> > Hi
> >
> > I recently had my solar hot water system replaced. The old one had a 1.8kw
> > heater and the new one has a 2.4kw. The installers used the old heater
> > wiring. Since then the 10amp switch for the heater failed. It obviously got
> > hot and fell apart. My concern is that the wiring may also be under rated.
> > I'm in Australia so it has to carry 10A at 240V. My thought is that 10A
> > wiring would have been good for the old heater and probably that's what was
> > installed. Comments please.
> >
> > Secondly, how would I approach a contractor for an opinion without giving
> > them an open invitation to replace the lot ?
> >
> > Gordon
> > my address needs gj in front
> >
> >
> At 240 volts, the 1.8Kw water heater would draw 7.5 Amps, and the 2.4Kw
> heater would draw 10 Amps. To an appliance like this, a #12 guage wire
> would be the least that would be installed, although theoretically, a #14
> guage wire would be sufficient.
>
>JB wrote:
>
> Presuming the installer knew what he was doing I'd say you had nothing more
>serious than loose connection in the switch, try a new one but check it for
>temperature when the heater is running
Thanks guys, I'll check the gauge and the temperature. My concern, after the switch failed, was that the installer was a plumber and not an electrician and may not have taken note of the different heater sizes.
Thanks again.
Gordon