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Heating and cooling: IDM Energie Systeme - be aware

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    • CommentAuthormikejd
    • CommentTimeFeb 8th 2013
     
    I have a GSHP system using an IDM heat pump which has stopped working with a seized compressor. The original supplier in UK has gone bust (Invisible Heating Systems) and the nearest installer I found who could help is 100 miles away. He looked at the pump and advised that the soft start switch appeared faulty but the compressor should be checked before trying to start. A local refrigeration engineer checked to find it was seized, he could replace it but advised the switch should be changed as well.

    The first engineer was meeting IDM in UK on 30 Jan., they advised that there was one switch left in the factory so I agreed to order it. The order had to be placed through their agent in Wales. I was told on Monday 4 Feb that the switch was being sent by courier. Now I am told today that it has been despatched and will be delivered to the engineer, not to me, next Wed. 13 Feb. This is by courier!!

    The refrigeration engineer says that the switch could have been replaced with a switch sourced in this country. Bearing in mind that the pump stopped working on Jan 23 and it took nearly a week to diagnose the problem I will have been without heating for over 3 weeks by the time it gets fixed.

    Anyone considering an IDM pump might wish to reconsider as their backup and spares supply service is abysmal. I can't fault the people who have been helping me locally as they are doing their best.
    • CommentAuthorJonG
    • CommentTimeFeb 9th 2013
     
    Hi Mike, we look after 4 IDM units and have learned a fair bit about their foibles, these too were supplied by IHS and we are now supported by the existing IDM suppliers in the UK.

    I think the main issue is that often the spares have to come direct from Austria and this does inevitably lead to delays, that said we have always found the UK reps to be helpful and knowledgeable.

    It is fine to test the compressor by wiring around the soft start, we had a similar issue on a compact Terra, which would attempt to start and then thump before tripping the main supply fuse. When we we took the soft start out of the equation the compressor ran fine.

    At least then you will know whether you have a bigger issue. Depending on the age of the unit, it may be worthwhile checking whether the problem is more symptomatic, e.g. is it cycling too much, which creates additional wear on the compressor and soft start.

    It is very common to find that IHS installations were hydraulically and electrically compromised, which can lead to later complications. Again the UK reps can supply correct schematics and wiring diagrams to check against.

    Jon
    • CommentAuthormikejd
    • CommentTimeFeb 12th 2013
     
    Thanks JonG. I had a refrigeration engineer check the compressor and he advised it was seized and would have to be replaced. This is a UK manufactured unit and he has been able to get a replacement, it's just the switch itself that we had to order from IDM, although the engineer reckons a UK sourced alternative unit should be available.

    The pump is a Terra Compact 7S, it doesn't trip the fuse just doesn't start.

    I don't know where our nearest agent is but there is a chap near Perth who is helping and is dealing with IDM direct but I think has to go through someone in Wales. The switch should arrive tomorrow and hopefully we can get it repaired on Thursday.
    • CommentAuthorWheelebin
    • CommentTimeFeb 19th 2015
     
    Hi gents

    We have inherited such a system here at our new offices and just yester the compressor seemed to die and no heat is being generated.

    The same sort of noise can be heard of it trying pediorically trying to start but it can't. The mains spikes and then dips as it does. No RCDs or fuses trip.

    How do I proceed with bypassing the soft start switch?!

    Any help would be most definitely appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!

    Thanks
    • CommentAuthorJonG
    • CommentTimeFeb 19th 2015
     
    Hi W where are you in the UK? It does sound like the soft start but its not that straightforward or advisable to link it out there are also different units on different heat pumps.

    If you want to whisper your mobile no I will try and give you a call tomorrow to discuss further.

    Jon

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