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Need advice: immersion heating on its own circuit?

Traverser001

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Joined
Mar 31, 2025
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5
I'm setting up an immersion heating system and wondering if it absolutely needs to be on its own separate circuit or if it can share with another appliance. I've read mixed opinions some say it's fine to share if the load isn't too high, while others insist it should have a dedicated line for safety and efficiency and some others even say its non compliant to regulations if not done that way, for those who've installed one before, what's your setup? Did you run a separate breaker for it? Any issues if it wasn't on its own circuit? Would appreciate any insights before I commit
 
I'm setting up an immersion heating system and wondering if it absolutely needs to be on its own separate circuit or if it can share with another appliance. I've read mixed opinions some say it's fine to share if the load isn't too high, while others insist it should have a dedicated line for safety and efficiency and some others even say its non compliant to regulations if not done that way, for those who've installed one before, what's your setup? Did you run a separate breaker for it? Any issues if it wasn't on its own circuit? Would appreciate any insights before I commit
The best option is to have a dedicated circuit, my friend. Immersion heaters draw consistent high amps (around 13A for a 3kW unit), and sharing a line can lead to overloads or annoying trips. Some regulations might even mandate it. I've got mine on its own breaker,it's clean, safe, and I haven't had any problems. I'd reccommend you do the same for safety
 
I agree with @WireWhisperer said, it's just the safest and most efficient way to go! A dedicated line minimizes the risk of overloading and tripping the breaker and it makes sure the heater can always draw the power it needs without affecting other appliances.
 
The best option is to have a dedicated circuit, my friend. Immersion heaters draw consistent high amps (around 13A for a 3kW unit), and sharing a line can lead to overloads or annoying trips. Some regulations might even mandate it. I've got mine on its own breaker,it's clean, safe, and I haven't had any problems. I'd reccommend you do the same for safety
Appreciate the info, that makes sense. I had a feeling sharing the circuit might be pushing it, especially with how often the heater runs, I'll look into setting up a dedicated line like you did.

Thanks so much guys, @FlipFlopDude and @CircuitRick
 
Always put on its own circuit with a 16a breaker at the board. I think you will find that any fixed load over 2kw should be on a dedicated circuit. I would also use a 20amp DP (double pole) switch rather than a 13amp fuse spur as the fuse spurs have a habit of burning out with continued use on immersion heaters
 
The best option is to have a dedicated circuit, my friend. Immersion heaters draw consistent high amps (around 13A for a 3kW unit), and sharing a line can lead to overloads or annoying trips. Some regulations might even mandate it. I've got mine on its own breaker,it's clean, safe, and I haven't had any problems. I'd reccommend you do the same for safety
+1 to this. The extra cost for installation is pretty small compared to the hassle of dealing with a circuit that's just too weak for the job. Plus, you'll sleep a lot easier knowing everything's set up properly.
 
Use a separate circuit with its own breaker (usually 16A or 20A, depending on the cable and heater). Sharing circuits might cause trips or damage your wiring over time.
 
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