Clear stuff exuding from neutral terminal on Immersion element

[The Ghost]

Hi, got this request to look at immersion heater. Customer says there was a burning plastic smell coming from immersion element head, he looked and saw clear "stuff" coming from the blue terminal. I asked if the cable looked burnt and he said no. So I was thinking of going with some butyl and crimps in case neutral needs reterminating properly. However I was just thinking maybe the element itself is at the end of its life and the glue or whatever holds it in its housing was coming apart. Anyone encountered this?

 

[westward10]

No but I wouldn't use crimps, connect direct to terminal.

 

[telectrix]

if it's a post terminal, i'd use ring crimps.

 

[PEG]

...Or maybe someone used a heat-shrink adhesive terminal and it's the glue...would be soft at element terminal temperatures.

Do not discount any possibility,folk place many strange items,in cylinder cupboards

 

[The Ghost]

Yeh ring lug crimped to cable-any problem with that @westward10 ?

 

[westward10]

Yeh ring lug crimped to cable-any problem with that @westward10 ?

Post terminals usually have a cup washer affair on them which enables direct connection which aren't intended for use with a crimp.

 

[The Ghost]

Mhmm I see. Interesting point.

 

[davesparks]

My initial thought would be that the clear stuff would be water coming from a tiny leak which has developed where the end of the element is attached to the boss.


The plastic insulation on small crimp lugs won't necessarily get on very well with the temperature in an immersion heater.

 

[The Ghost]

Good point @davesparks, insulation is not too happy either really. Well nice if it was as simple as a leak can just get a new element fitted. I was thinking maybe there is some plastic which seals the element to the body and has gone into meltdown, going soon to have a look will post pic if poss. Later!

 

[sparksburnout]

"Well nice if it was as simple as a leak can just get a new element fitted."
!!! You ain't done many then?

 

[The Ghost]

When I say leak, I mean from the actual element not from the tank. I have done it in the past, nowadays I get a plumber to change the element.
In any event, the neutral cable was attached to the neutral post on the element with a terminal block. The screw on the post of the element had become loose and the resultant heat melted the plastic around the terminal block which ended up looking like it may have come from the element itself to the customer. So a new element will be installed...by a plumber. I will as usual re-terminate the connections. I have tended to stay clear of messing with anything but the trade I know. I have done it in the past but there are risks associated with buckling the tank in some circumstances. I carry enough responsibility with the electrics.