Hi All
hoping someone can give me some insight into two problems with respect to baseboard heaters.
A) Low heat output from an 8ft heater,,This unit has been in the kitchen for 20 years at least, used to work very well, but now the winter heating season is on and theres not much heat coming from it,, any ideas on why.. its wired 240V
B) Two heaters on the same 240 double throw circuit (8ft & 4ft), used to work fine, but now when both are turned on at the same time they trip the breaker after about 10 minutes, when one only, the breaker doesnt trip.. ideas??
r2
Replies
First I'd suggest you measure voltage around the house, at several outlets and at the connections to the heaters. The kitchen unit sounds like it may only be getting 120V (or less), but I suppose after 20 years it could simply be getting tired.
Hard to figure what could be causing trouble with the other pair, unless maybe the breaker is simply worn out. Best thing to do would be to get a clamp-on ammeter and see how much current that circuit is drawing when they're on.
Thought: Are the breakers associated with these two circuits right next to each other? Check and see if the kitchen breaker is getting warm. It could have a bad internal connection, and the heat from that would cause the adjacent breakers to trip sooner.
Thanks for your reply,funny though, hadnt seen any replies to my original message, so had to do a search, and found your reply.I'll check all the circuits for current draw (have to borrow a meter)
and see whats up.
You mentioned possibly the breakers getting old?? would this affect the draw on the heaters? or maybe the heaters are just old (they look fine/ clean/ no fins bent etc)r2
The breaker would be unlikely to affect current draw, but a defective unit, or one getting only 120V, could reduce current and effective wattage.
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