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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> Immersion heater timer switch https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1350846148 Message started by mwgary on Oct 21^st, 2012, 8:02pm

Title: Immersion heater timer switch
Post by mwgary on Oct 21^st, 2012, 8:02pm

I have immersion heater that is running off a 15amp circuit from the fuse box. The heater has a basic on/off switch, which i want to change to either a digital or mechanical timer, but I can only find ones that are 13amp. is it ok to use the 13amp timer on a 15amp cirtuit?

all info much appreciated.

Title: Re: Immersion heater timer switch
Post by Lectrician on Oct 22^nd, 2012, 7:05am

That's fine, the circuit in 15amp, but the load is only 12-12.5 amps.

This type leaes your current switch in place and is wired into the flex from switch to heater:

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/SMTS900.html

I prefer this type, which replaces your current switch completely:

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Timers_Index/Immersion_Heater_Timers_1/index.html

Title: Re: Immersion heater timer switch
Post by CWatters on Oct 22^nd, 2012, 7:27am

Using Electricity is quite an expensive way to heat your hot water. If you have any other source of heating it's likely to be a lot cheaper to use that. Sorry if you know that already.

Title: Re: Immersion heater timer switch
Post by Flashbang on Oct 24^th, 2012, 8:04pm

Hi
If you have to use electricity to heat your water then have your meter converted to Economy 7.
Then install a local to the HW cylinder a time clock that switches 'On' the water heater only in the periods of economy 7.... i.e. Typically. Summer 11:30 to 01:30 and then between 03:30 & 08:30. Winter 22:30 to 00:30 then 02:30 to O7:30. These time may vary depending on the supplier.