The rating is usually printed on the back of the switch, but check the rating of the appliance in case the wrong switch has been fitted.
An immersion heater is usually about 3000 Watts (3KW)
Divide by the supply voltage (usually quoted as 230 Volts)
So 3000 W / 230 V = 13.034.... Amps
That is the minimum rating of a suitable switch.
You may find switches rated at 6 Amp, 10 Amp, 20 Amp, 45 Amp etc. etc.
The first two would not be up to the job, and 45 Amp would be OTT, so I would select a 20 Amp switch.
You may also find a choice of single pole or double pole switches.
Single pole switches usually have two or three terminals, and double pole switches have four terminals.
^shouldnt the switch be rated equal or higher than that of the protective device of the circuit. And the protective device should itself should be higher than the anticipated load as you describe, but lower than the cables maximum (given the length and installation methods of the cable not the B&Q ratings).
Thank you all for the information, i'll report back next week when i view the business again.
Taylor, thanks for your suggestion but i was afraid of making my post too long or too complicated.
Thank you all for the information, i'll report back next week when i view the business again.
Taylor, thanks for your suggestion but i was afraid of making my post too long or too complicated.
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