The provided document is a user manual for the "Ideal Independent System" condensing system boiler, available in models 15, 18, 24, and 30. It covers operation, safety, troubleshooting, and maintenance, with an emphasis on user-friendly instructions and safety regulations.
Function Description:
The Ideal Independent System is a wall-mounted, room-sealed, condensing system boiler designed for central heating. It features full-sequence automatic spark ignition and fan-assisted combustion, ensuring efficient operation. As a condensing boiler, it produces condensate from flue gases, which is drained through a plastic waste pipe at the base of the boiler. A condensate "plume" may also be visible at the flue terminal during operation. The boiler is designed to be highly efficient, especially when operating in condensing mode, which is achieved when the CH temperature control is set to the 'e' (economy) position.
The boiler's primary function is to provide central heating. It controls the radiator temperature up to a maximum of 80°C, adjustable via the CH temperature control (A). An optional Weather Compensation feature, if fitted, allows the CH Temperature Control (A) to regulate room temperature based on outside weather conditions. This means users can set a desired room temperature, and the system will automatically adjust to achieve it.
The boiler also incorporates several safety and operational features:
- Automatic Self-Check: The pump operates briefly as a self-check once every 24 hours, regardless of system demand.
- Overheat Protection: The boiler controls will shut down in case of overheating, displaying a fault code L-1.
- Flame Failure Detection: If the flame fails, a fault code L-2 will be displayed.
- Low Water Pressure Detection: The boiler will not operate if the system pressure falls below 0.3 bar, displaying fault code F-1 or L-1. Users can monitor system pressure via the pressure gauge (E) and re-pressurise the system if needed.
- Frost Protection: The boiler includes a frost protection mode (code F) where it will fire if the temperature drops below 5°C. Users are advised to leave heating controls at a reduced temperature setting during short absences or, if a frost thermostat is installed, to turn off the boiler at the time switch only, leaving the mains supply on.
- Condensate Trap System: A siphonic condensate trap system is fitted to reduce the risk of the condensate pipe freezing. Instructions are provided for unblocking a frozen condensate pipe.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Electricity Supply: 230 V ~ 50 Hz.
- Fusing: 3A.
- Earthing: The appliance must be earthed.
- Minimum Clearances for Servicing:
- Above: 165mm (6 1/2")
- Below: 100mm (4") (can be reduced to 5mm after installation with an easily removable panel)
- Sides: 2.5mm (1/8")
- Front: 450mm (17 3/4")
- System Pressure: Normal operating pressure is between 1 and 2 bar. The boiler will not operate if pressure drops below 0.3 bar.
Usage Features:
- Controls: The boiler features a control panel with:
- CH Temperature Control (A): Adjusts central heating radiator temperature or room temperature (with weather compensation).
- Mode Control (B): Used to turn the boiler ON/OFF and for resetting.
- Boiler Status Display (C): Shows operational codes (0 for standby, C for heating, F for frost protection) and fault codes.
- Burner 'on' Indicator (D): Illuminates when the burner is lit.
- Pressure Gauge (E): Displays central heating system pressure.
- Lighting the Boiler: A step-by-step procedure is provided:
- Ensure electricity supply to the boiler is OFF.
- Set mode control knob (B) to 'Off'.
- Set Central Heating temperature control (A) to 'max'.
- Switch ON electricity and ensure external controls (programmer, room thermostat) are ON.
- Set mode control knob (B) to ON.
- Reset Procedure: To reset the boiler, turn the mode control knob (B) to the 'reset' position and immediately back to 'ON'. This will restart the ignition sequence.
- Troubleshooting Guide: A detailed flowchart helps users identify common issues related to "NO CENTRAL HEATING" and "NO HOT WATER" before calling an engineer. It directs users to check mains switches, programmer settings, thermostat settings, and boiler operation modes/fault codes.
- Fault Codes: A comprehensive list of display codes (C) and their descriptions (e.g., Boiler Chip Card Not Fitted, Outside Sensor Failure, Low Mains Voltage, PCB Fault, 5 Boiler Resets in 15 minutes, False Flame Lockout, BCC Activation Fault, BCC Fault, Low Water Pressure, Flow Temperature Overheat, Flame Loss, Fan Fault, Control/No Flow Thermistor, Return Thermistor) is provided, along with recommended actions for each. Many actions involve resetting the appliance or contacting a Gas Safe Registered Engineer (or RGII in IE).
Maintenance Features:
- Annual Servicing: The appliance should be serviced at least once a year by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer (or RGII in IE).
- Spare Parts: Only genuine Ideal spare parts should be used for replacement to ensure safety and performance. Reconditioned or copy parts not authorised by Ideal should not be used.
- Cleaning: For normal cleaning, dust with a dry cloth. For stubborn marks, wipe with a damp cloth and finish with a dry cloth. Abrasive cleaning materials should NOT be used.
- Condensate Pipe Unblocking: Detailed instructions are provided for identifying and unblocking a frozen condensate pipe using hot water bottles, heat packs, or warm damp cloths. Boiling water should NOT be used.
- Preventative Solutions for Freezing: During cold weather, users are advised to set the boiler thermostat to maximum (returning to original setting after the cold spell) and run heating continuously with the room thermostat set to 15°C overnight or when unoccupied.
- Gas Leaks: In case of suspected gas leaks, users are instructed to contact the National Gas Emergency Service (0800 111 999) immediately and NOT to search for leaks with a naked flame.
- Benchmark Scheme: Ideal Stelrad Group is a member of the Benchmark scheme, which aims to improve installation and commissioning standards and encourage regular servicing for safety and efficiency. The Benchmark Service Interval Record must be completed after each service.
- Literature: The latest literature for specification and maintenance practices can be downloaded in PDF format from www.idealboilers.com.
- Consumer Helpline: A dedicated helpline (01482 498660) is available for queries.
- Warranty Policy: Users are encouraged to check the troubleshooting guide to identify external problems before requesting a service engineer's visit, as a charge may be levied if the problem is not with the appliance or if access is not gained during a pre-arranged visit.
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