Potterton Gold RL1 Isolation Relay

Fitting a Potterton Gold RL1 Isolation Relay solves a common problem with electric heating. When an electric boiler and an electric shower share one supply, running both together can overload it. The RL1 cuts the boiler out while the shower is on, then lets it carry on once the shower is off.

How the RL1 relay works

The relay sits between the shower circuit and the boiler control. When the shower draws power, the relay switches and holds the boiler off. Because the boiler only stops for the length of a shower, the house barely notices any drop in heat. The relay comes mounted on a DIN rail inside a plastic housing, so it is a neat fit beside the consumer unit or the boiler.

Specification

• Brand: Potterton
• Range: Gold
• Maker code: 94970056
• Suitable for: One Potterton Gold electric boiler sharing a supply with an electric shower

Common Questions

Do I need an isolation relay for an electric boiler and shower?

If both share one incoming supply and could overload it together, a relay like the RL1 is the usual answer. An electrician should check the supply and the boiler manual before deciding.

Will the RL1 stop my heating for long?

Only while the shower is drawing power. The boiler comes back on by itself when the shower switches off, so the rooms barely cool.

Can I fit the RL1 relay myself?

This is mains wiring, which belongs with a qualified electrician working from the Potterton diagram. Isolate the supply at the consumer unit before any work starts.

Choosing the right relay: Glasgow counter advice

The RL1 is for one boiler and a shower. For banks of two or three electric boilers, Potterton use the RL2 and RL3 assemblies instead, which isolate the pump supply. Wiring the Potterton Gold RL1 Isolation Relay is a mains electrical job, so it should be done by a qualified electrician, working from the boiler instructions. Ask for the wiring diagram before you start, as getting the shower and boiler legs mixed up stops it working.

See more Potterton parts in our Potterton accessories.

Relays can be ordered online any time. The Plumb Parts shop itself, at 555 South Street, Glasgow G14 0QX, keeps Mon-Fri 8am-5pm hours along with Sat-Sun 8am-1pm.