Immersion heaters are used to quickly and reliably heat liquids that they are immersed in either from the top of an open vessel, or through the side of the vessel into the liquid with a liquid and pressure tight fitting. Immersion heaters are available in many physical configurations, materials and temperature ranges to cover a wide range of applications in industry, science, utilities, domestic and appliances. While most immersion heaters are relatively inexpensive to purchase, they are not particularly energy efficient since they employ a direct electric heating.

Principle of Operation: Immersion heaters are made by encasing a nichrome resistance heating wire in a ceramic jacket which is then surrounded by an Inconel sheath. Inconel is a highly corrosion- and heat resistant form of stainless steel used for the electric heating elements on electric stoves. As electricity flows through the nichrome wire, it gets hot to the point of glowing and spews heat at a high rate through the ceramic and through the Inconel, until its temperature is high. If it were not immersed, it would glow red just like stove heating elements.

Common Problems of Immersion heater and remedies:

If the water is not heating up efficiently or not heating up at all, then it could be a sign of a faulty thermostat or element. This will need to be tested by a proficient plumber or electrician. If the water is heating up to an extreme, the thermostat may be stuck on the ‘on’ position and will need replacing. Another common problem can be the timer switch burning out, which would also require replacement.