Fitting a 2nd Element

[Hops_and_Dreams]

Morning All,

I have a 2nd 2.4kW element, which is currently sitting in a cupboard doing nothing.

I am thinking of fitting it to my 50ltr stainless boiler as a way of speeding up the heating time and also I didn't think the boil of 30ltr was 'vigorous' with the one on it's own. Before I ruin my pot by putting a big hole in the side, I have a couple of questions:-

• I'm no expert on household electrics - will it cope with running 2 x elements?
• Using a Q Max cutter, do I just need to drill a pilot hole and thread the bolt through?
• These elements seem to be 40mm on the threaded part, is this correct?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ManseMasher]

2.4kW = 10 amps, so if your other element is the same, you are looking at 20 amps. Depends on the capacity of the circuit you are running it off. For the q max, yes a pilot hole big enough to take the bolt is required, the cutter does the rest. As for the 40mm thread, sorry can't help you with that one.

 

[Hops_and_Dreams]

Thanks MM. Just looked at the fuse box and it has 2 x 32A breakers, presumably one for downstairs and one for up (they're not marked)? So providing not much else is in use apart from the fridge/freezer it may be ok? Our house is probably 15-20 years old, so will have 'modern' electrics.

 

[ManseMasher]

That should be ok. Keep an eye on it when you use it, and if I were you get a plug in RCD to run it off. I'm not an electrician, so take everything I say with a pinch of salt!

 

[Hops_and_Dreams]

Sorry, I mislead you a bit, the main breaker is 100A, with 2 x 32A and then a few others for lights etc. I would run it from two seperate sockets I think, rather than both in a double, just to be on the safe side. I'll have a look for a RCD (not sure what this is yet!)

Thanks for your input.

 

[ManseMasher]

[http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RCD-Power...n-Test-Reset-Switch-Master-Plug-/281436027273 . One of these for each socket mate.

Sorry, I mislead you a bit, the main breaker is 100A, with 2 x 32A and then a few others for lights etc. I would run it from two seperate sockets I think, rather than both in a double, just to be on the safe side. I'll have a look for a RCD (not sure what this is yet!)

Thanks for your input.

 

[Hops_and_Dreams]

Thanks MM. Just ordered a couple, plus a q max cutter.