Immersion Heater not working

Joined
23 Jan 2003
Messages
234
Reaction score
1
Country
United Kingdom
Hi, I tried my immersion for the first time and it trips after 14 seconds each time I switch on! I have traced the power from the switch in the kitchen to the switch in the airing cupboard and on to the immersion head itself.
The live wire goes into the blue plastic covered unit (screw on right) and on from the screw on the leftthrough the white wire to a brass post sticking up from the base of the immersion heater head. there is power reaching this point.
Any ideas what the problem could be other than a fault with the immersion itself? It may never have been tested (not even at istallation some 4 years ago!)
 
Sponsored Links
As they are in water they are prone to corrode away and then short out to earth.
You need to safely isolate and disconnect the element and check insulation resistance and continuity of the element.
 
Sponsored Links
If it's the RCD then there could well be earth leakage happening which would cause the RCD to trip.

The only way to really know would be to do as is suggested - insulation test/continuity of the element. It sounds as though you might need a new element though.
 
Stupid question, but I notice that neither of the switches are earthed to theie metal boxes. could this influence things?
 
Problem Solved! :D

Called sparky back who had fitted the new consumer unit a few months back and he spotted the problem straight away. He had fitted a 6Amp MCB instead of a 16Amp!
All is well now but good job he'd fitted one lower than required and not higher!!!!!!!!
 
Sorry, my terminology has been wrong on this post. It has been the MCB that has been tripping
Thanks for qall your input :)
 

DIYnot Local

Staff member

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
Sponsored Links
Back
Top