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.
The Alpha 240E and 240P boilers are suitable for central heating loads of between 9.3 and 23.3 kW (31 700 and 79 500 Btu/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.
2USER CONTROLS
Pull the controls panel cover forward and down to gain access to the controls.
Alpha 240P and 280P
THERMOSTAT0THERMOSTAT SELECTORGAS
0
Central
Heating
Thermostat
Domestic
Hot Water
Thermostat
Alpha 240E and Alpha 280E
Selector
Switch
Gas
Control
Pilot and Burner
Viewing Window
OFF
Indicator
Neons
Burner
Viewing
Window
2
3
1
04
bar
System
Pressure
Gauge
Clock
(if fitted)
2
Central
Heating
Thermostat
Alpha 240/280
THERMOSTAT0THERMOSTAT
0
Domestic
Hot Water
Thermostat
0
Selector
Switch
SELECTOR
Fig. 1
RESET
White
Reset
Button
RESET
Indicator
Neons
2
3
1
04
bar
Red
Reset
Button
Clock
(if fitted)
System
Pressure
Gauge
3BOILER CONTROLS
1. CENTRAL HEATING THERMOSTAT
This thermostat controls the temperature of the water leaving the boiler for the heating system. For maximum output from the
radiators the thermostat should be left at maximum i.e. fully clockwise. If lower heating temperatures are required, turn the thermostat
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.
Overheat thermostat has operated - press white reset button (see Fig. 1) to reset (not applicable to Alpha 240P and 280P).
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
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.
neon is illuminated. Press the
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.
Alpha 240/280
3
4LIGHTING 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.
Alpha 240P and 280P only - Fully depress the gas control and keep it pressed in. After a delay of about 20 seconds the ignition
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
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.
(central heating and hot water) and turn the heating thermostat fully clockwise. The main
).
To turn the central heating off i.e. in Summer:- Set the selector switch to
To turn the boiler off for short periods:- Set the selector switch to
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.
(hot water only).
(hot water only).
5BOILER 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.
4
Alpha 240/280
6HO T WATER USE
The supply of hot water is almost instantaneous at the boiler, but the time taken to reach a tap and the temperature at which it 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.
7USING 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.
8IMPORTANT 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
Do not store any other articles in the cupboard containing the boiler and never place any clothing or combustible material on or near
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
The blue wire must be connected to the terminal which is marked with either the letter N or coloured black.
The brown wire must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured red.
THE APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.
, or coloured green or green and yellow.
Alpha 240/280
5
9GAS 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:-
The clock has a manual On/Off switch which operates as follows:-
Mid positionHeating On/Off as set by the tappets
Position I (right)Heating On continuously
Position 0 (left)Heating Off continuously
Fig. 2
6
Alpha 240/280
11 FA ULT FINDING FOR THE 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.
Is the pilot alight ?
Alpha 240P
Pilot and Burner
Viewing Window
THERMOSTAT0THERMOSTAT SELECTORGAS
0
Turn to
maximum
Turn selector
to ..........
OFF
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
If this light is not on
See B
Clock
(if fitted)
Is needle within or above
2
3
1
04
bar
the green band ?
If not - See A
Open hot tap fully and this
light should come on
If no hot water - call
Alpha Helpline
If this light is not on
See C
Alpha 240E and Alpha 280E
Burner
Viewing
Window
THERMOSTAT0THERMOSTAT0SELECTOR
0
Turn to
maximum
A
- Refer to the label on the front cover for guidance on re-pressurising the system.
Turn selector
to ..........
If this light is not on
See C
RESET
1
04
bar
RESET
Is this light on ?
Yes - Press white button
to reset and see E
2
3
Or contact your installer. Or
B
- Check that the electrical supply to the boiler is on. If so
C
- Check that all controls are calling for heat, i.e. room thermostat, clock. If so
D
- 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
E
- When the overheat thermostat operates, the light is illuminated. Press the white
reset button and the ignition sequence will restart. If this continually happens
Open hot tap fully and this
light should come on
If no hot water - call
Alpha Helpline
If this light is not on
See B
Clock
(if fitted)
Is needle within or above
the green band ?
If not - See A
Is this button illuminated ?
Yes - See D
Alpha Helpline Service
Tel: 01322 669443
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.
Ring the
Alpha 240/280
7
Alpha Therm Limited.
Nepicar House, London Road, Wrotham Heath
Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 7RS