[petski2]

Cheers Gaz.
Tried fitting it thru the top today but as there was still about 6 inch not immersed in the water it burnt out
Took it back to wickes an hour ago and told them id got wrong size and just exchanged it
Just gotta get the flange and drill bit tomorrow now.

[access]

it would be no different Gazza. lid or tank- both plastic!! Thanks anyway.

[geefree]

Tut tut tut pete ,thought you were a whizz at diy 

[access]

We fitted one of these today. We fitted it horizontally at the bottom of the tank.

The one we got needs to be totally submerged, otherwise the fitting will get too hot and either melt the tank or burn out.

The water draws the heat out of the element.

Where did you get this submergable one from??  or did you mean just the element fully submerged?

[geefree]

They have to all be submerged bud.

[geefree]

Access ,

it should work,go to plumb merchant , get two asbestos washer seals, and a cheap threaded flange for the inside of the lid
use the sealant steve recommended, its brilliant,.... it should be fine, ..also check inside the wiring area,,.... and make sure there is a small brown wire connection, from the live terminal to the thermostat.

[formb]

We fitted one of these today. We fitted it horizontally at the bottom of the tank.

The one we got needs to be totally submerged, otherwise the fitting will get too hot and either melt the tank or burn out.

The water draws the heat out of the element.

Where did you get this submergable one from??  or did you mean just the element fully submerged?

I meant the element

[access]

ok thanks gazza, do you think the asbestos washer is going to s top the heat conducting from the top of the element to surrounding areas eg.the lid?? what is the melting point of the wet grab that you used? as mentioned before, there was about 6 inches of element out of the water, this is the reason it gets so hot. unless the tank is full to the brim, this will keep happening.

[simp]

Just finished!
Immersion working really well.
I've mounted it about 6" from the bottom, horizontally.
I've got an upright tank so fitted an 11" immersion.
Tested it on 70 degrees. Water was steaming! Lovely!
No sign of any melting plastic though. It was only warm from the water temperature.
See how I go tomorrow, hope to earn more than 20 quid!

[LBWCS]

am I missing something with all these element ideas. Isnt it not very good for the pump to put hot water through it? I thought it damaged it, thats why the heaters are after the pump. Sorry if iv not understood

[geefree]

no its fine , its not scalding just warm

[AuRavelling79]

Could you not mount an 11" element through a piece of plywood or polystyrene and float it on top the water through the filler hole. Then it doesn't matter about the depth of the water as long as you leave at least about 15" in the bottom.

[geefree]

thats just the same as fitting one horizonally a foot from the bottom ,whats your point >?

heat rises too.

[darren clarke]

no an immersion element should be complete submerged

[darren clarke]

if u have an upright and mount it at that the top, then only the top of the tank will get hot, as hot water rises and the thermo should switch its self off at a certain temp,

if u look at ur immersion  if it is a decent size then u should have two elements in it, and u will notice that the water leaves by the top, so cold water comes up and gets heated up

[GoodFella2006]

Has anyone tried to run this water heater with the vans/spare leisure battery using an inverter?

[Spruce]

Has anyone tried to run this water heater with the vans/spare leisure battery using an inverter?

No - it won't work.

I was just looking in the machine mart catalogue at a 750 watt inverter which is the biggest they do. That draws 62.5 amps at 12v. That's the equivilant of 14 car headlights all on at the same time. And if the element is drawing 3kw (3000 watt) (thats 55 car headlights on at the same time) it needs a very big inverter and a massive power source.  That's like wanting to run the whole estate off your lounge wall socket. (hyperbole)

The only other way of running this would be a 4kva petrol generator if you couldn't hook up to your house supply.

Spruce

[GoodFella2006]

Thanks for the info Spruce.

You also explained to me why i can't use a kettle with my 1kva petrol generator,I tried so many times 

There are some 3000W inverters for sale on ebay from China (probably BS)

I will also need several batteries



and call it a hybrid van,35 quid a year road tax 

[geefree]

Well , have used it  for few days now...Th element.... And i can say without any doubt, ..that i will not be buying  a hot water system which will cost hundreds of pounds,

There is no need, as this works perfectly for my needs, and for a few quid , it has provided me with warm water all day long,

I would say . set on a timer from 4am until 8am ... not only heats the water perfectly,   but if any frost has set in,  it also acts as a huge radiator and the van is lovely and warmin in  the mornings.

For a few days or weeks per year,

this is all i will ever need.

[Poles R Us]

good for you gazza , i fitted mine yesterday cant wait to try out monday .
i ve got to lag it all today.