Replace Potterton EP2002 - Wireless Option?

[Anon]

I am hoping someone can advise please.

We have a Potterton EP2002 programmer/timer and the slider keeps falling off, so it looks like we will have to replace the unit. We only use the slider, as when they fitted the new boiler it blocked the programmer in (see photos).

I understand that the Potterton EP2 (around £100) would be a direct replacement and not require rewiring. Is it easy to install for a novice and the access issue in the photo?

When our Potterton boiler was replaced, they installed a Viesmann Vitodens 100 boiler and replaced only the thermostat (with an R310i wireless), but not the controller.

Is it possible to easily replace the Potterton EP2002 with a wireless option to go with the R310i, or are we stuck with replacing with an EP2? I know anything is possible with lots of rewiring and bringing in a professional, but will just swap out if there isn't an easy/option to do it myself.

Thank you

 

[Stuckinarut]

If you want to do it yourself the the EP2 would be best. Isolate electrics safely and undo 1 or 2 screws angle upwards about 30-45 degrees lift off and replace with the EP2 in reverse.

You can go for wireless but would likely need wiring alterations, sometimes the EP2002 was used as a junction box too, so additional wires need to be placed in terminal blocks. Again, if you wanted wireless, not a problem but again likely needs alterations.

 

[Anon]

Thank you. I have the replacement P2 part and have tried to swap, but due to where they have fitted the boiler, the P2002 will not move to 30-40 degrees to slot off .

Looking under the boiler it seems that the white piece at the bottom is trim (so not touching the dangerous parts of working parts of the boiler?). Would undoing the screws under the boiler allow that white plastic trim to come off, which may then give me enough clearance to lift the P2002 up to take it off? If not it looks like the only way to replace it is to remove the boiler .

It looked so straightforward .

Thank you

 

[Anon]

Has anyone any thoughts on this please? Can I safely remove the white casing round the bottom of the boiler or is that a no go/it won't create the space I need?

Thank you

 

[Stuckinarut]

Post a photo of the boiler from further back

 

[Anon]

Thank you for replying. It is a Vitodens 100-W WB1B.

 

[Stuckinarut]

Thank you for replying. It is a Vitodens 100-W WB1B.

It’s hard to work out in the instructions. Perhaps you could contact Veissmann? I don’t think the bottom comes off.

 

[Anon]

Thank you for checking, it is looking like a non-starter for something which should be a quick job. We will have to stick with the old controller for now and add it to the list of jobs when it gets serviced. It is annoying they left this inaccessible when they fitted the boiler - we can't even see the controller properly to use it, but have just made do since then with the hot water just on or off.

 

[ChrisJP]

Yes, very annoying - but it's rather too common these days for tradesmen to do the quickest job they can get away with and not think through the consequences of what they are doing.
But the angle to which you can lift the EP2 does look sufficient to unhook it from the top. Maybe apply a little more force upwards with a bit of a wriggle at the same time?

 

[Anon]

it does look the right angle but unfortunately it won't budge even with a wiggle and brute force. I don't know if the old version is slightly different on the two top connections, as replicating the angle with the new one next to it on the backplate, it easily lifts off.

 

[Anon]

Sorted it by drilling one of the catches off the top then it pulled off, as I realised I won't be needing it as it is broken (hence trying to replace it in the first place!) and was annoyed enough to find a workaround.

New EP2 now fitted and working.