Advice On Reducing The Output Of A Night Storage Heater.

[ian1orr]

Dear Electrician Forum Members,

I made my mid 1990’s 3400 Watt night storage heater work by replacing the thermostat control with a similar part I sourced. However this new part isn’t adjustable and means the heater appears to be on full charge during the charging hours.  

I'd be happy with it running at around 25%-33% power.

I tried adding a 16A emersion heater timer to only allow the heater to charge for part of the time, but this seemed to be a poor idea as it blew the fuse the first time it came on.

I’m considering now disconnecting two of the three elements to effectively turn it into an 1133 Watt heater. I know that it would be wise to then source a 5A fuse for it, or at least a 10A, rather than 15A.

Does this seem like a safe and practical idea? Anything else I need to do?

Many thanks.

 

[Andy™]

disconnecting an element will be fine. no need to change the fuse

 

[sparkytim]

"similar part"?  sounds as if its not "similar" enough.

 

[ProDave]

Can you post a picture?

Are you SURE the old thermostat was really dud? have you still got th old one?

there is one type that has the over heat trip built into the thermostat mechanism. these can be reset but it's not very obvious how.

And that same type I have seen for sale on ebay, but without a spindle for the knob to go on, instead a screwdriver adjustment.  I think that was intended for the small bathroom heaters that don't have any controls on them.

Is it the one pictured in this thread http://talk.electricianforum.co.uk/topic/24608-not-sure-if-my-heater-thermal-is-resettable-or-not/

If so, and if you have not thrown the old one away yet, you should be able to reset it and put the old one back.

 

[ian1orr]

ProDave,

Your understanding is 100% accurate.

The screwdriver adjustment is present as described, but doesn't turn. I considered forcing it, but didn't want to damage my replacement part.

I have not one but two original thermostats, from this and another heater I removed. One seemed to make a click based on the instructions in the link, so will be returned to see if it works.

Thanks, Iain

 

[binky]

ProDave,

Your understanding is 100% accurate.

The screwdriver adjustment is present as described, but doesn't turn. I considered forcing it, but didn't want to damage my replacement part.

its seized up - the death of most NSH units, apply WD40 and tweek, or replace Thermostat