2kw immersion safety

[theo]

Been using a 2kw immersion for years.
Heavy duty extension cable reel, fully unwound from a socket in the garage to the van. Plug in time switch and then connection to the immersion using the correct rated cable and plug.
Noticed the other morning that one of the plug slots on the time switch had started to melt.
Does anyone else use a plug in time switch?
I had a spare, still packaged, and on reading the blurb it said not for use on immersions.
I suppose it means a 3kw but it’s a little worrying.
The plug does feel warm in the morning, not hot. I suppose I’d be warm if I’d been plugged in for 10 hours
I do use a rcd as well but don’t think it would cut things out if it got too hot.
If you saw my van you would probably say ‘ let it burn’
Don’t really want to have to go out again at 9pm. Any ideas?

 

[ched999uk]

I would replace the mains socket and plug (as long as you know how to isolate and test - if unsure don't do it) with a good quality one like MK not the cheapy ones, like BG, Axiom, LAP, or British General.

Heat is generally caused by a poor connection (could be oxidised or loose). An RCD won't protect against a poor connection, it creates high resistance that's what causes the heat.

Go through each connection and check they are tight and in good condition.

If in any doubt get a professional in to test it properly.

 

[Pjj]

Don’t know much about this but you can get specific timers just for immersion heaters I remember seeing them in the airing cupboards in houses years ago they aren’t so popular now due to combi boilers but there must still be loads of them about

 

[spruce]

A plug and socket can be a prime spot where a poor connection between the plug and socket can start to develop.

I have a timer socket I use for my r/o so it only switches on overnight. It cost me £4.99. I can't expect the electrical contacts to be of good quality for the price I paid for the unit.

In the power tool industry, we saw many repairs come in with a melted plug. You are talking about tools with a motor size of 600 watts. The thing is that your immersion heater draws 9 amps continuously. The trouble with a poor electrical connection is that resistance at the coupling. Resistance generates more heat, which will just spiral. The hotter the join gets, the more resistance at the join until something has to give.

@Pjj has a good suggestion.

 

[theo]

Thanks everyone, really helpful replies.
It’s probable, after years of use that it all needs checking out, connections etc.
I think it’s worth getting a local electrician to go through it. Can’t mess with safety.
Cheers.

 

[spruce]

Thanks everyone, really helpful replies.
It’s probable, after years of use that it all needs checking out, connections etc.
I think it’s worth getting a local electrician to go through it. Can’t mess with safety.
Cheers.

We found the issue is mainly with the plug. The screws on each 'pillar' that connect the cable can become loose and causes a faulty connection. It's always best to have a ferrule on the end of each wire, but we really fit them.

 

[theo]

A follow up to show how clever you all are! Many thanks for your help.
It was a bad connection in the plug, fused the negative plug terminal into the RCD, had to cut the plug off!
Lesson learned, check regularly.
Thanks

 

[Ndubuisi Awele]

Please can someone recommend where to buy 2KW immersion heater from. Am struggling to find one

 

[Chipy]

Go on YouTube and search for steak clean Dave he as a link to were he bought it from if not search for on farm equipment as they use 2k heater for water troff for cattle I hope it helps

 

[Ndubuisi Awele]

Thank you very much. I have messaged those guys and no reply from them, and is getting up to 4 months now