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Heater repair - mystery switch

musicboy

Oct 18, 2014
3
Joined
Oct 18, 2014
Messages
3
Hi there,

Our fan heater gave out, so I opened it up and found the thermal fuse had gone. I ordered another and replaced it, but now when I turn it on something strange happens.

At first it works fine, then after about 30 seconds there is a spark and it switches off for a minute, before sparking, switching on again and repeating.

The spark comes from these contacts which are attached to the plate next to the heating element.
The spark is caused by them separating, but I'm not sure what their purpose is?
Presumably they separate and close because of the heat causing the metal to contract and expand?
Are they a safety feature?

Thanks.
 

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Minder

Apr 24, 2015
3,478
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Apr 24, 2015
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3,478
Looks like a thermal switch, used to protect overheating.
I suspect there is not enough air flow and the element is overheating.
When it opens the element cools and the thermal sw resets itself.
M.
 

davenn

Moderator
Sep 5, 2009
14,254
Joined
Sep 5, 2009
Messages
14,254
Looks like a thermal switch, used to protect overheating.
I suspect there is not enough air flow and the element is overheating.
When it opens the element cools and the thermal sw resets itself.
M.


indeed it is
 

Alec_t

Jul 7, 2015
3,587
Joined
Jul 7, 2015
Messages
3,587
Try lubricating the bearings of the fan motor.
Ensure neither the air inlet nor air outlet are obstructed.
 

elebish

Aug 16, 2013
177
Joined
Aug 16, 2013
Messages
177
If there is a capacitor in the circuit, check it and replace if needed. Capacitors are sometimes used to keep the arcing at a minimum across contacts! Ed.
 
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