Heating Water with Immersion

MAYOMICK

I have a Cylinder 1200X450 ( 40 gals)which is normally heated by oil or solid fuel stove.However sometimes if I have no fire on I turn on Immersion in morning for 2.5/3hrs.The outlet to sink is at top of cylinder and the outlet to shower is down a bit on tank.There would barely be enough water for two short showers using a power shower but there is plenty of water for sink all day.The cylinder is factory insulated.I think it used to better than this when it was installed new two years ago.I have checked the switch and element for continuity and they appear to be ok,The resistance in one element is 26 and other 20 if I am reading the multimeter correctly.Have I a problem here or is it normal for it to take so long to heat a cylinder of water.

Pete67

Are you using the sink or bath element? The sink element only heats the top 20% of the cylinder (approx) so while this may be plenty for a hand basin etc there may actually be very little hot water available to the shower pump as it is taking it from lower down.

Also check the temperature setting on the immersion thermostat - should be al least 60C, you can go higher but be aware of the increased risk of scalding particularly with small children or elderly folks.

a 3kW immersion heater will heat a 40 gallon cylinder from 15C to 60C in 3 hours, so in summer time 2.5 to 3 hours is probably about right, you would need to give it a bit longer in winter when the incoming water will be alot colder.

Also a power shower can use up to 15 litres/min, of which probably 12 l/min will be hot water, so your 40 gallon (180 litre) cylinder could be emptied in 15 minutes. Probably less since the shower cannot use the water above the shower outlet, so the full 180l is not available to the power shower.

MAYOMICK

I am using both elements.I notice that when I switch on the immersion the ESB meter wheel spins rapidly.When I put on the second element there is very little change in the speed of the wheel

meercat

MAYOMICK wrote: »

I am using both elements.I notice that when I switch on the immersion the ESB meter wheel spins rapidly.When I put on the second element there is very little change in the speed of the wheel

only 1 element is switched on at any given time
either the sink or bath,never both

MAYOMICK

Thanks for replies.I always thought that bath meant two elements working.You learn something new every day. How would you know what size immersion is fitted.Mine is a ThermTec Dual 2kw/3kw.There is also a label on cover saying D24/1AN.Does this mean anything

spireland32

1200mm is about 48 inches.... your immersion is only 24 inches later from the label you posted. You need a 36inch immersion. If your changing it yourself be careful not to split the cylinder.

If the immersion group is to the front you'll get the 36" in. However if it's to the side you may not depending how much space is in the press.

greasepalm

If i may comment on this old post i too have the same model stat which i was unsure of kicking in to heat the water and removed the top cover and adjusted anti clockwise but cannot see settings and assumed i increased temp and it kicked in.

I dont have a bath anymore and if it needing changing in the future would a single non copper be better?

Other ones viewed are titanium.