue, the best thing for the OP to do is to phone ALDE and to have a chat with them as they are very helpful

 

[davyayr]

Should have added that bought her July 2023. Going to phone ALDE. See what they say.

 

[Jcloughie]

Should have added that bought her July 2023. Going to phone ALDE. See what they say.

Alde are a great company at dealing with customer queries. Suggest you have model numbers and dates at the ready before you call.

John