Electrical patio heater
#1
11-07-12, 08:14 AM
Electrical patio heater
My electric patio heater started tripping the GFI. I took it apart and found blackened wires where the power cord connected to the heater components. I cut the blackened areas and reconnected the wires. The GFI doesn't trip anymore but the heater does not turn on. There is a brown ball-shaped part connecting to a power wire that smells slightly burned. What is this and would it be worth the effort to replace it and see if that fixes the heater?
#2
11-07-12, 08:29 AM
Can you post a picture of the "brown ball-shaped part "? Close up and back up far enough to see the connections. My guess is a one-time thermal fuse. Personally I wouldn't trust the heater again even if I could get it going. Do you have a link to an on line manual for it or at least give us the make and model.
#3
11-07-12, 09:18 AM
Group Moderator
It's also possible that the heating element has shorted or opened. Also, depending on the age and design of the heater you may have two thermal protection switch. One that can be reset and one that cannot.
Electric heaters are generally pretty inexpensive. Since you probably fixed one problem and there is still something wrong it could be time to go shopping.
Electric heaters are generally pretty inexpensive. Since you probably fixed one problem and there is still something wrong it could be time to go shopping.
#5
11-07-12, 09:29 PM
Group Moderator
#6
11-08-12, 10:16 AM
It was a tip switch. thanks to all for the help! Now just wondering what caused the burnout in the first place... I guess I'll run it for a couple hours in a safe non-flammable environment.
