Storage Heater System — Three New Circuits, Government Grant Scheme

The Project

Storage heaters are an efficient and cost-effective heating solution for homes without gas — they charge overnight on cheaper off-peak electricity and release heat throughout the day. Modern units are significantly more controllable and energy-efficient than older designs, and government grant schemes have made them accessible to many homeowners who previously couldn't justify the upfront cost.

This customer in Surrey had been awarded funding through one of these schemes to replace their existing heating with three new storage heater units — one in the lounge, one in a bedroom, and one in a further room. Each heater requires its own dedicated circuit, so the job involved both new circuit wiring throughout the property and a new consumer unit to accommodate the additional load safely.

Brad Neil Electrical was brought in to carry out the full electrical installation — from the consumer unit through to final commissioning of each heater.

The new Contactum consumer unit installed to supply the three storage heater circuits. A dedicated consumer unit keeps the heater circuits separate from the main domestic installation.

The Work Carried Out

The installation began with fitting a new Contactum consumer unit to house the three dedicated storage heater circuits. Storage heaters draw a significant current — particularly during the overnight charging period — so each unit must be on its own circuit with correctly rated cabling and a dedicated MCB. Running them from shared circuits or adding them to an existing board without proper assessment is a common cause of overloading.

Three new circuits were run from the consumer unit to each heater location — through the property, correctly clipped and routed to minimise disruption. Each circuit was terminated at a dedicated switched connection unit adjacent to the heater, allowing the unit to be isolated for servicing without affecting the rest of the installation.

Once all three heaters were connected, each circuit was tested to confirm correct polarity, earth continuity and insulation resistance before being energised. All three units powered up and operated correctly. The installation was completed to BS 7671 requirements and all relevant certification issued.

Inside the consumer unit — three dedicated circuits for the storage heaters, each on its own correctly rated MCB. The wiring is neatly dressed and clearly labelled.

A close-up of the consumer unit internals — individual RCBOs for each circuit provide both overcurrent and RCD protection, and a surge protection device (SPD) is fitted as standard.

The Finished Installation

With all three circuits in place, the storage heaters were positioned and connected. The units sit neatly against the walls with the supply cable routed cleanly to the connection unit below. The customer was shown how to operate each heater — including the input and output settings — so they can make the most of the off-peak charging period.

Lounge heater — wall-mounted and connected to its dedicated circuit.

Bedroom heater — positioned and connected, ready for the colder months.

One of the heater units ready to be positioned — the dedicated circuit and switched connection unit already in place before the heater is mounted.

Job Summary

About Storage Heater Installations

Storage heaters are a practical heating solution for properties without gas — particularly flats, older homes and properties in rural areas. Modern units are far more efficient than the older night storage heaters many people remember, with better insulation and more precise controls that allow you to manage how much heat is stored and when it is released.

The electrical installation for storage heaters must be carried out by a qualified electrician. Each heater needs its own dedicated circuit — the current draw during the overnight charging period is too high to share with other circuits safely. The consumer unit must also be assessed to confirm it can handle the additional load, and in many cases a new or upgraded unit is required.

If you are considering storage heaters — whether through a grant scheme or privately — Brad Neil Electrical can advise on the electrical requirements, carry out the full installation and issue all necessary certification. We cover Surrey and the surrounding area.