HELP what is this ticking immersion?

[hollyhobbie]

this morning when my central heating came on (by timer) there was such a loud ticking noise that itwoke me. first I thought it was a drip but then located it coming from the wires attached to my immersion heater, there are several wires coming from it,these attacth to a shiny box with a funny lever thing on then other wires to a dial with heat(?) measurements on(?) it was just ticking very loudly... never noticed it before. when I turned the boiler timer off it stopped. Is this rally dangerous and can anyone tell me what this could be thankyou, I am a DIY idiot!!

 

[Nige F]

A timer electric clock- old fashioned

 

[hollyhobbie]

Yes!thought it was a timer, but its was so loud!lived here for four years never heard it before! I manually turned system off, now my heating won't come on at all even if I overide the system! I havent got a clue! its freezing cold!Do you think its broken any suggestions will be welcome.

 

[DeltaT]

Sounds like your immersion heater is knackered(technical term). The ticking is when two rods of the element rub together, but this is normally prior to it going on the blink!!!

I'm a pro Plumber & don't give out free advice, so if you find the above helpfull, please stick a Pony in a kids charity box. Thanks.