how old is this?

[Steve]

I looked at a website which indicated that AEI ceased to exist in 1967 after a merger with GEC. If this were the case, this immersion is original to this house. HOWEVER, the cable indicates otherwise (cord gripped on its outer pvc some time in the past). I dont fancy my chances connecting this to an RCD anyway.

(all wiring and plumbing appears to be original, except the CU and the new electric shower circuit)

 

[RF Lighting]

I would guess that the immersion is probably circa 1967. It looks about the right style, though imm heaters havent really changed much over the years.

Does the flex have red and black cores or brown and blue? I can't really tell off the picture. If it is red and black then it is probably the origional flex too.

Do you have an IR tester? This will tell you if you will have problems on an RCD, though there is no real reason to protect the circuit. You may be able to get an idea using your multimeter on continuity, and testing between live - earth and neutral - earth.

 

[kai]

I'm surprised it has lasted that long.

Is it just a back up to a gas central heating system?

 

[Steve]

I'm surprised it has lasted that long.

Is it just a back up to a gas central heating system?

Its actually on a lot of the time. There is a switch for it in the kitchen, my gran turns it on when she is making tea and then draws off hot water to wash the pots afterwards. Its not on a timer, and AFAICT, the heating, when it is on, feeds the loop of the cylinder constantly, i cant see any motorised valves on the system anywhere.

 

[Job_n_knock]

You can still get marks like that with Butyl and thats what it looks like to me. AEI did carry on with cable manufacture until I dont know when. They also made pyro...with old BICC machines........like all Pyro.

 

[securespark]

Yes, I would say mid 60's.

But of course, that doesn't mean the flex feeding it is - I know many rewires where a connection is made to an existing element.