Fused socket for Immersion Heater?

[snrweb]

Hi, newbie here!

I have just had a new boiler fitted. The plumber would not wire up the Immersion Heater as it 'did not have a fused socket' and obviously could not wire it up as he would then take responsibilty etc etc. All perfectly reasonable given the circumstances.

I like to think i am pretty handy with this sort of thing and would have a go myself. What exactly does he mean?

The Immersion Heater is on a dedicated circuit straight from the CU (don't let the abbreviation fool you into thinking i am an expert lol!). There is an MCB (lol! another one) for it rated at 16amps. Next to the boiler there is one of those large red switches with an LED on (damn! gave it away now!). My question is what else do i need?

Is it something like this?

http://www.choiceful.com/choiceful-id-1613-13-Amp-Switched-Fused-Connection-Unit-With-Neon.html

If so, what should it be rated at?


Most grateful for any advice.

 

[Softus]

I have just had a new boiler fitted.

I think you might mean "tank", or "cylinder", not "boiler".

Next to the boiler there is one of those large red switches with an LED on (damn! gave it away now!). My question is what else do i need?

It depends on the rating of that existing switch, but it's likely that you can use it.

Is it something like this?

http://www.choiceful.com/choiceful-...-Fused-Connection-Unit-With-Neon.html[/QUOTE]
That would replace any existing switch, and it's a perfectly suitable accessory for what you're doing. Personally, I'd buy a branded one rather than the one at that web site.

If so, what should it be rated at?

If you mean the fuse, then it should be a 13 Amp one.

I would also ensure that the flex from FCU to immersion heater is butyl sheathed, not ordinary PVC coated flex.

 

[securespark]

What rating is the immersion element?

 

[Softus]

Have you seen any that aren't 3kW?

 

[securespark]

Yes, that's why I asked!

Some older ones are in excess of 3 kW, hence they were on a 15A fuse with a DP switch, not an FCU.

 

[snrweb]

I think you might mean "tank", or "cylinder", not "boiler"..

Oops. blew it on the first sentence. Yes, i mean Hot Water Tank, sorry must have been thinking of the wife!

That would replace any existing switch, and it's a perfectly suitable accessory for what you're doing. Personally, I'd buy a branded one rather than the one at that web site.
If you mean the fuse, then it should be a 13 Amp one.

I would also ensure that the flex from FCU to immersion heater is butyl sheathed, not ordinary PVC coated flex.

Many thanks for the advice. I will replace the existing switch with a branded double-pole switch rated at 13A. I've got some of that heat-resistant cable left over.

 

[kai]

Ask for an MK K330-WHI, "13amp double pole switched fuse-connection unit" at your stockist, they cost around five to six pounds each.

For a 3kW (13amp) element, you need a 13amp fuse in it too.

 

[securespark]

Does not HAVE to be DP.

Or fused, for that matter.

 

[snrweb]

I got out the Manual and it does not show the rating of the Immersion but does specify a 13A double pole isolating switch so assume thats the one to use.

Is this the one Kai?

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Product...&kw=k330 whi&gclid=CMmg07OEk5QCFRKS1QodmHm1tw

Do they do one with a neon?


@securespark - It was because the existing one was not fused, the plumber refused?

 

[Softus]

Yes, that's why I asked!

Some older ones are in excess of 3 kW, hence they were on a 15A fuse with a DP switch, not an FCU.

Hm. I stand corrected. I've only ever seen ones >3kW on Heizers.

 

[333rocky333]

Do they do one with a neon

yes they do,the neon will be on the tip of the switch, it will be where the red painted bit is on the photo.

They also do flex out the front or flex out the bottom
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Manufacturers/MK_Logic_Plus/Spurs_13_Amp_Switched_4/index.html

 

[Softus]

The neon light adds a horrendous chunk to the price for no significant (IMO) usefulness.

 

[securespark]

They also do flex out the bottom

Impressive party trick?

 

[kai]

Is this the one Kai?

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Product...&kw=k330 whi&gclid=CMmg07OEk5QCFRKS1QodmHm1tw

Do they do one with a neon?

Yes it's the perfect one - complete with a very neat flex outlet in the bottom edge, with its automatic cord grip - the classic immersion heater control switch with the 10 year guarantee too.

 

[snrweb]

Many thanks, fitted it now!