immer fault

[paul b b]

hello chaps,

went to look at a fault today, the immer circuit is tripping.

I did a IR test with flex disconected and got good results.

i did a continuity test on the points with flex disconected and had continuity on all points.

the element has been replaced, its a long single rod type that pushes into the top of the tank.

question is should i get continuity on the points or is the tank furred up or somthing?

I'm not, as you can guess, experianced with immer tanks so any advice welcome.

i told the customer its most likely the tank and gave them a plumbers number so he could give a second opinion.

thanks

paul

 

[paul b b]

ahhhhh actualy thinking about it, the guy has only replaced the stat and not the element

 

[ProDave]

I don't understand your terminology, particularly "points"

You should read open circuit between the terminals on the element and the body of the tank. If you get a low reading, the insulation has broken down, most likely corrosion and water inside the element.

Changing an immersion heater is a grey area. If the tank is in good condition and access is good, I usually change the heater. If the tank looks old and dodgy I refer it to a plumber in case the tank splits getting the old heater out and it then needs a new tank.

 

[jl-heating]

swop the full unit ... the elements rot and split .

 

[bengie]

^+1

if your doing it please crack the seal on the element before draining the water otherwise you run a much higher risk of damaging the tank. i personally prefer the long bar type immersion spanner that you can apply steady pressure too rather than the little ones that you hammer.

 

[sellers]

personally paul if you've never done it before like me i'd get a plumber in, its the customer paying so you're not loosing any money. see how they do it and go from there, maybe after a few call outs you'll be doing it yourself.

i wouldn't like to go to a job making it worse than it was.

 

[Apache]

It has been said before that if you insured as an electrician you might not be covered under your insurance if you flood the house?! Worth checking before you attempt it!

 

[bengie]

i'd like to point out that i learnt to do immersions working for the council so:-

1) it wasn't my house

2) it wasn't my money if it went wrong

3) if it did go wrong i could call on a plumber right away

a huge safety net!