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immersion element

  • 28-02-2010 1:41pm
    #1
    rockblu
    Closed Accounts Posts: 28 ✭


    Hi,Im just wondering is it possible to test the element in my immersion as every time i switch on the the hot water switch the circuit breaker trips.Or is it just a tken that it is time to replace it?Is this a job for an electrician or a plumber?Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    ART6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,632 ✭✭✭ART6


    It's possible to test it if you have a multimeter (even an el-cheapo from Homebase or somewhere will do it. Set it to resistance reading (ohms) and WITH THE POWER ISOLATED take off the element cover and test the resistance between the live terminal and the cylinder casing. If there is no or low resistance then the element is shot. Alternatively it might just be a bad connection at the terminals under the cover.

    Replacing an immerser is simple enough if you have the right spanner, and you can buy them from any DIY store, but you will need to drain your cold water tank and run your hot water taps until the flow stops. But the caution as always -- You will be dealing with 220 volt circuits so don't try it unless you really know what you're doing.


  • #3
    cnocbui
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,226 ✭✭✭✭cnocbui


    It sounds like the element may have corroded, allowing water to short the element to the tank. Is it the circuit breaker that trips or the RCD (earth leakage (one with a test button)) circuit breaker that trips?

    If it is the latter, then corrosion is probably the problem. If you live in hard water area, I would strongly suggest making sure the element is replaced with one with a stainless steel jacket element, not just a normal one. if it is te element of course.


  • #4
    mullingar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,340 ✭✭✭mullingar


    Immersion elements are like light bulbs, when they go they are gone.

    They have a limited life span so just replace it.

    Its not a big job, make sure you buy/borrow the special spanner to suit the removal/install of the element!!!

    This is how to do it:

    -Turn off power supply,
    -Isolate and turn off the 2 isolation valves from your attic tank to your hotwater/cold feed system.
    -Drain hot water tank with BOTH taps from bathroom and hot from kitchen sink (not cold)
    -While draining, NOTE COLOUR CODES of wires and the letters they connect to.
    -Unscrew element with large spanner
    -Gunk up the threads with plumbers putty
    -Fit New element and tighten with large spanner
    -Re-wire as per colour codes (layout may be different)
    -Turn back on isolation valves
    -Bleed tank (run hot & cold taps until only water flows)
    -Turn on element and see if both the Sink & Bath works

    - Enjoy a nice hot bath


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