Alpha 240P User manual

User's
Instructions
Alpha 240P G.C. No. 47 532 09
Alpha 240E G.C. No. 47 532 06
Alpha 280E G.C. No. 47 532 08
Alpha 280P G.C. No. 47 532 12
Service Listed
0051
Alpha 240/280
Range of Wall Mounted, Fan Assisted, Room Sealed,
Gas Fired Combination Boilers
For use with Natural Gas only
Leave these instructions with the User
Nepicar House, London Road,
Wrotham Heath, Sevenoaks,
Kent TN15 7RS
For Technical help or for Service call ...
ALPHA HELPLINE
Tel: [phone]

2
1 DESCRIPTION
The Alpha Range of boilers are wall mounted, fan assisted room-sealed combination boilers, providing both central heating and
domestic hot water at mains pressure.
TheAlpha240Eand240Pboilersaresuitableforcentralheatingloadsofbetween9.3and23.3kW(31700and79500Btu/h).The
Alpha 280E and 280P boilers are suitable for central heating loads of between 9.3 and 28 kW (31 700 and 95 500 Btu/h).
The boilers will provide central heating (as required) during the 'on' times set on your clock (if fitted). Hot water is always
available whenever a hot tap is opened and takes priority over the central heating.
Note: The Alpha 240P and 280P use a permanent pilot for lighting the burner, and the Alpha 240E and 280E burner is lit
electronically.
2 USER CONTROLS
Pull the controls panel cover forward and down to gain access to the controls.
Fig. 1
Clock
(if fitted)
System
Pressure
Gauge
Central
Heating
Thermostat
Domestic
Hot Water
Thermostat
Selector
Switch Gas Control Indicator
Neons
Pilot and Burner
Viewing Window
0
THERMOSTAT
0
THERMOSTAT SELECTOR GAS
OFF
bar
04
3
2
1
Alpha 240P and 280P
Clock
(if fitted)
System
Pressure
Gauge
Central
Heating
Thermostat
Domestic
Hot Water
Thermostat
Selector
Switch
Burner
Viewing
Window
0
THERMOSTAT
0
THERMOSTAT
0
SELECTOR
bar
04
3
2
1
Indicator
Neons Red Reset
Button
White
Reset
Button
RESET
RESET
Alpha 240E and Alpha 280E
Alpha 240/280

3
1. CENTRAL HEATING THERMOSTAT
This thermostat controls the temperature of the water leaving the boiler for the heating system. For maximum output from the
radiatorsthethermostatshouldbeleftatmaximumi.e.fullyclockwise.Iflowerheatingtemperaturesarerequired,turnthethermostat
anti-clockwise.
2. DOMESTIC HOT WATER THERMOSTAT
This thermostat controls the temperature of the domestic hot water leaving the boiler. For maximum hot water temperatures the
thermostat should be left at maximum i.e. fully clockwise. If lower temperatures are required, turn the thermostat anti-clockwise.
3. SELECTOR SWITCH
This control allows the boiler to provide central heating and hot water or hot water only.
Note: The mid position i.e. vertical, must not be selected. The internal clock and frost thermostat will not operate when the
switch is in the vertical position.
4. PRESSURE GAUGE
This indicates the central heating system pressure. It should always be within the green band when cold, increasing slightly
when hot.
If the pressure falls below the green band, ie lower red area, refer to the label on the front cover for guidance on re-pressurising
the system. Or contact your Installer to have the system checked and pressurised.
5. INDICATOR NEONS
When illuminated, the following conditions apply:-
Warning light (continuously on) - blocked flue or fan fault, contact your Service Engineer.
Overheatthermostathasoperated-presswhite resetbutton (seeFig.1) toreset(not applicabletoAlpha240Pand280P).
Electrical supply to the boiler is on.
Boiler is supplying hot water.
Boiler is supplying central heating.
When the red reset button ( ) is illuminated on the Alpha 240E and 280E it indicates that the burner has failed to light -
Press the red reset button (see Fig. 1) and the ignition sequence will restart (not applicable to Alpha 240P and 280P).
6. OVERHEAT THERMOSTAT
This thermostat automatically switches the boiler off in the unlikely event of the boiler overheating. When the thermostat
operates on the Alpha 240P/ 280P it turns the pilot off, when it operates on the 240E/280E the neon is illuminated. Press the
white reset button (see Fig. 1) and the ignition sequence will restart automatically on the 240E/280E, for the 240P/280P the
pilot will have to be relit. Refer to the lighting instruction in section 4.
If this continually happens, contact your Service Engineer.
7. PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
If the central heating system overheats and steam or water is discharged from the pipe connected to this valve, turn the boiler
off and contact your Service Engineer. Your Installer should have told you where this pipe terminates somewhere outside your
dwelling.
8. FROST THERMOSTAT
The boiler has a built-in frost thermostat, which automatically operates the boiler if the water temperature falls below 5°C,
providing the electrical supply neon is illuminated and in the case of the Alpha 240P and 280P the pilot is alight.
3 BOILER CONTROLS
Alpha 240/280

4
4 LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS
Refer to Fig. 1 for boiler controls.
1. Ensure the following:-
a. Electrical supply to the boiler is off.
b. All heating controls and thermostats are set to OFF or minimum position.
c. All isolation valves at the bottom of the boiler are in the open position (flats on the spindle in line with the valves i.e. ).
d. The gas and water supplies are on at the mains.
e. The heating system pressure is within the green band as shown by the pressure gauge.
2. Turn the heating and hot water thermostats fully anticlockwise to 0.
3. Switch on the electrical supply to the boiler.
4. Set any room thermostats to maximum and ensure that any clock is in an 'on' position. Refer to section 8, if a clock is fitted
in the boiler control panel.
5. Set the selector switch to (hot water only). The neon will illuminate, indicating the electrical supply to the boiler is on.
Alpha240Pand280Ponly-Fullydepressthegascontrolandkeepitpressedin.Afteradelayofabout20secondstheignition
sparks will start and the pilot will light. When the pilot lights (view through the window in the boiler case) keep the gas control
pressed in for a further 20 seconds then release. The pilot should remain alight.
If the pilot does not remain alight, release the gas control and turn it off in the direction of the arrow i.e. clockwise.
Warning: If the pilot is extinguished at this or any other time, wait at least 3 minutes before attempting to relight the boiler.
6. Turn the hot water thermostat fully clockwise. Open a hot water tap, the main burner will light and the boiler will provide hot
water. Close the tap and the burner will go out.
7. Set the selector switch to (central heating and hot water) and turn the heating thermostat fully clockwise. The main
burner will light and the boiler will provide central heating.
8. Set the boiler thermostats, clock, external controls i.e. room thermostat to your chosen settings and the boiler is ready to operate.
To turn the central heating off i.e. in Summer:- Set the selector switch to (hot water only).
To turn the boiler off for short periods:- Set the selector switch to (hot water only).
Note: In this position the pump will automatically operate for 5 minutes in every 24 hours. If the water temperature falls below
5°C and if applicable the pilot is alight, the built-in frost thermostat will operate the boiler automatically until the temperature of
the water in the heating system has been raised.
To turn the boiler off for longer periods:- Switch off the electrical supply to the boiler and on the Alpha 240P and 280P turn
off the pilot by turning the gas control clockwise. If required, all supplies i.e. gas, water and electricity may be turned off at the
mains. If there is any possibility of the boiler being left during frost conditions, then the boiler and system should be drained and
a label attached to the boiler drawing attention that the system has been drained. If this is required, contact your Service
Engineer.
5 BOILER OPERATION
The operating sequence of the boiler is controlled by the selector switch on the control panel. With the switch set to (hot water
only) the boiler will only operate to provide domestic hot water, ideal for Summer use when central heating is not required.
Setting the selector switch to (central heating and hot water) the boiler will operate to provide both central heating and
hot water.
If the boiler is operating to provide central heating and a hot water tap is opened, the boiler will automatically switch over to provide
hot water. Such an interruption in the central heating should not generally be noticed by any reduction in room temperature.
Note: If a clock is fitted to the boiler, it will only control the operating times of the central heating. Hot water will always be
available when a tap is opened.
When the selector is set to central heating and hot water, it will respond to a demand for heat in the following sequence:-
a. The pump will start, the fan will operate at full speed and the main burner will light.
b. The output of the burner is automatically controlled to suit the system demand.
c. When the temperature of the system water in the boiler reaches that set by the thermostat or the room thermostat is
satisfied, the main burner is turned off and the fan stops or in the case of the Alpha 240P and 280P the fan returns to low
speed. The pump will continue to run for 5 minutes to remove any residual heat from the boiler.
d. When a hot tap is opened, the boiler automatically senses a flow of water. The pump will start, the fan will operate at full
speed and the main burner will light.
e. The boiler will continue to supply hot water at the temperature set by the thermostat until the tap is closed.
Alpha 240P and 280P only - When there is no demand for either central heating or domestic hot water, the fan runs at low
speed and the pilot remains permanently alight.
Alpha 240/280

5
6 HOTWATER USE
Thesupplyofhotwateris almostinstantaneousatthe boiler,butthetimetakentoreach atapandthe temperatureatwhichit leaves
the tap will depend on the rate at which the water is drawn off and the length of the pipe between the tap and the boiler.
Fully opening a hot tap may not always provide the maximum temperature as the flow rate may be too high, try closing it slightly
until the maximum temperature is achieved.
Depending on your mains water pressure, it may not be possible to operate several hot taps at the same time.
7 USING A SHOWER
Thermostatic or pressure equalising type - When using these types of shower set the boiler domestic hot water thermostat
to maximum. The shower should then maintain a relatively constant temperature.
Manual bath mixer type shower - When using this type of shower set the boiler domestic hot water thermostat to the 7 o'clock
position. This should avoid excessive temperatures at the shower.
Note: If you get unacceptable temperature variations with this type of shower, then a thermostatic or pressure equalising type
should be used.
8 IMPORTANT NOTES
1. BOILER LOCATION
Always ensure the following clearances are available around the boiler:-
Top: 220 mm, Bottom: 250 mm, Each side: 5 mm, Front: 450 mm
Donotstoreanyotherarticlesinthecupboardcontainingtheboilerandneverplaceanyclothingorcombustiblematerialonornear
the boiler or flue pipe.
2. FLUE TERMINAL
The terminal on the outside wall must not be allowed to be obstructed. If it is damaged, in any way, turn the boiler off and
contact your Service Engineer. In cold weather, vapour may be emitted from the terminal. This is quite normal.
3. MAINS FAILURE
In the event of an electrical supply failure the boiler will not operate. When the supply is restored, the boiler will return to normal
operation. However, in the case of the Alpha 240P and 280P, check that the pilot is alight by viewing through the window and if
not, refer to the lighting instructions in section 4. Remember to reset the clock when the supply is restored.
If the mains water supply fails, there will be no hot water from the taps. The boiler will continue to provide central heating.
4. ADDITIONAL BATHROOM FITTINGS
Any equipment such as mixing valves, showers, bidets etc. must be designed to operate at mains water pressure. Contact your
plumbing merchant or installer for advice when considering purchasing such items.
5. CLEANING
Use only a damp cloth and mild detergent to clean the boiler outer casing. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
6. SERVICING
To maintain efficient and safe operation of your boiler, routine annual servicing is essential.
For advice on servicing contact:- The Alpha Helpline: 01322 669443.
7. GAS LEAK
If a fault or gas leak is suspected, turn off the gas supply. Do not touch any electrical switches, do not smoke and extinguish all
naked flames. Contact your local Gas Region immediately.
8. ELECTRICAL SUPPLY
The boiler requires a 230/240 V ~ 50 Hz supply, fused at 3 A if a 13 A 3-pin plug is used or a 5 A fuse if any other type of plug is used.
To connect a plug:-
The colour of the wires in the mains lead of the boiler may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals
in your plug. In this case proceed as follows:-
The wire coloured green and yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug that is marked with the letter E, or by the
earth symbol , or coloured green or green and yellow.
The blue wire must be connected to the terminal which is marked with either the letter Nor coloured black.
The brown wire must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter Lor coloured red.
THE APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.
Alpha 240/280

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9 GAS SAFETY REGULATIONS
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations:-
It is the law that all gas appliances are installed and serviced by a competent person, ie CORGI registered personnel. Failure to
install or service appliances correctly could lead to prosecution. It is in your interest and that of safety to ensure compliance
with the law. The manufacturer's instructions must not be taken in any way as over-riding statutory obligations.
The Benchmark Log Book must be fully completed by the installer on installation of the boiler. All CORGI registered installers
carry a CORGI ID card and have a registration number. Both should be recorded in your central heating Log Book. You can
check your installer is CORGI registered by calling CORGI on 01256 372300.
10 CLOCK (if fitted)
The clock allows you to set the times at which the boiler will operate to provide central heating. It does not affect the supply of
domestic hot water, which is always available whatever the setting of the clock.
1. TO SET THE TIME
Turn the outer dial clockwise to set the clock hands to
the correct time.
(Ensure the time indicator corresponds with the correct
time on the 24hr dial as shown in Fig. 2,
e.g. 3.00pm = 15 not 3).
NOTE: Do not rotate the dial anti-clockwise
2. TO SET THE ON/OFF PERIODS
Select the ON times by pushing the tappets out.
Select the OFF times by pushing the tappets in.
Fig. 2 shows the clock set as follows:-
ON 3.00pm to 10.00pm (15 - 22)
OFF 10.00pm to 5.00am (22 - 5)
ON 5.00am to 8.00am (5 - 8)
OFF 8.00am to 3.00pm (8 - 15)
3. MANUAL SWITCH
The clock has a manual On/Off switch which operates as follows:-
Mid position Heating On/Off as set by the tappets
Position I(right) Heating On continuously
Position 0 (left) Heating Off continuously
Fig. 2
Alpha 240/280

7
11 FAULT FINDING FORTHE USER
If you experience a problem of no heating or hot water, try to solve the problem by following the simple checks below before
calling out a service engineer.
Pull the controls panel cover forward and down to gain access to the controls.
Clock
(if fitted)
Pilot and Burner
Viewing Window
0
THERMOSTAT 0THERMOSTAT SELECTOR GAS
OFF
bar
04
3
2
1
Turn to
maximum Turn selector
to ..........
If no hot water - call
Alpha Helpline
Open hot tap fully and this
light should come on
See B
If this light is not on
See C
If this light is not on
If not - See A
Is needle within or above
the green band ?
Is the pilot alight ?
If not, use this control knob to light the pilot
as per the instructions on hinged cover.
If unable to light pilot, check gas supply is on.
Then call Alpha Helpline
Alpha 240P
A
B
C
D
E
- Refer to the label on the front cover for guidance on re-pressurising the system.
Or contact your installer. Or
- Check that the electrical supply to the boiler is on. If so
- Check that all controls are calling for heat, i.e. room thermostat, clock. If so
- When this button is illuminated the burner has failed to light. Press the illuminated
button to reset and check gas supply is on. If this continues to happen
- When the overheat thermostat operates, the light is illuminated. Press the white
reset button and the ignition sequence will restart. If this continually happens
Clock
(if fitted)
Burner
Viewing
Window
0THERMOSTAT 0THERMOSTAT 0SELECTOR
bar
04
3
2
1
RESET
RESET
Turn to
maximum Turn selector
to .......... Yes - Press white button
to reset and see E
Is this light on ?
If no hot water - call
Alpha Helpline
Open hot tap fully and this
light should come on
Yes - See D
Is this button illuminated ?
See C
If this light is not on
See B
If this light is not on
If not - See A
Is needle within or above
the green band ?
Alpha 240E and Alpha 280E
Ring the
Alpha Helpline Service
Tel: [phone]
You will be asked
the Serial No. of your
boiler when you ring.
The Serial No. of the
boiler is on the inside
of the hinged cover.
Alpha 240/280

Manual compiled and designed by Publications 2000 - Tel: [phone]
These instructions have been carefully prepared but we
reserve the right to alter the specification at any time in
the interest of product improvement.
© Alpha Therm Limited 1999.
11/99/D101
Part No. 920.033.2
Alpha Therm Limited.
Nepicar House, London Road, Wrotham Heath
Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 7RS
email: [e-mail]
website: www.alpha-innovation.co.uk