Double immersion

[PRETEND SPARKS]

Hi guys wonder if anyone come across this one, got called to a cylinder with two 3kw elements in it, both fed from a 32a
breaker to two fused spurs with 13a protection. The shop owner says that one of the spurs banged and after this
neither element now works. Firstly thought that the supply was adequate and secondly can't understand both now not working??? Any ideas anyone. The cylinder is made by joule.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

check the second FCU isn`t coming off the secondry side of the one that you say `banged`....

 

[GLENNSPARK]

is the MCB feeding this still closed?

 

[PRETEND SPARKS]

It is secondary but still got power on it also got power at element, also element bells out ok?? Confused . Com but thanx

 

[NickD]

Any ideas anyone.

What measurements have you taken at the immersion terminals and what were the results?

 

[PRETEND SPARKS]

Yes it is mate

 

[PRETEND SPARKS]

I only belled it didn't have meter with me so no readings

 

[Marvo]

Maybe it's one of those old economy tariff set-up's

It is secondary but still got power on it also got power at element, also element bells out ok?? Confused . Com but thanx

Not sure what belling out involves but if there's 230v across the element terminals then use a clamp meter to check the current draw. If there's no current or considerably less current than the kilowatt rating of the element would suggest there should be then remove the element and replace it.

 

[Marvo]

I only belled it didn't have meter with me so no readings

Why would you go to a fault without test equipment? If you can't tell us test results then the best you're going to get is guesswork and speculation.

 

[PRETEND SPARKS]

Was just checking with voltage tester that I was not down to earth with buzzer on tester etc, I was on one but not on the other?? It's the fact the one that didn't pop isn't working now, they tell me they only ever use one at a time too

 

[PRETEND SPARKS]

Ill go and test it now for you mate!!

 

[NickD]

Am I being thick here? Is what you are asking about as simple a setup as two immersion elements being fed from two FCUs which are fed from the same source? Or am I missing some sublety?

(Or possibly for some ridiculous reason FCU#2 is fed by load side of FCU#1? which a) will blow FCU#1 fuse, eventually and b) means immersion#2 can't possibly have power if FCU#1 fuse has blown.)

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Am I being thick here? Is what you are asking about as simple a setup as two immersion elements being fed from two FCUs which are fed from the same source? Or am I missing some sublety?

(Or possibly for some ridiculous reason FCU#2 is fed by load side of FCU#1? which a) will blow FCU#1 fuse, eventually and b) means immersion#2 can't possibly have power if FCU#1 fuse has blown.)

#2 & #3.....

 

[Hawkmoon]

If you are getting 230V at both element points then the problem can only be stats or elements - test all appropriately and replace whatever is faulty...

I can't see where the confusion is.

 

[PRETEND SPARKS]

No mate you ain't being thick prob not explaining very well but the the fcu's are both terminated correctly ie feed side etc load in load etc. n yea your right it's just a simple emersion circuit with two elements etc al have to check what readings are on element, was prob doubting myself slightly but the cable size ok n fcu's ok at 13a !!

 

[Engineer54]

Why is it that electricians go to job's that are known to have a fault, without test equipment??

Even the best electrician in the country will be at a complete loss, without the appropriate test equipment to diagnose and locate the problem!!

 

[NickD]

No mate you ain't being thick prob not explaining very well but the the fcu's are both terminated correctly ie feed side etc load in load etc. n yea your right it's just a simple emersion circuit with two elements etc al have to check what readings are on element, was prob doubting myself slightly but the cable size ok n fcu's ok at 13a !!

I've got be be honest here then...not meaning to be nasty, but the critical importance of this client's system being worked on safely requires that I say this....if you aren't competent to work this one out for yourself you shouldn't be working on the system. It is an extremely simple setup. If you are competent to work it out for yourself but are asking because you don't have the readings yet, it ought to be obvious as part of that competence that it's no use to ask because without the readings it is utter speculation. Sorry but there it is.

 

[PRETEND SPARKS]

Yea yea your rite

 

[PRETEND SPARKS]

Yea looking at it it is a bit of a dumb post and as I have said, like you have too, a very simple circuit
I obviously should have took meter to test element but was on another job at the time and left it there. The worrying factor here is , as I am competent and I reiterate very competent the problem was all the terminations were correct the circuit correct but yet the FCU had blown ......... Al test it out in the morning

 

[Geordie Spark]

Why would you go to a fault without test equipment? If you can't tell us test results then the best you're going to get is guesswork and speculation.

And a certain amount of ridicule.