To prevent the Geyser switch/socket from melting/burning, make sure to use a switch with the correct wattage/ampere rating, replace old, worn out switch/sockets and wires, use high-quality branded brass made switch/sockets, avoid overloading the circuit, isolate the wiring from the main board to Geyser, no other appliance must and should not run on the same circuit, check and tighten any loose connection and most important always keep switch and wiring dry. It is always better to consult a professional electrician for electrical repairs.
Try to choose the right geyser by answering simple questions without reading any Buying Guide.
Contents
Actually, a Wrong Ampere ( amp ) Switch or a Socket ( Overloading )
If your geyser switch is rated for a certain wattage, connecting an appliance that consumes more power than the switch can handle can cause it to overheat and melt or burn. Ampere (A) is the measurement of calculating Switch/socket electricity handling capacity (Hopefully, non-technically satisfiable definition).
Every switch/socket had a certain ampere, which is directly related to your Geyser’s Wattage. For wattage and info, check your Geyser user manual or check it on the Amazon page. Wattage differs from one Geyser to another. In general switch/socket, the actual ampere capacity of a switch/socket is 80% of the given amperes; this is known as Safe Max Ampere.
Geyser’s Watts Ampere = ------------------------ Electricity Voltage
For example, Geyser wattage is 2000 Watts (2 Kilowatts), and in India standard household electricity supply voltage is 220V
Ampere = 3000/220 = 13.6A
For 13.6A, the nearby Safe Max Ampere is 16A, with respect to the 20A switch/socket. This means for a 3000 Watts Geyser, go for a 20A switch/socket. Anything else less than a 20A switch/socket will burn/melt and cause an electrical hazard in the future.
For example, Geyser wattage is 2000 Watts(3 Kilowatts)
Ampere = 2000/220 = 9A
For 9A, the nearby Safe Max Ampere is 12.8A, with respect to the 16A switch/socket. This means for a 2000 Watts Geyser, go for a 16A switch/socket. Anything else less than a 16A switch/socket will burn/melt and cause an electrical hazard in the future.
Geyser’s Wattage
So above calculation helps to choose a suitable switch/socket depending on the Geyser’s wattage. Most of the time, people replace old Geysers with new ones without bothering about the electric switch/socket. For instance, the old Geyser is 2000 watts and was running on a 16A switch/socket.
Whereas, the new Geyser is of 3000 watts, which needs a 20A switch/socket. Due to a lack of knowledge, people don’t replace switches/sockets. However, the old switch/socket(16A) works well for a few days after that, it burns/melts and becomes useless as well as hazardous.
So in Conclusion, if the Geyser switch/socket burns/melts, first check switch/socket ampere is suited to the Geyser wattage or not. If not, replace immediately switch/socket.
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Old and Worn-out Switch:
Over time, Switches/sockets become old, worn out, corroded, or damaged. As a result, it loses handling capacity. This makes excessive heat buildup, which causes melting and burning.
Low-quality switches are made of iron-like metals, which can be easily corroded by moisture, leading to a short circuit and overheating. So always go for a brass-made made branded, and perfectly suitable ampere switch.
Old and Worn-out Geyser:
Over time, salt and scaling formation on the Geyser tank and wear and tear cause the Geyser to consume more electricity than specified. This more electricity consumption burns/melts the old switch. In this case better to go for a new switch/socket with a slightly higher ampere ( Not recommended )
Incorrect Wiring/Loose Connection:
Incorrect wiring from the MCB main board to the Geyser, like Geyser wiring shared with other appliances ( Always must and should be isolated wiring to the geyser ), very thin wiring, damaged, and old wires. All this causes arcing, sparking in switches/sockets, and generating excessive heat.
Electrical Short Circuit:
Short circuits can occur due to damaged wires or electrical insulation, which causes electricity to flow through unintended paths, generating heat and possibly causing the switch to melt.
High Voltage:
Due to a malfunction in the grid power supply makes wires get warm and switch, and sockets melt down. In this case, you won’t use a Geyser as well as any other electric appliance, as it might damage the appliance as well as become a safety hazard. Better to contact a professional electrician immediately.
