Can I Change What Used To Be The Supply For An Immersion Heater Into A Plug Socket?

[GaryM_1983]

Hello,

I used to have a water storage tank in a cupboard upstairs. When I replaced the boiler etc (to a combi), this was obviously removed.

I am wondering if it is possible to hook up the mains supply to an ordinary household plug in order to plug in a chest freezer? I have worked out in the fusebox which switch controls power to the outlet and that the immersion switch within my home needs to be switched on for the socket to receive power.

I have put an electrical outlet onto this and it is receiving power, as I plugged my mobile phone into it to check.

Is this safe? Also, if running a freezer constantly using this outlet, what fuse would need to go into the switch that used to control the immersion heater?

Many thanks

Gary

 

[OnOff]

Probably.........assuming the cable is 2.5mm twin and earth. Guessing the "switch" in the fusebox is in fact an MCB rated at 16 maybe 20A? It'll have 16A or 20A written on it and the type say B16, or B20.

An immersion circuit is generally a "radial" circuit i.e it comes from the "fusebox" to the "socket(s)" or point of utilisation and doesn't return (to the "fusebox")  like a ring does.

Do you know what size the cable is for sure? 

 

[Andy™]

should be OK to use the circuit, probably on a 15/16/20a circuit. even 1.5 would be suitable for 1 socket

but as for testing, just because your phone charges doesnt mean its wired correctly & safe to use

it would also need to be RCD protected... chances are, it isnt

 

[ProDave]

Almost certainly it will have been on a 15A fuse or 16A MCB.

The "switch" referred to is probably a switch in the kitchen labelled "water heater"

Just make sure you leave it turned on all the time.

 

[Nicky Tesla]

you can also fit a socket where the Water Heater switch is as well.