Max demand for a 2 x 3kw immersion heater?

[HappyHippyDad]

Evening all..

I was at a job today and the plumber asked me to fit a supply for a 2 x 3kw immersion heater. I have asked him to send the model number so I can check the MI but have not heard from him.
I will be returning tomorrow to carry out the job.
I expect it is something like thishttps://www.advancedwater.co.uk/prod-032-255-0001.html

The spec on the above element states 3kw as the rating? Is this because only one will work at any one time? Are most dual elements like this?

I'm asking as I was intending to use a 4mm cable on a 32A mcb with a 45A switch thinking that it would be 6kw so 26A, but now I'm not so sure!

Cheers.

 

[cprfenom]

One is likely to be peak and the other off peak, or one will be low down the tank with the other near the top. The primary one will be the one lower in the tank.

 

[davesparks]

I hadn't realised they were still making those things! They used to come with a selector switch on top of the heater to select which element you wanted on.

The idea of these is that you can either heat a small amount of water or a large amount of water. They were common in years gone by and would either have a built in switch or be fed from a purpose made selector switch.
The switch would be labelled 'sink' for the short element and 'bath' for the long element.

 

[davesparks]

One is likely to be peak and the other off peak, or one will be low down the tank with the other near the top. The primary one will be the one lower in the tank.

No, peak and off-peak elements would be two separate immersion heaters in one tank mounted as you describe. This is a single immersion heater with two elements

 

[davesparks]

A quick google search shows that someone (looks like MK) is still making the switches for these.

 

[freddo]

The engraving is too far to the right on that plate.

 

[cprfenom]

Its always nice to learn something new! Thanks Dave for enlightening me.

 

[Wilko]

Well it would make a nice change from the toasty 1mm flex I've seen a few times

 

[Risteard]

I hadn't realised they were still making those things! They used to come with a selector switch on top of the heater to select which element you wanted on.

The idea of these is that you can either heat a small amount of water or a large amount of water. They were common in years gone by and would either have a built in switch or be fed from a purpose made selector switch.
The switch would be labelled 'sink' for the short element and 'bath' for the long element.

Bath/Sink switches for the immersion heater are relatively common here.

 

[telectrix]

The engraving is too far to the right on that plate.

and the screws are perfectly aligned with the position of the moon @ 2.00a.m.

 

[freddo]

and the screws are perfectly aligned with the position of the moon @ 2.00a.m.

The same angle I install them!