[chris turner]

Just picked up my new tank from toolcraft today that has a pre installed heater element. Was expecting it to be 2kw but its a 3kw with a standard 13amp plug.
According to the guys that loaded the tank in my van the element will be fine with any fully extended extension reel thats rated over 3000 Watts with 13amp plug.
Now I know from reading the many posts on here that is not a good idea and I'm a bit surprised they would be fitting 3kw without what seems any sound electrical knowledge. According to them they have fitted lots of these systems for window cleaners recently and had no complaints!

Anyway I want to go about it the right way so will get a sparky out... just a few questions for those of you in the know!

Am I correct in that I need to get a 16amp hookup fitted direct to consumer unit, 16amp extension lead and change immersion plug to 16amp?  What would the cost of this be (roughly)? ( My van is parked right outside my house, about 3 metres from consumer unit )

If I get an outdoor 16amp socket fitted are these weatherproof so I can leave immersion on overnight and not worry?

The immersion has a thermostat fitted which has been set at 60c, will it automatically switch off when water temp hits this of do I need to fit a timer?

Sorry for all the questions and thanks in advance for answers!

[Ched]

It's  a bit of a tricky one. We (UK) originally had 240v ac, so 3000 watts = 12.5Amps. We 'harmonised' with EU back in 2003 at 230v ac so 3000watts = 13.04Amps!
Then comes the fact that a 13Amp mains fuse will pass more than 13Amps continuously!!

So while a 3Kw immersion heater can run on a 13A plug it's not good practice at all, saying nothing of voltage drops on 3000watt extension cables. So you would be running form many hrs at over max ratings, which over time could be afire risk to the van!

Best to get a 16Amp socket outdoors and a good quality 16Amp extension cable. If consumer unit is that close to exterior then it shouldn't be more that £150 inc parts inc certification. Ask electrician to supply an appropriate outdoor socket.

[Smudger]

Agree with the above

Just because they've fitted "loads" without complaint does not make it right- I point you to the Grenville flats and cladding

16amp sockets are more water proof than 13 amp and use artic flex - I go for 2.5mm core

Darran

[֍Winp®oClean֍]

Chris, you are right. You get a 16amp breaker in the consumer unit, from which it will feed your 3kw element.  You can fit both a 16amp timer (internal) probably under the consumer unit and an external 16amp weather proof socket. From that socket you just then run a length of 16amp extension cable to the replacement 16amp plug on your immersion cable in the van. That's it. Materials probably £50/60 and shouldn't be too much labour by the sound of it as you've not got far to go. It appears, from your description like a very straight forward job for any sparky.
Set the internal timer to whatever suites your needs and that’s it- plug in and away you go. Completely safe in the knowledge that you've done it safely and correctly. I've done Two this way now at different properties and it works flawlessly,  simplicity itself!👍

[chris turner]

Thanks for the answers, very helpful.
The tank was made by Stephen scargill but he wasn't there today so couldn't ask him any questions, instead I had to deal with his 'apprentices' who were clueless on electrics.
@wimpo.. Will the thermostat not be enough to turn the element off as I want to heat the water 60c anyway which is what its set at?

[KS Cleaning]

You shouldn’t need an extension lead, just get a sufficient amount of arctic cable coming direct from the element, add the 16amp plug on to the end then plug direct into the 16amp socket

[chris turner]

You shouldn’t need an extension lead, just get a sufficient amount of arctic cable coming direct from the element, add the 16amp plug on to the end then plug direct into the 16amp socket

Makes sense, cheers

[֍Winp®oClean֍]

Thanks for the answers, very helpful.
The tank was made by Stephen scargill but he wasn't there today so couldn't ask him any questions, instead I had to deal with his 'apprentices' who were clueless on electrics.
@wimpo.. Will the thermostat not be enough to turn the element off as I want to heat the water 60c anyway which is what its set at?

The thermostat will cut in at the set temp yes, but you have more control with a timer. I want the water heating until just before I go out in the morning so it's at it's hottest. Sometimes this means that it doesn't power up till 1-2am- while I'm pushing Zzzzzzzz's😁. A mechanical timer is only £15,  I would advise you fit one while the sparky's there, it will take him an extra 5 minutes.👍
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Socket-mechanical-switch-Immersion-Heater/dp/B00O7EKAD2

[NWH]

How long does it take for it to get the water to 60 degrees.

[KS Cleaning]

How long does it take for it to get the water to 60 degrees.

3 days 5 hours 28 mins and 42 secs approximately

[NWH]

Does it blimey better go and stick it on then.

[david mark]

Or just get a 2 kw element
Take the 3kw out then you can use 13 amp plug i have 4 vans 3 are 3 kw element each  has its own 16 amp line to a timer then to i 60amp unit and  the one  with the 2kw element i plug in to a outside socket .The 2kw is instaled in a 500 litre tank plug into a timer set it for 8 hours the water will be nice and warm

[AuRavelling79]

I changed from 3kw to 2kw. I can run from the garage spur using 13 amp plugs and sockets and also  charge a battery or have the lights on at the same time.

I found that with 3kw the weakest point got very hot. Usually one plug pin or the wall switch.

3KW is fine with 16amp sockets and properly wired to the main house circuit board.

[chris turner]

I have decided to remove the 3kw and change it for a 2kw.
Is this one suitable?

https://www.midlandchandlers.co.uk/products/immersion-heater-2kw-240v-hc-042#

[Ched]

I have decided to remove the 3kw and change it for a 2kw.
Is this one suitable?

https://www.midlandchandlers.co.uk/products/immersion-heater-2kw-240v-hc-042#

Looks correct to me. A wise choice I think.

[Spruce]

My daughter had electricity wired into her garage about a month ago. They ran an armoured cable from the outside meter, along the wall an into her joining garage. The electrician didn't take power from the internal consumer unit in the house.

The price included a consumer unit, an electric light and switch along with 4 x 13 amp double sockets.

She got 2 prices. One was £750 and the other £375. They originally asked for 3 sockets but added a fourth at £25.