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Immersion

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  • 04-02-2017 4:48pm
    #1
    JennyZ
    Registered Users Posts: 290 ✭✭


    Hi, sorry if this has been asked before had a look can't see a thread. My immersion is suddently causing the trip switch to go. Does anyone know why this might be?

    Incidentally the ESB was off in the whole apartment block this morning and I saw an ESB van out doing something down the road, it's now back on but not sure if that might have anything to do with it.
    Thanks


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    #2
    cnocbui
    Registered Users Posts: 20,090 ✭✭✭✭cnocbui


    Is it causing the circuit breaker to trip or is it causing the RCD (Residual Current Device) to trip?

    If it is the latter, then next question would be do you have hard water? If so, you could have corrosion in the jacket of the immersion element that has allowed water to enter and touch the live heating element, which is tripping the RCD.


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    #3
    JennyZ
    Registered Users Posts: 290 ✭✭JennyZ


    It's causing the 'ELCB' switch to trip, is that the circuit breaker?
    Many thanks


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    #4
    Wise Old Elf
    Moderators Posts: 3,554 ✭✭✭Wise Old Elf


    I had a similar experience a few months ago, the element was damaged and there was a minor leak allowing water touch the wires (almost exactly what the poster above said). Mine was only tripping the circuit breaker on "bath" though.

    New element was needed, can't remember how much but it wasn't ridiculous money wise. The important thing would be to not use it until the problem is resolved.


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    #5
    cnocbui
    Registered Users Posts: 20,090 ✭✭✭✭cnocbui


    I am not certain. Mine has RCCB on it (alternative for RCD) and a Test button and is larger than the ordinary circuit breakers.


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    #6
    The Premier Man
    Registered Users Posts: 357 ✭✭The Premier Man


    Elcb is an rcd


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    #7
    cnocbui
    Registered Users Posts: 20,090 ✭✭✭✭cnocbui


    I have hard water. This happened to me. I replaced the immersion element with one of the same type - one with a brass jacket - and it corroded through causing the same problem, within 12 months.

    I found out you can get more expensive elements that have a corrosion resistant jacket of stainless steel. I bought and fitted one of those and have had no problems since. Think it was 2-3 times the price of a standard element.


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