[Evan]

Hi Guys, I want to fit a immersion heater ready for the winter..and do’s and dont’s and tips would be much appreciated…??

[GAZZA B]

 could use the search button, its all been spoken before

[chris turner]

Don't.

[Jonny 87]

Don't.

Worst advice of the century award goes to……… ⬆️


As above, search immersion heater and loads of info will come up.

Immersion will save you money, make you money, and is pretty hassle free. Go for it, and make sure your electrics are set up properly.

[AuRavelling79]

Don't.

As in 'Don't' listen to Chris Turner.

[AuRavelling79]

If using 3kw make sure you have adequate electrics. Although you can get away with 13 amp plugs and sockets it is far better to have properly fitted 16 amp power cable plugs and sockets.

Alternatively get a 2kw element made up.

[High-Tower]

Use a mechanical flange like this;
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111634635156?hash=item19fdf15994:g:IoQAAOSwTZ1XmMVz

You obviously want to fit it as low down as possible, but still need to be able to reach inside to tighten the back nut. Do a test run in a piece of scrap plastic, use a slightly undersized holesaw to cut the hole in an entirely flat area, not near the edges, and file it a little to make it a tight fit, hoover the tank out inside to get rid of the sawdust. I use a small amount of silicone sealer on the fittings, although i'm not sure its essential.

I have this 2kw element fitted.
https://www.midlandchandlers.co.uk/products/immersion-heater-2kw-240v-hc-042

dont expect boiling hot water unless you only have a very small tank. my 650 will get to about 35 overnight, and thats enough to stay warm all day and keep everything working nicely.

[H2GoKent]

I would echo all of the above, but also buy a thick flex that can handle the job not standard domestic cable.

I have 2 kw fitted on my 750 litre tank and leave it on overnight for cold, cold mornings and new jobs
I don't use mine a great deal, but it's handy to have for the rare occasions I need it

[HampshireWindowCleaning]

Look on Youtube, there's a couple of good videos that run you through the whole process and explain everything you'll need

[NWH]

Is that a modification for the insurance I think it might be what about if  it catches 🔥

[Smudger]

A tank of  pure water on fire ? - yeah right oh 

[NWH]

No not a tank on fire 🔥 the other items that may surround the cable etc,you are heating water unsupervised overnight that is not designed for purpose insurance company won’t get cold hands all winter long they’ll be rubbing em together 🤣🤣 wouldn’t have a leg 🦵 to stand on Darren.

[NWH]

You have an accident and you’ve changed the wheels you could have problems you run a DIY emersion setup from your home into the back of your vehicle and you set the van on fire 🔥 unless you lie about what’s happened the insurance would be void.

[AuRavelling79]

A tank of pure water on fire ? - yeah right oh 

He does come up with some nonsense doesn't he? 

[NWH]

You could always give the old insurance company a ring and see what they say about you plugging that in overnight lol.

[AuRavelling79]

You could always give the old insurance company a ring and see what they say about you plugging that in overnight lol.

Or do a risk assessment and decide for myself.

[NWH]

Yeah do a risk assessment and judge for yourself I’m sure A. Plan or another leading insurance company will take your work for it when you put a claim in.

[AuRavelling79]

Yeah do a risk assessment and judge for yourself I’m sure A. Plan or another leading insurance company will take your work for it when you put a claim in.

I guess you mean word. And what will I put a claim in for?

[Splash & dash]

You could always give the old insurance company a ring and see what they say about you plugging that in overnight lol.

Or do a risk assessment and decide for myself.

He is right though it’s a modification and if not declared would void the insurance if it caught fire , Ime in the Fireservice and we do investigate  fires in vehicles if it looks at all suspicious and a full FI report is done the insurance company can and very often do  request a copy and then will not pay out , we get this all the time with boy racers modifying there cars and not declaring them just by adding alloy wheels and not telling them will result in no pay out . If you fit an immersion heater into a tank in a van you should have a  qualified electrician check it and issue a certificate stating it’s fit for purpose and safe , without this again the insurance are going to use it as a loop hole not to pay out especially  if it looks like that was the cause of the fire . On a side point years ago I was looking at putting an Emerson element in my van I spoke to a friend who is a qualified electrician and he said he wouldn’t fit it and advised against it stating they aren’t designed to be fitted in vehicles and plastic tanks . I think if ones want warm water it’s a very cheap and  easy fit just make sure it’s 100% fitted right with the correct cable and socket in the house and preferably no bigger than 2 kw .

[AuRavelling79]

You could always give the old insurance company a ring and see what they say about you plugging that in overnight lol.

Or do a risk assessment and decide for myself.

He is right though it’s a modification and if not declared would void the insurance if it caught fire , Ime in the Fireservice and we do investigate  fires in vehicles if it looks at all suspicious and a full FI report is done the insurance company can and very often do  request a copy and then will not pay out , we get this all the time with boy racers modifying there cars and not declaring them just by adding alloy wheels and not telling them will result in no pay out . If you fit an immersion heater into a tank in a van you should have a  qualified electrician check it and issue a certificate stating it’s fit for purpose and safe , without this again the insurance are going to use it as a loop hole not to pay out especially  if it looks like that was the cause of the fire . On a side point years ago I was looking at putting an Emerson element in my van I spoke to a friend who is a qualified electrician and he said he wouldn’t fit it and advised against it stating they aren’t designed to be fitted in vehicles and plastic tanks . I think if ones want warm water it’s a very cheap and  easy fit just make sure it’s 100% fitted right with the correct cable and socket in the house and preferably no bigger than 2 kw .

Spot on. I've fitted four immersions to four tanks - well five if you count the one I turned on with no water in and it went "ping". I know what I am doing. (except when I forget to put water in the tank! )

Let's take it a step further. You put an electric reel in your van - the electrics go bang and start a fire - what's the difference? What's the likelihood? Or your leisure battery (which isn't specifically designed for window cleaning application and nor is an aftermarket relay charging from your alternator) going bang?