Electrics on the hot water tank

[Gargamel]

Afternoon,

I flicked the switch on the immersion heater at the weekend, and PFFT big spark from the control unit on top of the tank, and a fair bit of smoke.

There is a grey metal circular unit on top of the tank, were the wires go in and it was this that popped.

Didn't trip the fuse box though.

I could probably re wire it, but I am concerned it may be dangerous to switch it back on again.

Any ideas? Can I replace the unit ? it is a 70's tank and I really don't wan't to have to fork out for a new tank.

Thanks

[john_p]

Sounds like the immersion heater has gone faulty and needs replacing. The metal bit at the top is the top end of the heater which extends down into the tank.

Won't need to replace the tank I'd have thought. Simple DIY (but you do need a spanner big enough)

[Traveller]

The silver bit on the top is the cover for the heating element, probably corroded through or such like. Isolate the electrics to the tank, unless you enjoy electric stimulation, take off the silver metal cap, photograph the connections to ensue it is wired up correctly when replacing, isolate the water cylinder from the cold water supply using stop cock, use the large heater element spanner you will buy at B & Q to loosen and unscrew off the element, have some towels ready for the little bit of water that escapes,take element sample to buy new element. Replace as above and switch on.

If large spark still ensues....... You do not know me, never heard of me right...

Quick addition just in case.

Edited by Traveller on Tuesday 8th September 17:51

[Gargamel]

Thanks - I will have a look at it later.

[TooLateForAName]

dont forget to drain the cylinder before doing ^

[Stig]

TooLateForAName said:

dont forget to drain the cylinder before doing ^

Loosen the immersion element first though otherwise the cylinder is far easier to crush/deform.

[Simpo Two]

It's quite impressive that your tank is from the 70's - mine started leaking after 10 years and I understand that's fairly normal.



My immersion heater is the original one though - the builders never wired it up and I never need it!