3kW immersion off a 13A plug

[alichambers]

Hi,

I have a 3kW, 13A immersion heater that I would like to change from a (broken) central timer to a local timer.

I have found a product that seems to do the trick. Would it be the correct specification?

TimeGuard Master Fused Spur:
http://www.gil-lec.co.uk/products/He...mer/1531897762


The other option is to wire in a 13A plug and put a 13A timer unit into the plug


My question - is wiring an immersion heater into a 13A plug OK?
Is not, is the timer unit above an OK specification?


Thanks,
Alex
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[ban-all-sheds]

In theory you ought to be able to put it on a plug, but in practice a little bit of dirt, or worn or loose contacts, can result in overheating, and with a plug-in timer you've got two chances of that.

Use a timed spur, or a normal fused spur feeding an immersion heater timer, as then you'll have screwed connections.

 

[ricicle]

Two things to consider:-

1] It is not a good idea to connect a 3kw water heating load to a socket outlet circuit from a loading POV.

2] Plugs and/or sockets tend to get hot when run at or near their maximum current rating for significant periods as I and many others will testify.

EDIT: Too slow

 

[alichambers]

OK, thanks.

The product I mentioned:

TimeGuard Master Fused Spur:
http://www.gil-lec.co.uk/products/He...mer/1531897762

Would this be the right spec for a 13A, 3kW immersion?

 

[riveralt]

You would be better off getting a 16Amp timer such as this one:
http://www.timeguard.com/products/t...ers/7-day-16-amp-electronic-time-controller-1
Or an equivalent analogue brand such as
http://www.rselectricalsupplies.co....-heater-timer-7-day-grasslin/?utm_nooveride=1

 

[Taylortwocities]

Its not good practise to have a fixed load over 2KW connected to a 32A ring final.

There's building regulation guidance that says that heating elements for water vessels over 15litres should have a dedicated supply.

What's wrong with the existing immersion heater supply, or do you not have one?

 

[kai]

Deleted.

 

[EFLImpudence]

I obviously haven't convinced kai but

You would be wise to do as riveralt advised.