Each time that I turn on hot water immerser switch it is tripping out the power in the house, not just the mcb for immerser circuit. Its a new problem, nothing that I know of has changed that could explain it, would it trip the power out if element was needing replaced for whatever reason
Immerser tripping out power throughout flat
- Thread starter shaw7380
- Start date
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Check the resistance of the element.
Exactly what is tripping? An MCB or an RCD?
Just testing the resistance of an immersion element is unlikely to tell you much about any earth faults in the element, so test between the element and it's case / the hot cylinder as well.
A good element will have a resistance of about 20 Ohms, and a very high resistance to earth, probably millions of Ohms (>1 M Ω
.
If the resistance between element and case has dropped to a few thousand ohms or less (<10 K Ω ), the chances are the element casing has perforated, and water has wrecked it's insulation.
It's quite likely it's time for a new immersion element.
Just testing the resistance of an immersion element is unlikely to tell you much about any earth faults in the element, so test between the element and it's case / the hot cylinder as well.
A good element will have a resistance of about 20 Ohms, and a very high resistance to earth, probably millions of Ohms (>1 M Ω
.If the resistance between element and case has dropped to a few thousand ohms or less (<10 K Ω ), the chances are the element casing has perforated, and water has wrecked it's insulation.
It's quite likely it's time for a new immersion element.
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Per Tickly's first line.
What is "tripping"
If you are not sure, tell us what is written on it, or post a photo.
This may help
What is "tripping"
If you are not sure, tell us what is written on it, or post a photo.
This may help
Hi thanks for your replies
Yes it is tripping the RCD
Yes it is tripping the RCD
Job for a plumber!
Possibly.
But replacing an IH is eminently DIYable.
Few tips re removing IHs.
1) If there isn't clearance for a spanner, a G clamp can be a life-saver.
2) With a felt-tip pen, draw a line on one face of the hex head of the IH crossing over onto the cylinder. When starting to undo it, tap the handle or tommy bar of the spanner with a hammer - the vibration can be useful to loosen a stuck thread. If the IH starts to turn but the FTP marks stay lined up then stop, as you are twisting the metal of the cylinder, and before much of that it will tear.
3) If the IH won't loosen easily, try a couple of taps in a clockwise direction - that can often break the seal.
4) Do the initial work to check that the element is turning before you drain down - leaving the cylinder full while getting the seal cracked and the element moving stiffens it against distorting. Once it's freed up you can then drain it down as necessary.
5) The above apply to regular vented cylinders, not pressurised ones.
But replacing an IH is eminently DIYable.
Few tips re removing IHs.
1) If there isn't clearance for a spanner, a G clamp can be a life-saver.
2) With a felt-tip pen, draw a line on one face of the hex head of the IH crossing over onto the cylinder. When starting to undo it, tap the handle or tommy bar of the spanner with a hammer - the vibration can be useful to loosen a stuck thread. If the IH starts to turn but the FTP marks stay lined up then stop, as you are twisting the metal of the cylinder, and before much of that it will tear.
3) If the IH won't loosen easily, try a couple of taps in a clockwise direction - that can often break the seal.
4) Do the initial work to check that the element is turning before you drain down - leaving the cylinder full while getting the seal cracked and the element moving stiffens it against distorting. Once it's freed up you can then drain it down as necessary.
5) The above apply to regular vented cylinders, not pressurised ones.
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