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Using a WeMo to control 3KW Immersion

  • 10-06-2013 05:20PM
    #1
    crimbomurphy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4 ✭


    Hi

    I have bought a WeMo to control my 3KW immersion heater remotely.
    I'm seeing a lot of conflicting opinions on what is basically using a 13amp plug to power a 3KW appliance.

    Any suggestions?
    Tagged:


Comments

  • #2
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,701 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    Well 3kW draws a current of slightly over 13A (assuming a power factor of 1).

    Can a 13A fuse supply a 3kW load?
    It frequently does, look around any kitchen, most kettles are 3kW and they are supplied from a 13A fused plug top.

    However a kettle will boil quite quickly meaning that the fuse is not carrying a load close to its limit for very long. Whereas an immersion may be on for far longer increasing the likelihood of fuse failure. If it was me I would supply the immersion form a 16A or 20A type B MCB. I feel that a 13A fuse is "sailing a little close to the wind".


  • #3
    gctest50
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,534 ✭✭✭gctest50


    Best thing is to get an electrician in, they can hook your immersion to a controller/contactor and have your little WeMo control that instead.

    This is way better than your proposed WeMo setup that might have a meltdown and might burn you to death

    Make it do tricks for you with :

    https://ifttt.com/


    Since you'll have an electrician there, they could fit a few of these or similar :

    http://www.mkelectric.com/en-gb/Products/WD/logicplus/Powermodules/USBchargingmodule/Pages/default.aspx



    .


  • #4
    mikehammer67
    Closed Accounts Posts: 699 ✭✭✭mikehammer67


    if the 3kw load is sustained the plug/socket can give trouble(as 2011 already said)

    there's prob rules covering it. i can't recall

    sustained heating loads over 10amp independent cct......something like that if i recall


  • #5
    crimbomurphy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4 ✭crimbomurphy


    Hi there
    Thanks for your reply.
    I don't think Belkin supply anything that is rated at 16 or 20 amps.
    This is what I'm trying to use to control my immersion remotely
    http://www.harveynorman.ie/belkin-wemo-home-switch.html
    Perhaps as later suggested, I'd need something else fitted and allow the WeMo to control that device.
    I'll need more investigation.


  • #6
    mikehammer67
    Closed Accounts Posts: 699 ✭✭✭mikehammer67


    the immersion isn't suitable for connection as a portable appliance anyhow

    dang are these gadgets a good idea

    "A lamp, a fan, a heater, curling iron, stereo"??
    http://www.harveynorman.ie/belkin-wemo-home-switch.html

    just another dangerous toy imo


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