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Whilst tidying up the remains of the LG washing machine I took the direct drive from, it occurred to me that I also removed this immersion heater from it. I was wondering, if I'd be able to recycle this to use as my dump load?
Has anyone done this? :)
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SimpleSafeName Senior Member Joined: 28/07/2019 Location: United StatesPosts: 286
Posted: 01:35pm 10 Nov 2020
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As the name implies, you will have to keep it immersed in water. Otherwise, why not? Edited 2020-11-11 01:52 by SimpleSafeName
mad jack Newbie Joined: 26/06/2020 Location: United StatesPosts: 11
Posted: 11:34pm 10 Nov 2020
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I am no expert but you will need to measure resistance and know system voltage to calculate how much you can (dump)thru it .I expect you may need more than one
SimpleSafeName Senior Member Joined: 28/07/2019 Location: United StatesPosts: 286
Posted: 11:46pm 10 Nov 2020
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From the markings on the heater (2000/230), I get 8.7 ohms of resistance, and of course the 230 volts is marked on the plate.
And before anyone asks, it's good for 2000 watts, but probably only when immersed.
It may sound like I am harping on this point. But as a young electrician I powered up an immersion heater while it wasn't immersed in water.
Lasted about 20 seconds...
To my credit I haven't forgotten that lesson. :)
Davo99 Guru Joined: 03/06/2019 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1577
Posted: 10:37am 12 Nov 2020
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I didn't know washing machines had heaters. Dish washers yes, Fridges yes, but not washing machines. Was it a front Loader?
Looks like it has a Built in temp sensor as well.
I have run water heater elements out of water at reduced power. If you have a few you get for nothing, you can afford to see what the limit is. If you only have the one, probably best to sink it and be done with it. They will only take a fraction of their rated power in air.
If you want an "air cooled" dump load, 500W halogen Floodlights are pretty cheap.
SimpleSafeName Senior Member Joined: 28/07/2019 Location: United StatesPosts: 286
Posted: 01:20pm 12 Nov 2020
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Yeah, I think he is referring to a dish washer. As for using heat lamps, that's probably a better way to go in any case.
Clothes dryer heater elements are a good choice too.
Warpspeed Guru Joined: 09/08/2007 Location: AustraliaPosts: 4406
Posted: 10:39pm 12 Nov 2020
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Its 2Kw at 230v, and with 230v it will definitely need to be immersed.
But with (say) only 23 volts, one tenth the current, and one hundredth the power = only 20 miserable watts will be dissipated. It will get very barely warm. No need to immerse that !
So unless your system is of an unusually high voltage, it should work pretty well. In fact it may end up not being powerful enough to dump as much power as needed. Edited 2020-11-13 08:41 by WarpspeedCheers, Tony.
Notice. New forum software under development. It's going to miss a few functions and look a bit ugly for a while, but I'm working on it full time now as the old forum was too unstable. Couple days, all good. If you notice any issues, please contact me.
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