Testing Immersion Element

[m4tty]

Hi,

I read on another forum that someone tested immersion heater elements by IR testing Live to Neutral. If the element is OK the IR test will be 0.00MOhms and if its broken down at all there will be a reading above 0.00MOhms.

Is this a correct way of testing an element?

I thought you wasent supposed to test L-N as they are connected. I thought you would normally do a Continuity Test and the reading should be between roughly 18 & 20 ohms and it should be IR tested L-E & N-E or L&N-E.

Whats the score here?

Thanks

Matt

 

[kme]

You are correct - the insul test could be done between one pole of immersion, and earth, to ensure no leakage; AFTER you`ve done continuity check as you describe. Insul. testing an immersion is, IMO, worthless.

KME

 

[Apache]

Matty read this thread

http://www.talk.electricianforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=10108

You are confusing continuity between L-N and IR between L-E as far as I can see?

 

[m4tty]

Matty read this threadhttp://www.talk.electricianforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=10108

You are confusing continuity between L-N and IR between L-E as far as I can see?

Thanks patch but i do understand how to do each of the tests but read on another forum about somone doing IR test L-N which I read on here is incorrect. Im just a very doubtful person. I know how to do something but then the element of doubt comes in and I subsequently ask silly questions on here because im doubting myself. Suppose confidence will come with experience which i dont have much of either at the moment lol. One day ill be able to give advice on here and hopefully help others out. Cheersut the kettle on

 

[NozSpark]

Other forums:red card you should no better Matty

but hey,,, you do! yours is the correct way..

19ohms ish L-N on continuity and >299Mohms (on my Megger anyway) on an IR test L(or N or L&N)-E

 

[sparkytim]

Hi m4

Its good to get things clear and understand the reason for things and not just have rules about what to do or not

L-N test on an Immersion heater will not damage it, as it would more delicate equipment like a TV or Alarm panel, and although it could tell you if the element was totally open circuit (>299 M ohm reading)and defunct or still had continuity (0.00 M ohm) a Continuity test would tell you more i.e 16 ohms would be a reasonabe healthy reading to expect, but if you got 1 K ohm reading then you would know for sure it was not.

An L + N to Earth test would check if the element was breaking down to earth

So its not a contradiction that one person says one thing and another something different, but maybe a lack of understanding of things or not seeing the bigger picture.

 

[the_mouse]

I know how to do something but then the element of doubt comes in and I subsequently ask silly questions on here because im doubting myself. Suppose confidence will come with experience which i dont have much of either at the moment lol. One day ill be able to give advice on here and hopefully help others out. Cheersut the kettle on

Totally with you on this m4tty, i want to do the job spot on just like your good self, i read up on certain asspects and information is contradictive in various books some even within the some publication!

 

[Andy™]

IR doesnt get the accuracy you need to test it. continuity does. like you say, 18-20 ohm is about right. ive been to many where its not heating up and resistance is over 100 ohms. so IR can still show 0.00.