Will connecting a 220v 3kw immersion heater to a 110v transformer damage any of them

[macworm]

I want to reduce the power used by my immersion heater so that I can heat my hot water slowly using solar power without changing the immersion heater. I already have a 1kva 220v to 110v transformer. I think that connecting the immersion to it would mean that it would only draw about 750 watts

[buildersmate]

You are right - one quarter of the power consumed by the 3kW immersion heater if it were connected to a 240V supply.
But is the transformer rated at >=750W?

[macworm]

Transformer is pretty old and label not clear - says 205-230v 50/60hz to 115v but rating not readable, believed to be >1000w

[AlBags]

I think it may well fry the transformer.
This may interest you ...
http://www.pistonhead...&f=207&t=927161&mid=0

[Old_Geezer]

If you smell hot insulation when you switch on, then maybe it wasn't such a good idea ;-) But maybe worth a try.

[macworm]

Some interesting stuff on 'petrolheads' link - EMMA unit at around £2k is quite expensive. Looks like lots of folks have similar thoughts on how to maximise returns from solar so it's likely something will turn up it time

Thanks for the feedback - any further thoughts more than welcome

[macworm]

Oooops should have been 'pistonheads' !!!

[BillyBB]

What is the efficiency of the transformer though?

[macworm]

Hi Billy, the transformer seems fairly efficient as never runs hot and certainly nowhere near the potential 2.25k saving obtained by feeding the heater at 750w - I'm no expert but if this is viable I could monitor it initially