Immersion on a plug top !!

[Sav]

Hiya everybody,

busy night tonight on the forum !! Cowboy electricians not doing their job, Newbuild downlight queries !!

anyway, here is my one.

Got back from a callout earlier today, simple job, dimmer module blown, replaced, all ok.
On my way out, guy says to me " can you change the time for my immersion heater".

I had a quick look, its a small immersion cylinder, but the flex is on a 13amp plugtop and thats plugged into one of those socket timers "timeguard" I think was the name.

Is that ok, or do I need to advise him to put it into a proper fcu. I think you can get fcu with timers on them.

Regards,
Sav

 

[Sintra]

An immersion heater must be connected to the supply by a double pole linked switch only.
The use of a plug top and socket outlet is not permitted. 554.3.3

 

[AndrewMgan1976]

I would advise him to get a sangamo powersaver timer and connect the flex into a FCU, make it fixed wiring.

 

[bugsy]

Dates from the late 60's non compliant fixed heating equipment ,change foe switched fused spur

 

[Sav]

Thanks guys,

I will call him tomorrow and advise him.
The wiring does look dated, although he has had an RCD board fitted recently, but was reluctant to show me the cert, saying that "your here for the dimmer mate "

Thats why I didn't pay too much attention to the immersion issue, but it was bugging me on the way home.

I will check out the Sangamo as per Andrews recommendation.

The best I can do is advise him and tell him to tell his "electrician", to sort it out, if he prefers !!!

Thanks again guys and have a great evening,
Sav

 

[bugsy]

If he'd have said ' your here for the dimmer mate to me I must just have said '' and a good day to you ''!

 

[Sav]

It was on the tip of my tongue Bugsy, but I thought "Sav , do the dimmer, get paid and get out"

He did say he was going to pay by cheque and I replied "vat will be added and I need your cheque guarantee card number as well" !!!

The cash came out almost immediately !!!!

Wanna be stroppy mate !!!

 

[Spudnik]

You may find there isnt a separate circuit for the immersion, hence the socket and plug top.

 

[Sav]

So what happens in that scenario Jason??
Would you advise to leave it as it is ?
Thanks again,
Sav

 

[Sintra]

An immersion heater must not be supplied by a ring final circuit. p362, 433.1.5

So must be on radial circuit.

 

[Spudnik]

Unfortunately you cannot force a client to do anything.

As you were only changing the time on the clock, the only thing you can do is advise them on any paperwork you give them.

 

[AndrewMgan1976]

How did you get on with this Sav?

 

[Sav]

Hi Andrew,
Sorry for the late reply. Just got back from 5-a-side football !!

I explained the regs to him and also confirmed that it is a radial from a 16amp mcb (board is about circa 1995).

He assumes that I want to take money off him for something thats and quote " been working fine mate. another electrician put the timer for me about 5 yrear ago and no problem" !!

I tried to get the electricians name or see any certs etc, but was shown the door.

Why do people always think that we are going to rip them off !!

Also, the mention to customers of RCD protection on their new additional sockets or lights and its "thanks for the quote, but we dont need RCD protection, its been fine all these years" !!

Should we turn like the cowboys out there and just add extra sockets or lights or anything, without the need for protection, or to abide by the regs etc ?? I mean, the customer "will pay cash" !!

Tempting, I know and I must admit, I have thought about it, but have always walked away at the end. Fool or someone that cares and is proud of their work !!

Anyway, now thats off my chest,a quick question before I go, do you think the immersion will be ok on the 13amp plugtop??

Best regards,
Sav

 

[abbi normal]

Mine is on a plug top ...just noticed ...still I have only lived here for 6 years ....and have never used the electricity to heat me water


spose its tools out over the weekend ...again

 

[Jonesy83]

Mine is on a plug top ...just noticed ...still I have only lived here for 6 years ....and have never used the electricity to heat me water


spose its tools out over the weekend ...again

meh im always being moaned at by the missis "you do plenty of work at work but when it comes to doing the odd job round the house you do bugger all"

shes only been waiting for an extra socket in the bedroom for 4 months well she can wait another 4 months she only wants it for an hair dryer