I have an old immersion heater that keeps burning out switches where the supply wire comes out of the wall to connect to the immersion heater wire.

 

It worked Ok for 5 years but now it burns out any switches or melts electric tape, getting very hot.
It gets so hot that the electric tape melted and could have started a fire, it was smouldering on the wood below.

Everything works fine. 

 

Any ideas on how to fix this?

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE!

 

Get a decent electrician in to sort everything in your home before you really do become toast.

 

Whilst you are at it get the bed-bug people in too.

 

Note for other members Our OP is in the UK so no problem getting a sparks in.

Just maybe you should start by changing the cables. Also please consult a professional to do that work. ???? 

How did it get that way in the first place?

It overheats, at the connection to the wire to the imersion heater element.

How would changing a wire help?

 

6 minutes ago, toast1 said:

It overheats, at the connection to the wire to the imersion heater element.

How would changing a wire help?

 

Depends if they've been damaged or not sized properly.  My guess is that the connection is arcing (not overheating) due to loose and/or improper connection.  Get a pro in before you use it again.

38 minutes ago, toast1 said:

I have an old immersion heater that keeps burning out switches where the supply wire comes out of the wall to connect to the immersion heater wire.  [...]

 

Any ideas on how to fix this?

If you have to ask then you REALLY DO NEED to ask a LICENSED PROFESSIONAL to come in and sort it all out.  Please. 

 

11.7 - 12.5 amps is a bit of power to draw for a device and not expect regular inspection and maintenance performed. If the device draw is MELTING the protective tape then something is wrong and you need to call a trade professional, preferably one with years of experience, to evaluate the installation.

 

I'm not sure why to seem to be blatantly ignoring Crossy's advice, unless you would really rather put yours and other's lives and property at risk ...over what? 

20 minutes ago, toast1 said:

It overheats, at the connection to the wire to the imersion heater element.

How would changing a wire help?

 

Why not change the shower unit.

Looks like the Earth wire is not connect,you have a very dangerous immersion

heater there, if we don't hear from you again ,won't be a surprise ,get it sorted. 

regards worgeordie

I still say you need to get the pro's in! https://www.checkatrade.com/

 

Is the immersion on it's own circuit or is it spurred off the ring?

 

What rating are the switches it is frying?

As a minimum you should be looking at this type of thing (20A)

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/AA20DPSW.html

 

Taped joints at 3kW is a really bad idea, at the very minimum get some >15A ceramic (not plastic) choc-bloks.

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/TLPC15.html

 

 

 

 

Actually @Toast thinking about it I do not feel comfortable providing any further advice on electrical issues in your home, I will also not sanction others to provide you with such advice.

 

This forum is aimed at members in Thailand where professional domestic electricians are few and far between and many have little choice but to DIY it.

 

You are in the UK where professional electricians are readily available, of course you will pay for that professionalism.

 

Also, please do not post further electrical queries on this site, any new threads will be closed without notice.