Storage Heaters....

[hyperliteliam]

Evening all....

Was just wondering if someone can point me in the right direction. After work tomorrow i've got to go look at a storage heater which has packed up. Although i've fitted a few of these in the past, i've never had to diagnose a fault with one.

Was just after the common problems which cause these to fail really, what to look for etc. As i'd rather change a component than have to lugg a brand new unit up the few flights of stairs! Although my luck i know this won't be the case.

Cheers

 

[Sintra]

Evening all....

Was just wondering if someone can point me in the right direction. After work tomorrow i've got to go look at a storage heater which has packed up. Although i've fitted a few of these in the past, i've never had to diagnose a fault with one.

Was just after the common problems which cause these to fail really, what to look for etc. As i'd rather change a component than have to lugg a brand new unit up the few flights of stairs! Although my luck i know this won't be the case.

Cheers

Check continuity accross elements these are easy to replace.

Check thermal cut out very easy to reset this stops all power to elements.

 

[super_stuey]

We changed one the other day and although it was my first it (seemed) fairly basic. If there is no problems with the wiring just take the front load of bricks out and check the elements. Ours were all cracked and flaking so pretty obvious all four were shot.

Still in training so sorry if you already knew this!

 

[Deleted member 9648]

First check the resistance live to neutral across the input connector, you should get a reading around 20 ohms-ish...you can work out the exact expected resistance from the kw rating of the heater.Resistance ok means supply fault. Variation from expected resistance means one or more elements kaput. Open circuit means either thermostat or overheat cutout.
Access the top of the heater,the live wire comes up and runs through the T/S and O/H cutout and back down to supply the elements,do a continuity test through both. If the heater is cold you should get a reading through the T/S...they commonly fail. Open circuit through the O/H cutout is usually caused by covering the heater to dry clothes etc.

 

[hyperliteliam]

Cheers guys for your replys. Much appreciated.

Will see how i get on, cheers.

 

[jbec-john]

Just a side note. Be careful if it's an old one, as they used to use asbestos in them.

 

[hyperliteliam]

Hey guys. Right went to look at this heater today and did a few tests...

Firstly checked element continuity and everything was good there.

As written by wirepuller tried testing at the input connector and only had a reading when the the switch was open not when closed, think this could be because of the O/H cutout.

Anyway, so tested the O/H and T/S. Had no continuity between the O/H but did have between the T/S.
See think i sussed it but just want to double check really with you clever lot really as its for a good friend and don't really wanna go ordering something and turns out it isn't at fault!

So heres a couple of pics of where i tested between.... Just hoping i was testing in the right places really, although looking at the thermostat one now has got me guessing.

Overheat:

Thermostat:

 

[Deleted member 9648]

The overheat cutout you are testing in the first pic looks like the re-setable type,there's usually a button on the other side of it and if you are getting an open circuit press the button and you should hear a click as it resets. To the left of it There looks to be a fusible link in the porcelain connector,this is a link which melts if all else fails so check this is intact as well.....If the cutout has tripped ask if they are draping clothes over the heater or otherwise obstructing it,this is a common cause of the O/H cutout operating. If not it may be a sticky stat...if the O/H cutout trips again on the next charge change the stat.

 

[hyperliteliam]

Just a quick update. Went to the job last night and reset the O/H cutout. All good got continuity and was keeping my fingers crossed it'll work that night.

So spoke to the customer this morning and the heater is now working but she was complaining of a 'funny' smell coming from it so turned it off. She mentioned it was as distinctive as a burning smell, just a weird smell!

Any ideas?

Cheers

 

[Darkwood]

Hope you aint left your probe in it :0
If heater hasnt run since last year it accumulates dust etc inside on the top this could be the smell shes getting if so it should clear after a few nights