Electric immersion water heater - can a switch break?

[camille79]

My hot water has gone on the blink.  The tank is heated by immersion which was replaced last year so it is highly unlikely that this is the problem.  I've checked the fuses and disconnected the immersion from the timer and it still doesn't work.  My only option left is either the switch by the storage tank or the switch in the kitchen.  My question is - is it possible for a switch to need replacing?  And, is there anything else I can do before calling in the professionals?

[RAYMAN]

A switch can go open circuit if there was a poor pressure contact ie the two parts that meet when the switch is operated has a slack gap which could create arcing across the gap and burn creating a wider gap where the current could not cross.get someone competent to check your switches to see that there has not been any burning.

[carp]

hi there this could be a switch that as gone down. if the switch really easy when pressed then it could well be. but it also could be the element in the emersion itself this is taken out by turning off the electric for a start and draining the tank a little. then a special spanner is required for the top of the element to take it out, then replaced by a new one. also you should if you dont know what you r doing contacting a fully trained electrician to do this.

[fieldivision]

Hi there, I am interested in this thread  due to having the same problem, I have located the problem being the kitchen switch and bought a replacement 20 A switch. The problem I have now is on the old switch which I am removing has connections going in called IN & OUT. On the new switch it has SUPPLY & LOAD on it. Can someone tell me which is which I.e. IN means SUPPLY or does OUT mean SUPPLY..thxs 4 ur help in advance... 

[istvanski]

Oh thank God. . .Hi Please please help me. ive been searching for hours and at last found you guys with the same problem I am having with my immersion heater. I guessed the problem as the switch was rather crunchy leading up to it being too easy to switch plus the light no longer lights up. I bought a new complete box with switch i have an idea of how to change but would like advise to back me up of not makin a mistake and takin ages to rectify thanks. . . .