Can I install a 13A rated timer switch to a 3KW immersion on a 20A circuit? The heater has no Amp rating.?

Question

It is only appliance on the circuit and heater must be 30 plus years old (Santon 230/250v SU24345??)

Answer 1

not sure but use this link and ask santon on model you have

http://www.santon.co.uk/santon/santon.ns...

Answer 2

The Pool Guy did the math. (I was gonna)

Perfect answer.

WTG Pool Guy

Answer 3

3kW = (3000W / 240V) = 12.5A Load

Which means you could use the timer and it would work, but not for long. The contacts are likely to burn out very quickly, I have found that often the load rating on timers is more advertising than fact. A better idea if you want to use that timer would be wire it up to a 20A contactor / relay (and have it do the "heavy" switching)

  

To double check the size of the element, test its reistance with a multimeter. Eg. For 3KW heater 240V / 12.5A = 19.2 ohms resistance

formula arranged another way    

Amps (load)  =  Voltage (240V)   /  Resistance (Ohms)

Answer 4

Your question has been answered, but you must not install any NEW electrical apparatus in either a bathroom or a kitchen without being or having it checked out by a competent electrician (Part "P" regulations for electrical safety)

Answer 5

The 13 amp timer is borderline at best.  You need to figure the possibility of line loss and resistance in breakers that likely will only supply the appliance with about 220 volts.  This will  result in a 13.6 amp draw.  Get another, larger capacity timer.  

Answer 6

Hi, The old models of Santon were normally 3 kw but some have had the immersion changed in the period of time. They could now be 3.5 or 5 kw, this is why they are on a 20A circuit. You can buy timers specially for high wattage domestics. They are not expensive and are not likely to melt under load. B&Q sell them or any good electrical store will.

Stan