Immersion heater help

[Deleted member 84]

Hi I know there's lots of threads on this topic but could anybody point me in the direction of a shopping list of bits that I would need to fit a 2kw immersion. I want to make sure I'm buying something that other people are using and rating. Also the flange bit where do I buy this from

Thank you

 

[AW Services]

Hi I know there's lots of threads on this topic but could anybody point me in the direction of a shopping list of bits that I would need to fit a 2kw immersion. I want to make sure I'm buying something that other people are using and rating. Also the flange bit where do I buy this from

Thank you

An immersion heater & spanner 

2.5mm Arctic blue flex 2M

Inline RCD or plug in version 

If you want to have quick release plugs to the van from the house you'll need the following 

1x Male 16amp 2p&e cee form surface mount enclosure 

1x female 16amp 2p&e cee form trailing socket 

1x heavy duty 13amp rubber plug 

Or alternatively a 16amp 20m caravan hook up lead and 13amp plug to 16amp 2p&e trailing socket 

Hole saw kit 

Deburring tool 

Basic and safe understanding of electrical installation, Common sense & very good DIY skills.

Disclaimer 

All of the aforementioned information is intended as a guide only and I except no responsibility or liability for accidental electrical shock or death 

 

[Deleted member 84]

An immersion heater & spanner 

2.5mm Arctic blue flex 2M

Inline RCD or plug in version 

If you want to have quick release plugs to the van from the house you'll need the following 

1x Male 16amp 2p&e cee form surface mount enclosure 

1x female 16amp 2p&e cee form trailing socket 

1x heavy duty 13amp rubber plug 

Or alternatively a 16amp 20m caravan hook up lead and 13amp plug to 16amp 2p&e trailing socket 

Hole saw kit 

Deburring tool 

Basic and safe understanding of electrical installation, Common sense & very good DIY skills.

Disclaimer 

All of the aforementioned information is intended as a guide only and I except no responsibility or liability for accidental electrical shock or death 

Thank you sorted that right away. Does the immersion come with everything needed or do I need to buy something to help fasten to the tank

My mates a sparky so he will wire it all up just need to make sure my shopping list is correct ?

 

[AW Services]

Thank you sorted that right away. Does the immersion come with everything needed or do I need to buy something to help fasten to the tank

My mates a sparky so he will wire it all up just need to make sure my shopping list is correct ?

Just find an immersion with the correct fitting kit with flange nut, a separate spanner is a good 

 

[Deleted member 84]

Just find an immersion with the correct fitting kit with flange nut, a separate spanner is a good 

Sorry for being like annoying wasp buzzing away at you but the picture below is my tank 350 litre baffled where's best to put the immersion heater I'd like it near the lid for ease of fitting but it obviously needs to do a job efficiently do you think on the yellow arrow it would work?

Would it be better suited near the red arrow 

Thanks again

 

[THL4KEL]

Sorry for being like annoying wasp buzzing away at you but the picture below is my tank 350 litre baffled where's best to put the immersion heater I'd like it near the lid for ease of fitting but it obviously needs to do a job efficiently do you think on the yellow arrow it would work?

Would it be better suited near the red arrow 

Thanks again

View attachment 25992

I would put it by the yellow arrow. Easier to get to.

Water pump pliers are handy to have.

 

[Deleted member 84]

I would put it by the yellow arrow. Easier to get to.

Water pump pliers are handy to have.

Thanks will it circulate around the full tank 

 

[AW Services]

Sorry for being like annoying wasp buzzing away at you but the picture below is my tank 350 litre baffled where's best to put the immersion heater I'd like it near the lid for ease of fitting but it obviously needs to do a job efficiently do you think on the yellow arrow it would work?

Would it be better suited near the red arrow 

Thanks again

View attachment 25992

You need to install it away from the outlet so the heat radiates the volume of the tank. 

 

[Deleted member 84]

You need to install it away from the outlet so the heat radiates the volume of the tank. 

View attachment 25993

That's going to be hard to get into is that .

My mate who's a plumber is giving me a right grilling saying I'm stupid to do this that the tank will not hold up well with 50 degree water. I'm telling him loads of people are doing it and not having a problem

 

[Ian Sheppard]

Ensuring the immersion is covered by water is important, Heating air can effect the tank plus risk the hearer burning out. The excess heat could damage a thin walled tank. Worth have a look at a IHC TP controller

http://springltd.co/immersion-heater-controller

That's going to be hard to get into is that .

My mate who's a plumber is giving me a right grilling saying I'm stupid to do this that the tank will not hold up well with 50 degree water. I'm telling him loads of people are doing it and not having a problem

 

[ched999uk]

Ensuring the immersion is covered by water is important, Heating air can effect the tank plus risk the hearer burning out. The excess heat could damage a thin walled tank. Worth have a look at a IHC TP controller

http://springltd.co/immersion-heater-controller

Nice. I have noticed that you do quite a few 'special' controllers. Where can we buy them as the 'normal' stockists don't seem to list the more specialist controllers?

Cheers

 

[Ian Sheppard]

Nice. I have noticed that you do quite a few 'special' controllers. Where can we buy them as the 'normal' stockists don't seem to list the more specialist controllers?

Cheers

The V11 IHC TP  is not held as a stock item by the distributors but they can order it and we would build the unit. Stephen Scargill at Toolcraft is looking at holding some of these. You can also chat to your usual supplier and they can source one.

They can also source High Current controllers rated to 35a, Mains BPC controllers for static systems, RO controllers and the DI saver units

 

[AW Services]

That's going to be hard to get into is that .

My mate who's a plumber is giving me a right grilling saying I'm stupid to do this that the tank will not hold up well with 50 degree water. I'm telling him loads of people are doing it and not having a problem

Best place to put it in my opinion but it's your tank

 

[Deleted member 84]

You need to install it away from the outlet so the heat radiates the volume of the tank. 

View attachment 25993

If I was to put the immerson nearer to the lid  it would still got the water to desired temp but would maybe just take longer?

 

[AW Services]

If I was to put the immerson nearer to the lid  it would still got the water to desired temp but would maybe just take longer?

Regardless of where you put it you'll have different temperature zones as you don't have a recirculation pump and having your van parked up over night heating will gradually heat the tank 

You just need to be mindful that you have a flat tank so don't get a too bigger immersion or you'll melt the tank in the worst case scenario. 

Also ensure you park on level ground 

 

[Deleted member 84]

Regardless of where you put it you'll have different temperature zones as you don't have a recirculation pump and having your van parked up over night heating will gradually heat the tank 

You just need to be mindful that you have a flat tank so don't get a too bigger immersion or you'll melt the tank in the worst case scenario. 

Also ensure you park on level ground 

Right I'm commiting to it now. The immersion that I will buy I'm thinking 14 inch does it matter not getting the 27 inch everyone else is getting. 

Everybody I see on videos are going on about mechanical flanges do I need to purchase one ot should it come with the immersion thanks for all your help I really do appreciate it

 

[AW Services]

Right I'm commiting to it now. The immersion that I will buy I'm thinking 14 inch does it matter not getting the 27 inch everyone else is getting. 

Everybody I see on videos are going on about mechanical flanges do I need to purchase one ot should it come with the immersion thanks for all your help I really do appreciate it

Just be mindful that the immersion coil doesn't emit to much heat near the tank walls or baffle pillars. 

Like I said previously about parking on level ground with a flat style tank as it will boil if sufficient water levels are maintained around the coil.

A mechanical flanges is basically a bulkhead style fitting.

My best advice is to get your plumber mate to install it and worry about the technicalities.

Also measure 4 times cut once and be sure you use the inner ID 

 

[Deleted member 84]

Just be mindful that the immersion coil doesn't emit to much heat near the tank walls or baffle pillars. 

Like I said previously about parking on level ground with a flat style tank as it will boil if sufficient water levels are maintained around the coil.

A mechanical flanges is basically a bulkhead style fitting.

My best advice is to get your plumber mate to install it and worry about the technicalities.

Also measure 4 times cut once and be sure you use the inner ID 

Thank you I've just ordered everything bought all the kit squeaky dave got. I've taken on your advice with the wiring. Going down the caravan connection style route. I will get it all set up at the weekend the on Sunday have a trial run during the day while checking over it.

Thank you for your help

 

[Davy G]

Sorry for being like annoying wasp buzzing away at you but the picture below is my tank 350 litre baffled where's best to put the immersion heater I'd like it near the lid for ease of fitting but it obviously needs to do a job efficiently do you think on the yellow arrow it would work?

Would it be better suited near the red arrow 

Thanks again

View attachment 25992

Make sure you use a 2kw immersion. Anything bigger is unnecessary and would be a dangerous overload on the electrical supply.
Not near the red arrow!! You would be able to cut the hole but how would you get your hand to the inside to fit a backing ring or gland and be able to use a Stillsons wrench to hold it from spinning? Fit it low as sensibly possible directly below the lid. Fit it on whichever tank wall will make your job easier. This will also be the easiest place to access the adjustment on the thermostat and to change the immersion in the event. I would use the short one that you mentioned. No need whatsoever for a long immersion. Make sure, before cutting the tank that the immersion won't be obstructed by the baffles. No need for a circulation pump. Thermal movement (water rising as it heats) will do that for you and I would think, if tested, my water temperature would be fairly even throughout the tank. Especially as the heat source is near the corner which will encourage thermal circulation. The thermostat will not allow the water to get too near to boiling temperature. The temperature is restricted at design and manufacture stages for safety. About 65~70c maximum so far as I know. Mine is turned to maximum, slightly less in warmer weather. Similar tank to yours, just a bit bigger.
Put rubber matting below the tank to insulate the bottom and to protect the tank. Insulate the tank with at least 4 or 5 layers of double foil sided bubble wrap taped neatly around the tank. Cut flaps in the insulation to access the lid and the immersion. Secure the tank by very sturdy and strong means. I'm not going to make a suggestion on how to achieve this. Be aware that at least one windy has been crushed to death by a tank sliding forwards in an accident! It is at least as important to hold the tank back as it is to hold it down.

Worth putting a hard covering on the tank as a false floor. Cut out a hole for access to the cap.

Have everything you need ready to hand. Do several mental rehearsal, before you start cutting.

This subject has been discussed in depth and detail on several occasions (search bar). I suggest you do some serious reading. ?Once fitted and properly insulated dont be afraid to allow it plenty of time to heat. Once up to temperature the cost to maintain the temperature will be miniscule (provided you've done a proper job with the insulation). The extra time will allow a better heat-soak to the farthest and lowest corners of the tank. Mine goes on in the afternoon  (650ltr flat tank).

 

[Deleted member 84]

Make sure you use a 2kw immersion. Anything bigger is unnecessary and would be a dangerous overload on the electrical supply.
Not near the red arrow!! You would be able to cut the hole but how would you get your hand to the inside to fit a backing ring or gland and be able to use a Stillsons wrench to hold it from spinning? Fit it low as sensibly possible directly below the lid. Fit it on whichever tank wall will make your job easier. This will also be the easiest place to access the adjustment on the thermostat and to change the immersion in the event. I would use the short one that you mentioned. No need whatsoever for a long immersion. Make sure, before cutting the tank that the immersion won't be obstructed by the baffles. No need for a circulation pump. Thermal movement (water rising as it heats) will do that for you. The thermostat will not allow the water to get too near to boiling temperature. The temperature is restricted at design and manufacture stages for safety.
Put rubber matting below the tank to insulate the bottom and to protect the tank. Insulate the tank with at least 4 or 5 layers of double foil sided bubble wrap taped neatly around the tank. Cut flaps in the insulation to access the lid and the immersion. Secure the tank by very sturdy and strong means. I'm not going to make a suggestion on this. Be aware that at least one windy has been crushed to death by a tank sliding forwards in an accident! It is at least as important to hold the tank back as it is to hold it down.

Worth putting a hard covering on the tank as a false floor. Cut out a hole for access to the cap.

Have everything you need ready to hand. Do several mental rehearsal, before you start cutting.

This subject has been discussed in depth and detail on several occasions (search bar). Once fitted and properly insulated dont be afraid to allow it plenty of time to heat. Once up to temperature the cost to maintain the temperature will be miniscule (provided you've done a proper job with the insulation). The extra time will allow a better heat-soak to the farthest and lowest corners of the tank. Mine goes on in the afternoon (650ltr flat tank).

Thank you for that very in depth all will be well I'm sure my main worry is getting all I need .

When fitting the immersion is everybody using heat silicone and a fibre washer?

I've gone for 2kw.

I'm literally only using this if the weather is due to be bad the night before to keep me out working. 

What temperature do you all find glass to start freezing at for instance on a conservatory that doesn't have a rad turned on. I'm guessing around 2 *c

 

[Davy G]

You're very welcome. I didn't use any silicon. The immersion came with an O ring seal. The supplier I use is Grasshopper Liesure. I can't answer on glass temperatures. I just go by instinct.