Immersion heater problem

paul_h

Cagey wrote:

You can`t get better double pole isolation than removing a 13amp plug. The problem with the immersionm fittted to a 13amp plug is that the cartridge fuse tends to wear out through time.

The reason that the 13A fuses tend to fail over time is that an immersion heater is so close to their load limit. Fuses and trips do not fail exactly at their specified load, but are subject to a time/load curve.

Of course I agree that removal of the plug offers total isolation, but this does not alter the fact that it is against IEEIE regulations. The connection of immersion heaters via a 13A plug is specifically prohibited. The originators of these regulations know that the socket switch will be the usual method of isolation in these cases. The 20A DP isolator is not specified to provide isolation just for maintenance, but to provide isolation when the device is not in use due to the close proximity to water.

alanobrien wrote:

and i am also aware that many get connected by 3 pin plugs because my brother is an electrician and sees that stuff all the time.

Having been an electrician for many years, I have also seen this done - I'm really sorry if you took my reply the wrong way, it was not meant as a rebuke, but I felt that it was necessary to point out to DIYers that it was not an acceptable method of connection.

If I, as an electrician, came across this method of connection, I would be forced to condemn it and disable it's use, because as a 'competent person' I could be held jointly liable for any subsequent injury caused.

In all cases I would advise anyone who is unsure to seek professional advice. Please read the sticky.

alanobrien

paul_h wrote:

Having been an electrician for many years, I have also seen this done - I'm really sorry if you took my reply the wrong way, it was not meant as a rebuke, but I felt that it was necessary to point out to DIYers that it was not an acceptable method of connection.

No problem, long day.....in retrospect glad you did the thought of it scares me _pale_

Nailed

The cut-out on my immersion heater is stuck open. I've unscrewed it and the button will not move so I need to replace it. Are these little 'Gismos' available. I presume so as they are removable but none of the electrical suppliers locally seem to have a clue. They need pattern No's etc; and there is none. Would be grateful if you could help
Nailed

vaio

the only cut out on the one I’ve just done was part of the thermostat. They normally just pull out and are cheap to replace. They do come in different lengths and I’d also check to make sure the element is still good before getting the stat as new elements tend to come with a stat included

http://www.screwfix.com/search.do;jsessionid=3EDW3D3G20BIKCSTHZOCFGA?_dyncharset=UTF-8&fh_search=immersion+heater&searchbutton.x=5&searchbutton.y=9&searchbutton=submit

will show you what I’m talking about, as you can see the new element plus stat is well under £20