Description
The LavaTherm – Shel (Backer) 27″ Immersion Water Heater is a direct replacement for the original Backer immersion heaters widely used in UK domestic systems. Manufactured in the UK by Heatrod Ltd, the company behind the Backer brand, this unit combines trusted build quality with full compliance to modern safety and electrical standards.
Designed for vertical top-entry installations, the 27″ (685 mm) copper-sheathed element fits all standard 2¼″ BSP hot water cylinder bosses. With a 3 kW power rating and efficient heat transfer, it’s ideal for heating 120 to 150 litre vented or unvented cylinders commonly found in UK homes. This model is particularly well-suited for soft to medium water areas where copper elements offer long service life and fast performance.
This product is supplied as the immersion element only. It does not include a thermostat, sealing washer, or terminal cover. For full operation, it is compatible with standard UK rod thermostats such as the Shel SS18, which must be purchased separately. As with all immersion heaters, it must be installed fully immersed in water and correctly earthed, in accordance with BS 7671 wiring regulations.
The 27″ copper immersion heater is UKCA and CE certified, BEAB approved, and manufactured using WRAS-compliant materials. It conforms to BS EN 60335 safety standards, making it suitable for use in both vented and unvented copper hot water systems. It is not suitable for use in stainless steel cylinders or in hard water areas — in those cases, an Incoloy or Titanium element is recommended for long-term durability.
With British manufacturing heritage and full regulatory compliance, this immersion heater offers a reliable and straightforward solution for replacing or upgrading domestic water heating elements.