Carver Cascade 2 Water Heater

[PETER_374248185]

Intermttent fault when using the heater on Electrics. When the switch is set to on and illuminates the heater works fine. When the switch is switched to on but does not illuminate then the heater does not work. Have checked connections and power is going to the heater even though the indicator light is not coming on. I have also checked the thermal overload and the thermostat both of which appear to be Ok. Suggestions please. Is is possible that the actual element of the heater has developed a fault which could be causing the problem.

 

[gary]

I'm trying to think of the link to the light being on or off, the only thing that comes to mind is a poor neutral connection.

this might well allow enough through to get a voltage reading but not enough amps to power the element.

Elements do go wrong, either open circuit or a short to earth but permanantly!

 

[PETER_374248185]

I'm trying to think of the link to the light being on or off, the only thing that comes to mind is a poor neutral connection.

this might well allow enough through to get a voltage reading but not enough amps to power the element.

Elements do go wrong, either open circuit or a short to earth but permanantly!

thanks Gary for the prompt reply. i don't have a multimeter but i am using a circuit test screw drive to check if the connection are live. I can tell you that when the neon in the heater switch is on then the neutral conection on the heater element does not show live when tested. When the neon fails to light then the neutral connection on the heater element shows live when tested. Does this help?

 

[gary]

Yes I would think that confirms it.

I've only come across this once before on a lighting circuit in the home. Myself and two electricians failed to spot it but my apprentice sparky lad did!!. It was a broken neutral in the main consumer unit.

 

[PETER_374248185]

HI GARY, CHECKED OVER ALL CONNECTIONS ON MAIN CONSUMER UNIT

NOTHING OBVIOUS .DISCONNECTED ALL CONNECTIONS AND RE CONNECTED AND THE SWITCH NOW WORKS EVERY TIME!.AM GOING UP TO SCOTLAND AT EASTER SO WILL SEE WHAT 6HOURS ON MOTORWAY DOES FOR IT!THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT PETER.