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Lecky
Rank 3
Aug 13, 2025 2:25 PM UTC
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My Dimplex Quantum storage heaters aren't charging fully since the smart meter was installed - cores not being charged, what can I do?

My Dimplex Quantum ‘G’ Series storage heaters are no longer being charged since the new smart meter was installed. Current is getting to both control and charge circuits during the off-peak periods, but the cores are not being charged. They were regularly charged automatically without a hitch during the now deceased THTC’s RTS. Any enlightenment?

Firedog
FiredogBest Answer
Super User
Aug 14, 2025 7:05 AM UTC

Updated on 29/10/26 by Ben_OVO

 

Thank you. It’s a really good idea to make sure your heating is working properly before the cold weather returns.

  

The two heater circuits were switched on for 24hours. The neon indicator on the connection unit confirmed that the charging circuit was switched on during each off-peak period. 
   

First, you’re fortunate that it looks as if the timings in your meter are as expected. Usually in this forum we only see complaints from customers whose switching times are wrong!

 

Second, it may be that 24 hours is just not long enough for your heaters to adjust to the situation. Since you seem to have decided that the heaters aren’t charging up, it won’t hurt to leave them on for a couple of days just to make sure. If they still refuse to do what you expect them to, you may have to call in a competent electrician to check that their heating elements, thermostats and other controls are working properly. 

 

If you’re still having trouble with your storage heaters, it might be worth checking out other topics for more guidance from the community:

 

Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
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7 replies

Peter E
Super User
Peter ESuper User
Super User
Aug 13, 2025 4:45 PM UTC

Hi ​@Lecky 

 

During the time they would have been off during the meter change over have they lost any programming regarding the set temperature or gone into holiday mode or set to off? They may have reverted to a default off or standby setting. Normally they will tolerate a short duration power loss without a problem but a longer one may end up with default settings. Just a pure guess on my part as I am not familiar with these but perhaps worth a check.

 

Peter 

 

Reducing my yearly fossil fuel usage with an EV (-900 litres petrol saving about £950/year), A2AHP (-8,700 kWh gas, cost neutral) and Timed Immersion heater (-1,500 kWh gas, £20/year more expensive but reducing as the gas price goes up)
Rank 3
LeckyAuthor
Rank 3
Aug 13, 2025 7:23 PM UTC

Hi ​@Peter E

The heaters remain set up as they were prior to the installation of the smart meter. ‘Home All Day’, preffered temperature, comfort times, etc.. The only difference is that they no longer charge. The heaters are powered by two separate circuits. One, which is connected for the full 24 hours, powers the heater controls. The other is switched on automatically during the off-peak hours only, and is solely for charging the storage heaters’ cores. The neon indicator lights on the connection units’ for these circuits glow red for the duration of  the off-peak period, but no charge occurs. The cores remain completely cold. I am baffled.

Firedog
Super User
FiredogSuper User
Super User
Aug 13, 2025 11:43 PM UTC

The neon indicator lights on the connection units’ for these circuits glow red for the duration of  the off-peak period, but no charge occurs. The cores remain completely cold. I am baffled.
  

I’m sorry if this is way out of line, but we are in the middle of a heatwave just now … I haven’t been able to find out what the difference is between Series G and any other flavour of Quantum, but I suspect that they are smart enough to realize that there’s no need to provide heat during the day when the temperature is in the twenties anyway:
  
 

From Weather in August 2025 in Buckie, Scotland, United Kingdom 

  
Could this be the reason your heaters aren’t charging up?

Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
    Rank 3
    LeckyAuthor
    Rank 3
    Aug 14, 2025 1:33 AM UTC

    Hi ​@Firedog 

    I simply wanted to test the system. Intentionally I chose a cool day (we have them here in the Scottish Highlands) when the indoor air temperature was some degrees lower than the temperature setting on one of heaters. The two heater circuits were switched on for 24hours. The neon indicator on the connection unit confirmed that the charging circuit was switched on during each off-peak period. The heaters, however,  remained cold with only cold air being emitted during the 'Comfort On'' periods. Still puzzled. 

      Firedog
      Super User
      FiredogSuper UserBest Answer
      Super User
      Aug 14, 2025 7:05 AM UTC

      Updated on 29/10/26 by Ben_OVO

       

      Thank you. It’s a really good idea to make sure your heating is working properly before the cold weather returns.

        

      The two heater circuits were switched on for 24hours. The neon indicator on the connection unit confirmed that the charging circuit was switched on during each off-peak period. 
         

      First, you’re fortunate that it looks as if the timings in your meter are as expected. Usually in this forum we only see complaints from customers whose switching times are wrong!

       

      Second, it may be that 24 hours is just not long enough for your heaters to adjust to the situation. Since you seem to have decided that the heaters aren’t charging up, it won’t hurt to leave them on for a couple of days just to make sure. If they still refuse to do what you expect them to, you may have to call in a competent electrician to check that their heating elements, thermostats and other controls are working properly. 

       

      If you’re still having trouble with your storage heaters, it might be worth checking out other topics for more guidance from the community:

       

      Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
      Rank 3
      LeckyAuthor
      Rank 3
      Aug 14, 2025 8:03 AM UTC

      Hi ​@Firedog 

      When the current heatwave departs and cool returns I shall activate two heaters with identical settings. if both remain uncharged for a few days I shall know that the heaters are not the problem. The possibility of two heaters developing the same fault simulanteously is virtually zero. The appliance of science.

      Abby_OVO
      Community Manager
      Abby_OVO
      Community Manager
      Aug 14, 2025 8:36 AM UTC

      Hey ​@Lecky 

       

      Glad to see Firedog has stopped by with some helpful advice already! Do let us know how you get on with this, I know it won’t be too long until we get one of our cooler days - I don’t think some of my south of the border counterparts believe how often it happens.😆

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