3 KW fan heater plug `Pins` are Hot when pulled out of socket - What causes this ?

[chris murphy]

"Hello All",


I was visiting an elderly family member when she mentioned that a 3 KW Fan Heater that she uses makes the Plug `Pins` Hot - I was only able to check this by trying out the Heater and feeling the Plug `Pins`.

These were Hot - even when the Heater was run on the 1 KW Setting - Also I tried the Heater in various Sockets - including the 2 on Kitchen Ring - the Pins were Hot when used on ALL Sockets that I tried throughout the Home - which surprised Me.


I believe that the Home was rewired only about 5 Years ago - I mention that only to establish that the Wiring is `New` Twin and Earth - the Consumer Unit was also changed at that time.


I might expect to be able to feel some Heat from the `Pins` after the Heater has been running on 3 KW - ? BUT not to the extent where they are actually `Hot` [?] - and I was surprised to feel that they were also `Hot` when the Heater was set on 1 KW - ?


Some Members will recognise that I am a Heating Engineer - from My previous Posts on the Forum - So I don`t have the Electrical Knowledge to know what could cause this on the Electrical Installation.

I have told my relative to not use the Heater and I am going to take another 3 KW Heater to Her Home to check whether the Plug Pins also get Hot - before I advise that this is checked out by an Electrician.


What could be causing this ? [I hope that it is the Heater ?] - I feel that the Pins get Too Hot for this to be `Normal` ?

I would be grateful if Members can suggest possible causes - I will NOT be trying to rectify this - any Testing or Remedial Work will be carried out by an Electrician - I would just like to know what the cause could be so that I can tell My relative and probably help Her to arrange an Electrician.


Regards,


Chris

 

[chris murphy]

Re: 3 KW fan heater plug `Pins` are Hot when pulled out of socket - What causes thi

i wouldnt worry about it chris,everyone has bad days,say things they dont mean etc,but things roll on to the next thread and its all forgotten...:wheelchair:

"Hello alarm man",

I agree with what You wrote but the Wheelchair avatar is a strange thing to Post - ?

Chris

 

[alarm man]

Re: 3 KW fan heater plug `Pins` are Hot when pulled out of socket - What causes thi

not really,just rolling onto the next thread,its the only one i could find that could roll/move on so to speak.

 

[1shortcircuit]

Re: 3 KW fan heater plug `Pins` are Hot when pulled out of socket - What causes thi

I'd just like to say that this thread was an absolute pleasure to read and it's very warming to see such a grateful member.

Whilst I feel you did not need to explain yourself every single word tallied up with all of your other posts.

It's also nice to see another tradesperson appreciate fellow trades and show respect for the work they do and appreciate the dangers involved.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this one:thumbsup

 

[chris murphy]

Re: 3 KW fan heater plug `Pins` are Hot when pulled out of socket - What causes thi

not really,just rolling onto the next thread,its the only one i could find that could roll/move on so to speak.

"Hello again alarm man",

Thanks for your comments - perhaps I misunderstood the Wheelchair avatar.

Chris

 

[chris murphy]

Re: 3 KW fan heater plug `Pins` are Hot when pulled out of socket - What causes thi

I'd just like to say that this thread was an absolute pleasure to read and it's very warming to see such a grateful member.

Whilst I feel you did not need to explain yourself every single word tallied up with all of your other posts.

It's also nice to see another tradesperson appreciate fellow trades and show respect for the work they do and appreciate the dangers involved.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this one:thumbsup

"Hello 1shortcircuit",


Thank You very much for your comments - I take them as Compliments.


I know that I probably went `overboard` with the length of My explanation but I did try to not make it any longer than needed to explain My situation and attitude to being a Member of the Electricians Forum.

It was particularly interesting to read what You wrote about My other Posts - I hope that My attitude to the Electrical Profession does `flow through` all of My Posts - I have the greatest respect for the Electrical Profession / Trade and all of its Professional Electricians and Engineers.


Thanks again,

Regards,


Chris

 

[chris murphy]

Re: 3 KW fan heater plug `Pins` are Hot when pulled out of socket - What causes thi

"Thanks again" to every Member who helped Me with My questions about the `HOT` Plug Pins and those who posted the positive comments after my very long `Explanation Post`.


I will not be able to respond to any other messages for about 8 or 9 Days as I will be away from Home until then - I did not want anyone to think that I was not replying because of `indifference` to their Posts.

Regards,

Chris

 

[sparks1973]

Re: 3 KW fan heater plug `Pins` are Hot when pulled out of socket - What causes thi

Chris, you'll more than likely find that it's heat transfer from the PLUG itself, and in turn that will be because 1) the internal connections aren't that great and 2) 3kw = almost 13A....... ANY plug will get hot after an extended run flat out (an exception being the MK chunky plugs!).

get someone to stick a blue commando socket in the living room for her.....together with a blue commando plug for the heater....there job sorted!...

 

[ipf]

Re: 3 KW fan heater plug `Pins` are Hot when pulled out of socket - What causes thi

get someone to stick a blue commando socket in the living room for her.....together with a blue commando plug for the heater....there job sorted!...

Unfused plug ?

 

[sparks1973]

Re: 3 KW fan heater plug `Pins` are Hot when pulled out of socket - What causes thi

Unfused plug ?

ah but its shielded....besides...its fused at the C/U......
Look, i`v even found whats needed here...

 

[sparks1973]

Re: 3 KW fan heater plug `Pins` are Hot when pulled out of socket - What causes thi

heres a plug for it n all.....

 

[ipf]

Re: 3 KW fan heater plug `Pins` are Hot when pulled out of socket - What causes thi

Cheaper to buy a new heater than install a new, dedicated circuit for one piece of equipment, I'd say. Need a spare way in the cu too.

 

[Guitarist]

Re: 3 KW fan heater plug `Pins` are Hot when pulled out of socket - What causes thi

Who's been handing out the "serious pills" ?

 

[sparks1973]

Re: 3 KW fan heater plug `Pins` are Hot when pulled out of socket - What causes thi

Cheaper to buy a new heater than install a new, dedicated circuit for one piece of equipment, I'd say. Need a spare way in the cu too.

put a sub board in dedicated for this heater......an industrial one will do....

 

[sparks1973]

Re: 3 KW fan heater plug `Pins` are Hot when pulled out of socket - What causes thi

here we are....that should be enough

 

[ipf]

Re: 3 KW fan heater plug `Pins` are Hot when pulled out of socket - What causes thi

put a sub board in dedicated for this heater......an industrial one will do....

Have to be 400v though. Red plug and socket.lol!