Old Dimplex storage heater

Doomed · Dec 18, 2015

Got to check the elements on an old Dimplex storage heater tomorrow, it must be around 3kW. Couldn't remember how to get into the older models! I know the newer ones have 2 retaining screws on the bottom edge to release the front panel, but this old beast does not have them. Any clues?

Octopus · Dec 18, 2015

This any help to you.....

View attachment XT Installation Inst.pdf

Doomed · Dec 18, 2015

Thank you. I think its a slightly older model, had the top section off to check the cut out, but could not get the front panel off.

Octopus · Dec 18, 2015

Cripes. How old is it.

call dimplex is my suggestion, then post what they send you on here

SJD · Dec 18, 2015

I had to look in an old Dimplex storage heater a couple of weeks ago, again couldn't see the usual 2 screws at the bottom, but then realized they were just missing, and the front cover came off with a gentle tug. Of course I fitted some when I reassembled it.

andyb · Dec 19, 2015

I had to replace one of these yesterday.

[ElectriciansForums.net] Old Dimplex storage heater

This is a Dimplex, if it's the same there are loads of screws.
The side panels have 3 screws each and come away separately, the top has 4 (I think) can't remember the front.

Word of warning if you have to replace it and dispose of the old one.
I put the old one in bits into the back of the van and took it to my local dump only to be told that storage heaters now have to be double wrapped in 1000 gauge polythene for them to take them.
That's everything, the metal, the bricks, the fibreglass and anything else.
Caught me out, I've taken dozens to the dump over the years with no problems.
Make sure you allow for that in your price.

mattg4321 · Dec 19, 2015

I had a customer call me after I swapped an old (well not that old - around 15 years) Dimplex storage heater a few weeks back to say the guys at the dump told her they couldn't take it as it was full of asbestos. Even the bricks!

News to me. I know some old storage heaters had asbestos insulation but thought they were pretty much all out of service now - this thing wasn't that old! A call to Dimplex and they told me that the front insulation used to be asbestos pre 1974, but no parts have contained asbestos since then. Asbestos in bricks though? Has anyone ever heard of that before?!

Barry White · Dec 19, 2015

mattg4321 said:
I had a customer call me after I swapped an old (well not that old - around 15 years) Dimplex storage heater a few weeks back to say the guys at the dump told her they couldn't take it as it was full of asbestos. Even the bricks!

News to me. I know some old storage heaters had asbestos insulation but thought they were pretty much all out of service now - this thing wasn't that old! A call to Dimplex and they told me that the front insulation used to be asbestos pre 1974, but no parts have contained asbestos since then. Asbestos in bricks though? Has anyone ever heard of that before?!

Yes asbestos was used in fire bricks It had the ability to hold the bricks together under intense heat so was added to the clay before firing.
Had a "good idea" to make a pizza oven from old firebricks and whilst googling for plans got the information so didnt bother.Good job too as I was going to cut them

JulianC · Dec 19, 2015

Some useful info on which heaters contain asbestos here:

Asbestos Storage Heaters reported to release Asbestos

Richard Burns · Dec 20, 2015

The old ones that I have been looking at just recently have two screws on the top at the back that holds the whole top and front panel, which is hooked onto the base plate at the bottom.

AJ16 · Dec 22, 2015

There is a old 3.4 Kw one in my office which failed, like you I struggled to get the front off but it's just two screws down each side. The connector block burned out, parts are obsolete so I'm hoping the landlord is going to replace with a new one.

AJ16 · Dec 22, 2015

correction: I just checked and it's just a couple of screws along the top that need to come out after the top cover has been lifted off. Once the screws are out pull the front cover up to detach it from the screw slots in the front.