Any electricians out there?

[RoyHorridge]

My son has just phoned from site to tell me that he has a problem with the electic heater in his Europa Sterling. Every time he switches it on the main fuse to the heater trips out, even when there is nothing else connected to mains. He tells me that they had hot water yesterday and the hot tap delivers water so presumably the hot water tank is full.

Any one have any idea what he should/can check?

Responses would be appreciated or it's a week without showers.

Roy

 

[xtrailman]

Roy

I assume you mean the water heater.

The most likely cause is the heating element.

I suggest if possible for a quick result, ISOLATE the power, the most obvious way is to remove the site supply plug.

Then locate the lead (black flex on my truma)that goes to the heater, mine has an in line connecter, secured with a tie rap (bailey).

I know it sounds a bit vague, but each installation is different.

The object is to isolate the element, or a lest the heater from the mains supply, as close as possible to the heater.

Reinstate the mains and apply power to the heater circuit. The breaker should not trip.

If it does the fault is else were.

 

[Chris_374413356]

Hi, your message is a little confusing... or is it me?

If the RCB (residual circuit breaker) is tripping ie. taking all the power off, then it would seem you have an earth fault on the heater element. However, if it blowing the fuse in the 13amp plug for the heater, then the heater itself has perhaps a short circuit. Either way it looks like a fault on the heater.

An electrician with an insulation tester (Megger)could check it out in 10 minutes. Where is the van?

 

[RoyHorridge]

Hi, your message is a little confusing... or is it me?

If the RCB (residual circuit breaker) is tripping ie. taking all the power off, then it would seem you have an earth fault on the heater element. However, if it blowing the fuse in the 13amp plug for the heater, then the heater itself has perhaps a short circuit. Either way it looks like a fault on the heater.

An electrician with an insulation tester (Megger)could check it out in 10 minutes. Where is the van?

Yes, it is the water heater and it is the RCB to the water heater supply that keeps triping out. The van is on site in Filey, Yorkshire

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Roy,

As you don't sat exactly which make and model of water heater it is that your son has I cannot give specific advice however it does sound like the element has has failed, and that is causing the RCD to trip.

If a replacement cannot be arranged locally, all he needs to do is to leave the heater isolation switch off, and use the gas side of the heater to make hot water.

Perhaps not quite as convenient, but it will at least allow the holiday to go ahead.

However you son should still be able to heat the water by using the gas burner

 

[Chris_374413356]

Yes, it is the water heater and it is the RCB to the water heater supply that keeps triping out. The van is on site in Filey, Yorkshire

Sorry, too far for me to pop in and have a look.

 

[RoyHorridge]

Thanks everyone for your help and advice. Of course I had completely forgotten that he could use gas!

Whilst he has been un able to resolve the electric function he will use gas untilhe can arrange repair when he comes home.

Roy