The immersion heater stopped working the other day and I tracked it down very quickly to the timer/controller, so I got a new one from Screwfix (
Just for a change (!) I read the instructions, which very clearly say that the connection (a screw terminal, just like a bit of choc block) should only be made with solid core cable and not stranded. This seems a bit odd, as the connection would (it seems to me) come from a switched outlet to the timer, then go on to the immersion heater element, both of these needing heat-resistant flex.
So, to my questions: Does this mean the wiring should go - Switched outlet - flex - junction box - solid cable - timer - junction box - flex - element? (seems a bit over board to me, but I can't envisage feeding solid cored cable out of the outlet or to the element) If so, what sort of junction boxes would be good? (if a choc block type of screw terminal shouldn't take stranded flex at the timer, surely the same applies in a JB, or am I missing something?
I probably wouldn't usually give this much thought but the problem was caused by what looks like the flex coming from the old timer burning out. Presumably there had been some mechanical strain on the flex (and there is no strain relief on these timers) that broke a few strands, leading to increased resistance etc etc.
Any views from the experts?
Cheers