Description
The LavaTherm – Shel (Backer) 11″ 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 side-entry or horizontal installations, the 11″ (275 mm) copper-sheathed element fits all standard 2¼″ BSP hot water cylinder bosses. With a 3 kW power rating and fast heat-up capability, it’s ideal for topping up hot water in smaller UK homes, flats, or as a secondary (boost) heater in larger household cylinders. This model is well-suited for soft to medium water areas where copper elements offer long life and reliable performance.
This product includes a pre-installed thermostat and a fibre washer for secure installation. Terminal cover and tools are not included. For full operation, it uses a pre-installed Shel SS7 thermostat. As with all immersion heaters, it must be installed fully immersed in water and correctly earthed, in accordance with BS 7671 wiring regulations.
The 11″ 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 compact and reliable solution for everyday home hot water needs.