Distance of immersion switch from copper tank

[Possom]

I understand that there are requirements concerning the positioning of light fittings and sockets in bathrooms within certain proximities of water sources such as showers/sinks.

If a copper water tank for has an immersion heater with an associated switch in proximity of this same copper tank, what requirements are there with regards to the positioning of the electrical switch to activate the immersion? Specifically distance of switch from copper tank; I don't know, perhaps there aren't distance requirements since the copper tank should not be a source for open water if functioning correctly.

Thanks.

 

[Murdochcat]

There are no distances in the regs

Why are you asking?

 

[Possom]

The location I'm thinking of for a switch for an immersion on a copper tank would perhaps be 20cm-30cm from the tank, so want to check if such a distance would automatically rule out this location before I start getting out an electrician.

 

[pete01]

Just put it in a convenient spot, and use heat resistant flex.

 

[Murdochcat]

Bottom line is can the switch be taken off to be replaced ….

 

[Possom]

Since there is no immersion switch located in that location presently (and so no cabling), would the electrician have to put in a new circuit back to the main electrical box?

I know if a new electrical socket is put in a room, an electrician can connect it up to an existing socket, but with a new immersion switch, would the electrician have to put in a new cable right back to the mains fuse box?

 

[flameport]

but with a new immersion switch, would the electrician have to put in a new cable right back to the mains fuse box?

Fairly likely, immersion heaters typically have their own circuit.
However it's not essential that they do, so it really depends on what other circuits are already in the vicinity.
Also depends on whether this is intended to be used as the primary means of heating the water, or just in case of some other heating source is unavailable for a couple of days per decade.

 

[Murdochcat]

A dedicated circuit is by far the best solution. One could argue that’s what the regs say

 

[JohnW2]

A dedicated circuit is by far the best solution.

That's certyainly the traditional approach, and probably the most sensible/appropriate approach for an immersion whioch is used 'routine;y' (every day. However, as had been said, a fairly high propotion of immersions exist only as 'back-upos', to be used briefly, once ion a blue moon, in the event of failure of the primatry water heating system.

One could argue that’s what the regs say

Some people do so argue - but probably on the basis of 'regulations' their minds have invented!

 

[Murdochcat]

That's certyainly the traditional approach, and probably the most sensible/appropriate approach for an immersion whioch is used 'routine;y' (every day. However, as had been said, a fairly high propotion of immersions exist only as 'back-upos', to be used briefly, once ion a blue moon, in the event of failure of the primatry water heating system.

Some people do so argue - but probably on the basis of 'regulations' their minds have invented!

Experience and common sense come into play too

 

[JohnW2]

Experience and common sense come into play too

Indeed so - hence my comment about brief once-in-a-blue moon usage.

However, neither experience nor common sense ought to result in people talking about 'regulations' which don't exist

 

[Murdochcat]

Indeed so - hence my comment about brief once-in-a-blue moon usage.

However, neither experience nor common sense ought to result in people talking about 'regulations' which don't exist

Which regulation is that?

 

[JohnW2]

Which regulation is that?

A (non-existent) regulation which said that immersions should be on dedicated circuits.

 

[Vicario]

My one issue is that a plug can be put into an extension cable, as I once saw at the home of a neighbour of my mother many years ago. The immersion had originally been wired into a connection unit (red switch, fuse etc.) on the wall beside the airing cupboard. Decorators had removed this and it had stopped working when they put it back. So her son had brought an extension lead and put a plug on the cable to the tank; it had been like that for quite a while (only source of hot water for weeks). Luckily the housing association sorted it out when I rang them on her behalf. (Yes, I had checked the fuse in the FCU and it was OK).

 

[JohnW2]

My one issue is that a plug can be put into an extension cable ...

It can - but, unless I've missed it, I have not seen any mention of a plug in this discussion.