Immersion heater, portable immersion heater or cartridge heater?
TERMS & TECHNOLOGY
From portable immersion heaters to smart tank heaters
Terms such as immersion heater, cartridge heater, screw-in heater and portable immersion heater describe different designs. They share a basic principle: an electrical resistance heating element converts electricity into heat. The design determines whether a device is suitable for a hot-water or buffer tank.
A portable immersion heater for a cup or pot is different from a permanently installed tank heater. Tank installations require a suitable connection, installation position, immersion depth, material, temperature monitoring and electrical connection.
CLARIFICATION OF TERMS
What do the most important terms mean?
The terminology is not completely standardized in the market. Therefore, the technical description is more important than the product name alone.
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01
Immersion heater
A heating element is the component that converts electrical energy into heat. In water-heating systems, it forms part of an immersion heater and extends into the water or storage tank.
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02
Heating cartridge
The term is used differently across industries. In storage tanks, a cartridge heater may refer to an immersion heater. In industrial equipment, it may instead be a compact heating element for tools, moulds or machines.
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03
Screw-in immersion heater
A clearly defined design: The immersion heater is screwed into a matching socket or adapter via a thread. The novolto immersion heater belongs to this category and uses a G 1 1/2" connection.
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04
Flange heater
Here, the heating element is mounted on a flange rather than directly on a screw-in thread. This design is used when the tank has a suitable flange or inspection opening.
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05
Portable immersion heater
A portable immersion heater has an electrical heating element that is immersed in liquid. A household model for a cup or pot is not intended for permanent installation in a closed hot-water tank.
SIMPLE OR SMART
The decisive difference lies in control and installation.
An electrical resistance heating element converts electricity directly into heat. For use with solar electricity, what matters is how precisely the heater output is controlled and how safely the device is integrated into the tank.
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EASY
Fixed output
Simple immersion heaters are typically switched on or off at a fixed output. In the case of surplus solar power, this can mean that the power consumption does not exactly match the surplus currently available.
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SMART
Dynamic power control
View immersion heaterThe novolto P2300/P3000 adjusts the heating output in 20 W increments. This allows the output in automatic mode to be adjusted much more precisely to the measured surplus solar power.
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TEMPERATURE
Regulation and safety
For a storage heater, temperature measurement and a safety-related shutdown are important. The novolto immersion heater features a temperature sensor and a mechanical safety temperature limiter (STL).
SAFETY & SUITABILITY
Why a portable household immersion heater does not belong in a hot-water tank
A hot water or buffer storage tank is a permanently installed system subject to pressure and temperature loads. For this reason, only an immersion heater intended for this application and compatible with the specific storage tank may be used.
A suitable storage tank immersion heater must, among other things, mechanically fit the existing threaded tank connection or flange, have sufficient installation space, and be mounted in the position specified by the manufacturer. Likewise, the material and seal must be suitable for the storage medium.
The novolto immersion heater requires a G 1 1/2" connection, horizontal installation position, 400 mm immersion depth, and a tightening torque of 60 Nm. These specifications are product-specific and must not be applied to other immersion heaters.
PURCHASING CRITERIA
These are the things you should look out for before buying.
The right immersion heater is not chosen based on wattage alone. First, check the storage tank, the connection, and the intended operation.
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01
Connection & mounting position
Does the thread or flange really fit the storage tank? Also check the installation position, immersion depth, and free space in the storage tank. For novolto, G 1 1/2" and horizontal installation apply.
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02
Power & Power Supply
Performance and power supply must be compatible. The novolto P2300 delivers up to 2.3 kW, the P3000 up to 3.0 kW at 230 V. The electrical circuit must be suitable for the maximum load.
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03
Material & Water
Material, seal, and storage tank must be compatible with one another. Limescale can form regardless of the material; water hardness and operating temperature influence the tendency for deposits to form.
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04
Regulation & Protection
For surplus solar power, a finely adjustable output is sensible. For safe battery operation, temperature monitoring, a suitable shutdown mechanism, and the manufacturer's installation instructions are also crucial.
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IMMERSION HEATER
Get to know the smart immersion heater
Regarding the immersion heaterFunctionality, technical specifications, and control options of the novolto immersion heater.
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ADVICE
Retrofit immersion heater
For retrofittingCheck whether your domestic hot water or buffer tank is suitable for retrofitting and which steps are required.
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PRODUCT
novolto P3000
View P30003.0 kW immersion heater with dynamic control in 20 W increments for suitable domestic hot water and buffer storage tanks.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an immersion heater the same as a heating cartridge?
Not necessarily. In heating and storage applications, the terms may overlap. A cartridge heater can also be a compact heating element for industrial equipment. The design, connection and approved application matter more than the name alone.
Can I install a portable household immersion heater in a hot-water tank?
No, not just a portable household immersion heater. For a hot water or buffer tank, you need an immersion heater that is explicitly intended for permanent installation in this type of tank and is mechanically, electrically, and materially compatible with the system.
What does control in 20-W increments mean for the novolto immersion heater?
The electrical heating output can be adjusted in small 20 W increments. In automatic mode, the power consumption can thus be finely tuned to the measured surplus solar power, instead of just switching on or off with a fixed output.
Does a smart immersion heater fit your storage tank?
Check the connection, installation dimensions, and required output. On the immersion heater page, you will find the current technical data for the P2300 and P3000.
