3 Common Causes For Why Your Electric Heater Isn't Working (And The Best Ways To Fix It)

What You Need to Know About an Electric Heater Electric heaters are an excellent way to provide a quick blast of warmth whenever you need it. They are typically rated for a certain size of room and include features such as thermostats, overheat switches and timers. An electric heater converts electrical energy into heat through heating in joules. The heating element is comprised of nichrome wire and ceramic insulators. Resistor The resistor is a component that reduces voltage and absorbs some of it in the form of heat. It does this by converting electrical energy into thermal energy, wasting only a tiny fraction of a power. This is the process that is used in many electrical light bulbs and heating components. The thickness, the material, and other characteristics of the resistor determine its resistance. It is important to keep in mind that the higher the resistance's resistance, the more power it will dissipate. This is because higher resistances generate more electrons, which means more collisions. The higher the temperature, the more collisions occur. In general, resistors have a maximum power rating that they are able to safely dissipate typically between 1/8W (0.125W) and 1W. Resistors with a higher power rating are sometimes referred to as “power resistors,” and are distinguished by their larger package size. You can determine the power rating by examining the packaging or comparing it with other resistors of known power ratings. Electric heaters are a special kind of power resistor that is designed to convert electricity into heat. They can produce radiant heat or convective heating by emitting infrared radiations. They are typically used with fans to improve the efficiency of heating. If the maximum power rating of a resistor exceeds the power rating the resistor will heat up and can damage nearby components. In extreme situations, the resistor may reach a point where it self-ignites causing the fire to spread. To avoid this, it is advised to have a resistor installed to limit the current. The color of the heater resistor is a code that indicates their value as well as other information like a manufacturing accuracy and temperature coefficient. A six-banded resistance, as an instance, will have five bands that indicate its digits and the sixth band will tell you the multiplier and tolerance. There are numerous online calculators that you could use to calculate the value of your own resistor. Coil Electric heating coils are the center of any electrically powered device that makes use of heat to warm liquids or objects. These heaters use the process of conduction to convert electricity into heat. They can be shaped in a variety of forms based on the purpose for which they are used. electric logs for fireplace are also capable of producing a substantial amount of heat in a short amount of time which makes them ideal for applications that require rapid temperature changes or high levels of thermal efficiency. The heart of an electric heating coil is an intricately wound structure made composed of metal wires. This tightly packed structure allows the maximum number of wires to be contained within an area of a smaller size, which increases conductivity. The coil can be protected in a variety ways, based on its purpose. For example the insulation of an electric heater used in liquid immersion could be made of a non-flammable material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyester or polyimide, while a coil used for cryogenic applications is typically insulated with molybdenum disilicide. In addition to protecting against elements, these materials also offer resistance to corrosion and oxidation making them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. Stainless steel is the most common element for a heater coil, but nickel-chrome and iron-chromium-aluminum alloys are also commonly used. These alloys offer a great balance of cost, oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance. Because the metals inside the heating coil are exposed to high temperatures and corrosive environments, they need to be protected from damage. These protections include sealants and coatings, improved drainage and ventilation, regular maintenance and inspections. Moisture intrusion is another major problem that must be addressed since it can harm the internal components of a heater and reduce its life expectancy. Coils are also used in other devices such as ovens or furnaces, as well water tanks. They can be made in a variety of shapes to meet the requirements of the and are usually printed on substrates like aluminum 6061-T6, muscovite or phlogopite mica sheets, or conductive plastic. They can be coated with a wide variety of substances to improve their appearance and performance, including silver, gold, and nickel. Thermostat While you probably don't think about it a lot, your thermostat is a very important component of your home comfort system. The primary function of a thermostat is to turn the heater ON and OFF so that it can maintain your preferred temperature setting. It's also capable of adjusting the temperature based on your routine, which is a big benefit for those who have an unpredictable schedule. The majority of thermostats are digital electronic models which can be controlled via the computer interface or a smartphone app. Many newer models even include a learning function that automatically adjusts to your unique lifestyle so you don't have to worry about when you should be at home for dinner. In the old thermostats that weren't digital the electrical circuit was controlled by the bimetal coil or band that would expand or contract based on the temperature. As the strip expanded and contracted the mercury switch tipped into action, activating the relay that switched on the heating. Then, as the strip was cooling, it bent back and snapped away from its original position, which shut off the heating. Modern electric thermostats are more precise than electromechanical ones, which use the use of a temperature sensor and a tiny relay. However, it's still easy to understand the workings of an electromechanical thermostat by examining its components. A thermometer coil with mercury in it is one of the most essential components. When you move the lever on the thermostat up or down, it spins the coil and tips the mercury switch in one direction or the other. If the mercury switch is tilted to the left, it will energize the relay and switch on the heater. However, as the room heats up, the mercury switches to the right and breaks the circuit, so that the heater turns off. As the room cools the mercury returns to its original position. The heater then turns on. If you continue to change the temperature of your electric thermostat, it could require overtime to keep up with your ever-changing preferences, which can cause it to use more energy than it has to. Timer A wall heater timer is a useful device that helps you schedule your lighting and heating. In contrast to traditional manual timers it has a built-in clock that will automatically turn on and turn off your heaters or lights at the time you set. You can also save on your monthly energy bill by avoiding excessive usage. They are most commonly used in the home however, they can also be found in industrial and commercial establishments. They offer convenience, energy efficiency and security by regulating the electrical circuits that are switched on and off. They can be used to control appliances such as water pumps, lights and ovens. They are a great option for those who wish to manage their electrical appliances without the need for a sophisticated programming system or computer. The plug of a timer switch onto an extension cord or outlet will allow you to set it. Then connect the appliance you want to control. Based on the model, you can connect multiple devices at once. Some models have a socket in the middle of the timer, while others have the socket on the side or underneath it. You can choose from various plug-in timer switches, including ones which can be controlled using tablets or smartphones. The majority of mechanical timers have a dial with hour and half-hour marks. You can also utilize the teeth to set an “ON” and “OFF” time. You can also find models with multiple sets, which allow you to set the times of turning off and on for different days of the week. It's important to note that mechanical timers do not always work properly, especially if the internal clock gets slightly off. Verify the wiring and make sure that all pins are properly pressed into the timer. If you still can't get it to function, it's best to consult a professional for help. You can also replace the timer with a new one. It is also recommended to keep the timer somewhere safe away from pets and children.