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

 

[Rockingit]

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!).

 

[Guitarist]

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

As Rockingit says, the connections in the plug itself may be poor, including strands broken off where they go under the screws. Check the terminations by all means, but it is quite normal for heater plugs to get warm, though how yours compares to what I would consider normal is hard to say over the internet

 

[chris murphy]

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!).

"Hello Rockingit",

Thanks for replying so quickly - I did look at the wiring to the Plug which was definitely not the original `sealed` Manufacturers Plug - it did not look badly terminated - but I did not actually take out the wires to look at the copper `strands` etc. as there was no suitable Screwdriver available.

I will definitely check out the wires when I revisit - which will be soon as My relative wants to be able to have use of a Heater sometimes at Night.

Would you expect what You described to still happen when running on the 1 KW setting ?


Thanks for your help with this - I really appreciate it - hopefully it will be as `simple` to fix as you suggest - I will obviously tackle rewiring the Plug [I stated that I would NOT attempt to Fix the problem] - saving My elderly relative the cost of an Electrician.


Regards,


Chris

 

[chris murphy]

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

As Rockingit says, the connections in the plug itself may be poor, including strands broken off where they go under the screws. Check the terminations by all means, but it is quite normal for heater plugs to get warm, though how yours compares to what I would consider normal is hard to say over the internet

"Hello Guitarist",


Thanks for your reply - I was writing My reply to Rockingit when You posted it.

The Plug `Pins` do get Hot - not just warm - I know what You mean about judging Heat - I can hold the Pins but they would not have to get much Hotter before I could not - so they are quite Hot.

Also quite Hot on the 1 KW setting - which definitely surprised Me - BUT I have not used Electric Heaters / Fan Heaters for Years so I had no reference point / memory of the Plugs / Plug Pins getting Hot.


Thanks again,


Chris

 

[Strima]

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

To be on the safe side it would be worth getting the appliance PAT tested to be sure.

Have you searched the net for the make and model of the heater to see if any problems have been mentioned or even a manufacturers recall?

 

[Guitarist]

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

One other point to consider is cable size. I've noticed a trend towards 1.25mm cable on 3kw equipment recently, as opposed to 1.5mm, and it does tend to make the whole plug/cable assembly run hotter.

 

[chris murphy]

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

To be on the safe side it would be worth getting the appliance PAT tested to be sure.

Have you searched the net for the make and model of the heater to see if any problems have been mentioned or even a manufacturers recall?

"Hello Strima",

Thanks for your suggestion about the PAT Testing - in general this is good advice - but I have advised My relative to buy a New Heater - whatever the outcome of the possible Electrical Problem:

There was no manufacturers name on the Heater which looks like it is quite old - I have recommended that My relative purchase a New Dimplex Fanned Convector Heater - or similar `Good Brand` Heater.

Even If I can just rewire the Plug and perhaps this will cause less Heat to be produced from within the Plug - I feel that a New Heater would be advisable.

I mentioned that She could get a Thermostatically Controlled / Timer Controlled Dimplex Fanned Convector which She was very interested in.


I am glad to find out that this is probably NOT a Fault with the Electrical Installation.


Thanks again for your interest and good suggestion.


Regards,


Chris

 

[chris murphy]

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

One other point to consider is cable size. I've noticed a trend towards 1.25mm cable on 3kw equipment recently, as opposed to 1.5mm, and it does tend to make the whole plug/cable assembly run hotter.

"Hello again Guitarist",

I noticed that the Cable looked smaller than I have seen on more Modern Heaters - I would be fairly sure that it was NOT 1.5mm - probably 1.25mm.

I take it that this causes Heat to be produced because of the Current `Drawn` from the 2.5mm T&E into the 1.25 Cores - ? [I know that this is a simplistic view of it]

Thanks again.


Chris

 

[Simlec]

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

Is this thread a wind up???
Every single plug top fan heater makes the plug warm/hot!!!
you say your an engineer!?!

 

[Des 56]

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

Chris is a heating engineer, who has been very helpful to this forum with the skills of his own trade, long may he feel welcome and be assisted on this forum

 

[chris murphy]

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

Is this thread a wind up???
Every single plug top fan heater makes the plug warm/hot!!!
you say your an engineer!?!

"Hello Simlec",

I hope that this will not be the start of Insults.


I am describing the fact that the Plug Pins get HOT - not just warm - something that YOU knew about when you were an apprentice is not necessarily known to other Trades / Professions - and I repeat these Pins are much Hotter than I would have expected them to be in `Normal Use`.

I have now been advised by the Helpful Members who have responded to what I asked about what is probably causing the Heating Up.

If You read My original and follow up Posts you would see that I was visiting a relative when this was mentioned to Me - You might have had Electrical Screwdrivers in the Car when visiting people - But I did not and therefore I could not check the terminations / strands of the wires - I just opened the Plug [with a Dinner knife which is all that She had] and looked at the wires - they seemed to be O.K. - but there could easily have strands missing.


I simply would NOT expect to feel the Pins of an Electrical Plug were HOT - including when the Heater was set at 1 KW - which is why I asked the Experts on this Forum.


Chris

 

[chris murphy]

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

Chris is a heating engineer, who has been very helpful to this forum with the skills of his own trade, long may he feel welcome and be assisted on this forum

"Hello Des 56",

Thank You very much for your comments - I really appreciate it - and I do feel Welcome on the Forum - as You mention I try to only post replies / advice about My own Trade - Heating / Plumbing & Gas Installations - even then I would not presume to advise on the Electrical side of Heating Controls etc.


Regards,


Chris

 

[Rockingit]

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

Chris - if it's still running as hot on a 1kW setting as a 3kW then I'd suggest there's either a fault in the plug wiring or in the appliance itself.......but as you've recommended replacing it anyway then both these possibilities will be dealt with!

nb - it's not the change in diameter from 2.5 to 1.25 that causes the heat, it's simply the fact that a smaller cross section cable has a higher resistance, so a little bit of ohms law (V/R=I) and you can see that the 'lost' energy gets dissipated as heat.

 

[chris murphy]

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

Chris - if it's still running as hot on a 1kW setting as a 3kW then I'd suggest there's either a fault in the plug wiring or in the appliance itself.......but as you've recommended replacing it anyway then both these possibilities will be dealt with!

nb - it's not the change in diameter from 2.5 to 1.25 that causes the heat, it's simply the fact that a smaller cross section cable has a higher resistance, so a little bit of ohms law (V/R=I) and you can see that the 'lost' energy gets dissipated as heat.

"Hello again Rockingit",

Thanks for replying - that is basically what I meant but My explanation was lacking in the correct terminology - the Power is `Flowing` easier through the 2.5mm and then while being `Drawn` through the smaller 1.25mm causes Heat to be produced.

Obviously the different `Resistance` as you stated is the correct / professional way to explain this - "Thanks".


Chris.

 

[Marvo]

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

To be honest I'd just replace the plug. Minor corrosion or tarnishing on the pins or overtightened connections would cause heat to be generated. If the replacement plug doesn't sort out the issue then a little more digging would be required with some test equipment.

Edit; yes, resistance across a connection causes heat but so does minor arcing caused by tarnishing or dirty plug pins.

 

[chris murphy]

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

To be honest I'd just replace the plug. Minor corrosion or tarnishing on the pins or overtightened connections would cause heat to be generated. If the replacement plug doesn't sort out the issue then a little more digging would be required with some test equipment.

Edit; yes, resistance across a connection causes heat but so does minor arcing caused by tarnishing or dirty plug pins.

Hello Marvo",


Thanks for your reply - I will investigate this - ONLY to the point of checking the wiring to the existing Plug - or replacing the Plug if I see any corrosion when I take out the wires - also I will try another Fanned Convector Heater on the Sockets to see if the Pins on that get Hot.

IF I am still not happy that the Plug Pins are getting `Too Hot` [How Hot is Too Hot ?] - especially with the Heater set to 1 KW - I will have to advise that the Electrical System is Tested / checked out by an Electrician.


IF this turns out to be a Fault / Faults on the Electrical Installation [?] - it seems to be on ALL of the Sockets that I tried - some on the Kitchen Ring - others on the Downstairs / Upstairs Rings - I think that the Upstairs and Downstairs are separate Rings from the labeling at the Consumer Unit.



While obviously the Safety of My Relative and Her Home is of paramount importance I am trying to ensure that She does not have to pay perhaps £150.00 [?] for an Electrician to Test the Installation only to state that it is NOT Defective in any way.

She cannot afford to spend Money unless it is absolutely necessary - unfortunately like many Elderly People She is not what could be called `Financially Secure`.


This is why I asked the very Helpful and knowledgeable Members on here for any suggestions - I wanted to obtain Opinions from the Professionals - NOT to just think `All Plugs get Hot on Electric Heaters` !


Thanks again.

Regards,


Chris

 

[ipf]

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

Does the 'heat' occur with other appliances, kettle for example. It seems like a plug/lead problem, other checks could back this up.

 

[Marvo]

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

..... if I see any corrosion when I take out the wires

Corrosion or tarnishing would be visible on the end of the pin that goes into the socket.



I would say anything much above body temperature would indicate a problem and should be remedied. If the plug is getting too hot to comfortably hold in places then the plastic components will degrade rapidly and it shouldn't be used in that condition.

 

[Marvo]

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

Other possibilities are poorly manufactured plugs with incorrect pin dimensions or even a problem with excessive wear of the actual sockets it's being plugged into etc.

 

[spark 68]

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

Well that's the usual sequence of events Marvo,
A poorly fitting or tarnished plug that runs too hot, the contacts in the socket run too hot and lose their spring, which then makes the plug to run even hotter... and so on and so on, thermal runaway.

 

[chris murphy]

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

Does the 'heat' occur with other appliances, kettle for example. It seems like a plug/lead problem, other checks could back this up.

"Hello ipf",

Unfortunately She does not have an Electric Kettle - She uses a Kettle on the Gas Hob - I had thought to check the Sockets with one - She also does not have any other 1 - 2 or 3 KW Appliances / Heaters.

As I mentioned previously I will be taking another 3 KW Heater when I visit again soon and I will check whether the Plug Pins get Hot on that.


Thanks for your reply.


Chris

 

[chris murphy]

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

Other possibilities are poorly manufactured plugs with incorrect pin dimensions or even a problem with excessive wear of the actual sockets it's being plugged into etc.

"Thanks again",

The Pins are actually `Hot` - way past Body Heat - I am sure that they are FAR Too Hot - which is why I asked about this on the Forum.

I will look at the Plug again when I go back - but I definitely did not see any corrosion on the Pins and the Plug seems to Me to be an O.K. Fit - definitely not either Too Loose or Too Tight - But it could easily be the case that the Strands of the Wires are not complete regarding the size of the cores - I will check this.


Chris





Chris

 

[chris murphy]

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

Well that's the usual sequence of events Marvo,
A poorly fitting or tarnished plug that runs too hot, the contacts in the socket run too hot and lose their spring, which then makes the plug to run even hotter... and so on and so on, thermal runaway.

"Hello spark 68",


Thanks for your reply and description of the process that can cause `Heat Up` of the Plug / Plug Pins - I appreciate your interest and the information in your Post.


Regards,


Chris

 

[Richard]

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

Hello Chris,

Although these plugs are rated to 13A, I don't beleive that they are really suiatable for 3KW for extended periods of time. I have seen a couple of these sorts of plugs with badly melted pins/plugs in the past where people have left from on flat out for prolonged periods. Beause their only 'push-in' terminations, I don't think their really capabable of handling large loads for a long time (thats only my opinion).

Personally, I would doubt that there is anything majorly wrong, but possibly advise you client not to have the thermostat set too high. Also, you could change the outlet if you wanted to eliminate worn terminals...?

 

[Guitarist]

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

Chris, it's very unlikely to be a fault with the appliance, and if it gets hot in every socket then it's unlikely to be the installation. As many of us have already said, it will most likely be badly done wiring/loose connection in the plug or tarnished pins causing more resistance. Small cable will run hotter and I have known that contribute to heat transfer into the plug pins.
Anyway, once the new heater arrives you can sleep easy

Btw, to discount the installation take the heater home and try it there.

 

[chris murphy]

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

Hello Chris,

Although these plugs are rated to 13A, I don't beleive that they are really suiatable for 3KW for extended periods of time. I have seen a couple of these sorts of plugs with badly melted pins/plugs in the past where people have left from on flat out for prolonged periods. Beause their only 'push-in' terminations, I don't think their really capabable of handling large loads for a long time (thats only my opinion).

Personally, I would doubt that there is anything majorly wrong, but possibly advise you client not to have the thermostat set too high. Also, you could change the outlet if you wanted to eliminate worn terminals...?

"Hello Richard",

Thanks for your reply - I am fairly sure that the `Fit` of the Plug Pins is not Too Tight or Too Loose - I had thought about this possibility when I was trying the Heater in various Sockets around the Home - all of the [5 Year old] Sockets seemed to be O.K. regarding the `Plugging in` fit.

Although the Heater is fairly Old it was usually left plugged into the same Socket - since the Home was rewired about 5 Years ago - and before that it was left plugged into the previous Socket Outlet in the same room.

I might not have been too concerned if the Plug was `Warm` when the Heater was set on the 3 KW output - But it was definitely Too Hot - and also Too Hot when the Heater was set on 1 KW.


I am sure that when I investigate the Plug terminations that I will probably find that some of the strands of copper in one or more of the cores are missing - I could not see from just taking the Plug apart as I did not have a terminal screwdriver - I was visiting a Family member when She mentioned this problem to Me.

Whatever happens I will be explaining the options available on a New Dimplex Fanned Convector Heater - Thermostatic Control [which actually turns Off the Heater] and a Timer option which might be helpful for Autumn Mornings - and I will help to obtain a New Heater for Her.


Thanks again for your message - I appreciate your interest.

Regards,


Chris

 

[chris murphy]

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

Chris, it's very unlikely to be a fault with the appliance, and if it gets hot in every socket then it's unlikely to be the installation. As many of us have already said, it will most likely be badly done wiring/loose connection in the plug or tarnished pins causing more resistance. Small cable will run hotter and I have known that contribute to heat transfer into the plug pins.
Anyway, once the new heater arrives you can sleep easy

Btw, to discount the installation take the heater home and try it there.

"Hello Guitarist",


Thanks for your latest reply - the reason that I mentioned the Plug getting Hot in all of the Sockets on different Rings was to possibly eliminate the probability of a `Faulty Circuit` [please excuse the terminology] - I tried various outlets around the Home because I felt that would definitely be appropriate when asking about this on the Forum.

I know that doing this did NOT necessarily mean that there was NOT a problem with the Electrical Installation - but I would have expected that the first thing I would have been asked on here is `Does the Plug heat up in other Sockets - including those on another Ring` - ?

I will check out the Plug wiring - and probably take the Heater Home to try it - IF I can persuade My relative to dispose of it - I could not take it Home when I visited Her as I was going to the Pub afterwards and I was not Driving.

Whatever happens I will try to Insist that She buys a New Fanned Convector Heater - for both Safety purposes and the fact that it would be more Controllable - Thermostatically and a Timed Option.


Thanks very much for your help and suggestions / information.

Regards,

Chris

 

[chris murphy]

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

"Hello All",

I have been back to My elderly relatives Home and looked at the Plug on the Electric Fan Heater - as the Members on here advised Me would probably be the case the Live and Neutral wires had strands missing / cut off when the Plug was being wired - probably at least a Third of the strands on each wire were not connected in the terminals !

I rewired the Plug - as expected when I then ran the Fan Heater on 3 KW the Plug Pins did NOT get `Too Hot` - although as also expected / mentioned by Members there was some `Warmth` at the Plug Top and the Pins.


As Her Heater is very Old [20 + Years at least] I have convinced My relative to purchase a New Dimplex 3KW [plus 1 KW & 2 KW Settings] Fanned Convector Heater.

I saw one of these working during the Winter and it Heated up the Room in a surprisingly short period of time - So as it has a Thermostatic Control [Not just the Temperature Setting] and a Timer facility it will be much better than the Temperature Setting only of Her Old Fanned Heater.


Thank You very much to the Members who helped Me with this - I really appreciate your time and the information that You all posted for Me.

Although there was one Member who obviously thought that I was an `Idiot` and questioned whether I was an `Engineer` [Heating Engineer] - after I had almost apologetically explained why I would NOT have known that Plugs on 3 KW Electric Heaters could get Very HOT.

I had stated that as a Heating Engineer I had never have been in the situation of coming across this Faulty Plug Wiring before - regarding this producing VERY Hot Plug Pins.

Thanks very much to the very helpful Members who did NOT treat Me like an Idiot - but who helped Me to solve this possibly Dangerous problem - those Members did NOT feel that answering My [Very simple to them] question was `Beneath them`.

I have to state that My next visit would have been to look at the Plug Wiring - even without having asked about this on the Forum - So I would have found the situation with the missing / cut off strands.


BUT - I was TOLD what the problem was likely to be by the Professionals on here which I was very grateful for.


Regards,


Chris - [Heating Engineer]

 

[Guitarist]

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

Glad you got it sorted Chris.

 

[chris murphy]

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

Glad you got it sorted Chris.

"Hello Guitarist",

Thanks very much for all of your help and information - I really appreciate it that You did not view My question as `Too Obvious / Trivial` to answer.

I personally would never think that any question from an Electrician or any other Profession or Trade about a Central Heating or Plumbing System was `Too Obvious` / `To Trivial` to answer - some other Members obviously think differently about `Simple` Electrical questions - as I found out.

I might also answer a `general` question about Gas as long as I felt the person would NOT try to work on it themselves - and I would have to try and ensure that I did not give enough information to make it something that they thought could be done by them [Hopefully] because of the obvious Danger involved.


Regards,


Chris

 

[Geordie Spark]

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

"Hello All",

I have been back to My elderly relatives Home and looked at the Plug on the Electric Fan Heater - as the Members on here advised Me would probably be the case the Live and Neutral wires had strands missing / cut off when the Plug was being wired - probably at least a Third of the strands on each wire were not connected in the terminals !

I rewired the Plug - as expected when I then ran the Fan Heater on 3 KW the Plug Pins did NOT get `Too Hot` - although as also expected / mentioned by Members there was some `Warmth` at the Plug Top and the Pins.


As Her Heater is very Old [20 + Years at least] I have convinced My relative to purchase a New Dimplex 3KW [plus 1 KW & 2 KW Settings] Fanned Convector Heater.

I saw one of these working during the Winter and it Heated up the Room in a surprisingly short period of time - So as it has a Thermostatic Control [Not just the Temperature Setting] and a Timer facility it will be much better than the Temperature Setting only of Her Old Fanned Heater.


Thank You very much to the Members who helped Me with this - I really appreciate your time and the information that You all posted for Me.

Although there was one Member who obviously thought that I was an `Idiot` and questioned whether I was an `Engineer` [Heating Engineer] - after I had almost apologetically explained why I would NOT have known that Plugs on 3 KW Electric Heaters could get Very HOT.

I had stated that as a Heating Engineer I had never have been in the situation of coming across this Faulty Plug Wiring before - regarding this producing VERY Hot Plug Pins.

Thanks very much to the very helpful Members who did NOT treat Me like an Idiot - but who helped Me to solve this possibly Dangerous problem - those Members did NOT feel that answering My [Very simple to them] question was `Beneath them`.

I have to state that My next visit would have been to look at the Plug Wiring - even without having asked about this on the Forum - So I would have found the situation with the missing / cut off strands.


BUT - I was TOLD what the problem was likely to be by the Professionals on here which I was very grateful for.


Regards,


Chris - [Heating Engineer]

I said nowt because I knew you'd get there in the end - and you did !!!

(Glad you got it all sorted)

 

[Knobhead]

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

Chris, keep in mind the ones that haven’t been helpful, they may have trouble with their heating in the future. The boot will be on the other foot then :biggrinjester:

 

[chris murphy]

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

I said nowt because I knew you'd get there in the end - and you did !!!

(Glad you got it all sorted)

"Hello Geordie Spark",

Thanks for the message - I thought that You as a fellow `Worker with Gas`would have been one of the first to help Me with My Question - Just Joking - good to hear from You.


Regards,

Chris

 

[chris murphy]

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

Chris, keep in mind the ones that haven’t been helpful, they may have trouble with their heating in the future. The boot will be on the other foot then :biggrinjester:

"Hello Tony",

Thanks for your message - I would probably still Help with their questions - I was more disappointed with the attitude of the Member than I was annoyed and I would not begrudge Him my Help - even if it involved a `Simple` Question.


Regards,

Chris

 

[Geordie Spark]

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

"Hello Geordie Spark",

Thanks for the message - I thought that You as a fellow `Worker with Gas`would have been one of the first to help Me with My Question - Just Joking - good to hear from You.

Regards,

Chris

As a fellow worker with gas, I had every confidence in ye bonny lad. I'm pleased to see my confidence wasn't misplaced.

It will be interesting to see how some of the sparks here cope with finding that elusive intermittent fault on their combis that we've had to deal with.

All the Best.

 

[UKMeterman]

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

Hi,
If there are any concerns about the plug try fitting one of these 646WHI - MK (ELECTRIC) - PLUG, SAFETY, 13A, WHITE | Farnell United Kingdom these particular plugs have a very good terminal for wireing to and are the best for 3 bar electric fires. I would suggest that you may wish to consider being kind to her and buy an new convector heater and show her how to use the thermostat.

 

[ipf]

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

As a fellow worker with gas, I had every confidence in ye bonny lad. I'm pleased to see my confidence wasn't misplaced.

It will be interesting to see how some of the sparks here cope with finding that elusive intermittent fault on their combis that we've had to deal with.

All the Best.

Not my field. I'd call in a heating engineer. Why waste time on problems you're not familiar with, or, in some cases, not qualified to work on. (Still can't understand why the pipes going to my rads get so hot though Chris.lol.)

 

[chris murphy]

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

Hi,
If there are any concerns about the plug try fitting one of these 646WHI - MK (ELECTRIC) - PLUG, SAFETY, 13A, WHITE | Farnell United Kingdom these particular plugs have a very good terminal for wireing to and are the best for 3 bar electric fires. I would suggest that you may wish to consider being kind to her and buy an new convector heater and show her how to use the thermostat.

"Hello UK Meterman",


Thanks for the useful information about the MK Plug - I will remember that for the future.

Regarding Me purchasing a Thermostatically Controlled / Timed [Dimplex] Fanned Convector Heater for My relative - I always intended to do this and I will be buying one tomorrow which I will give to Her and obviously show Her how to use / set the Thermostat etc.

When I wrote about `convincing Her to purchase a new Fanned Convector Heater` it was always My intention to purchase this for Her as She is elderly and does not have any `Spare Money` - as You wrote - `to be kind to Her`.


Thanks again for the Info. - and for reminding Me to `Be Kind to Her`.


Regards,


Chris

 

[chris murphy]

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

As a fellow worker with gas, I had every confidence in ye bonny lad. I'm pleased to see my confidence wasn't misplaced.

It will be interesting to see how some of the sparks here cope with finding that elusive intermittent fault on their combis that we've had to deal with.

All the Best.

"Hello Geordie Spark",


Thanks for your compliment - I must admit that I was a bit `irked` by the comment from the Member who gave the comment which amounted to `Call Yourself an Engineer` ! ? !

I can imagine that because My question was about something that Electrical Apprentices would know - I would have been viewed as `Ignorant` regarding `Simple` Electrical matters - BUT - the results of different Resistance values is NOT uppermost in My Limited Electrical knowledge.

I HAVE `learned` about this and many other Electrical Theories in the past but because I have never needed to use them - I have forgotten all of it - I am posting an explanation about this below.


"Thanks again Geordie Spark".

Regards,

Chris

 

[chris murphy]

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

"Hello All",

As I felt a bit irritated and embarrassed by the comment from a Member who must have thought that I was an Idiot and who remarked something similar to `Call youself an Engineer` ! ? ! - [I am a Heating Engineer] - I wanted to Post an explanation about why the `Resistance` factor / Faulty Plug wiring which caused the Plug Pins to become HOT [Not `Warm`] was NOT at all obvious to Me:


HERE is an `explanation` about My Electrical knowledge [or lack of it] - AND why I am a Member on the Electricians Forum for the Member who was so quick to `decry` Me:


I would have `learned` about `Resistance` and many other aspects of Electrical Theory and practice during ACOPS Courses in the 1990`s and again during the CORGI Defined Scope [Heating] Part P Course and Assessments in 2005.

BUT - I always wanted My Heating System Controls wiring carried out by an Electrician who could then issue a Certificate for it - usually also having either rewired the Home or at least having carried out an Electrical Safety Inspection - the Majority of My Heating Systems were for Housing Associations during the 1990`s and up to about 2008.

I got into the `If You don`t use it you lose it` scenario regarding not being able to remember the Electrical Theory that I had `learned` during those Training Courses and Assessments - I was NEVER `using it` and as a consequence I have forgotten most of it - even the `Simple` Theories.

My question about the Plug Pins getting VERY Hot [Not `Warm`] was something that as a Heating Engineer I have never come across - Why would I - ?


I do realise that this comment leaves Me `wide open` to Members questioning whether I should ever be doing any Electrical task - which is why I do not carry out Electrical Works - preferring to leave it to the Professionals.

It was never My intention to do My own Heating Controls wiring - the ACOPS Courses and Assessments in the 1990`s - Electrical Safety [`Essential Electrics`] and Electrical Installation for Mechanical Services were My idea of ensuring that I was `Safe` to work on Heating Appliances - which obviously have an Electrical supply - and theoretically being able to `Prove` that with the ACOPS Certificates - IF ever necessary.

I do realise that this type of Course and Assessments are `Despised` by most of the Members - BUT - I was NEVER trying to become an Electrician - Just trying to `learn` how to ensure that I was working Safely on Heating Appliances.

The CORGI `Defined Scope` Part P was with the idea of `enabling` Me to carry out My own Controls Wiring - If absolutely necessary - i.e. an Electrician was not available - but this was never required as at that time the Building Contractor who I was getting most of My Plumbing and Heating Work from contracted all the Electrical work to a Self Employed Electrician.

And at His Clients insistance ALL the Electrical Works within the Refurbishments of properties that His Company carried out had to be Certificated by the same Electrician / Electrical Installation Company - obviously including the Heating System Controls - which is why that Electrician wired My Heating Systems.

As I did not get to the stage of wanting to do My own Electrical Work I did not obtain any Testing Equipment - [luckily regarding the perceived Costs] - another reason why I would not carry out Electrical Works.

It is now so long ago since I would have been able to remember most of what was in those Courses and Assessments that I would never carry out any Electrical Works.


Although Members will be thinking - `We don`t want to read your Life Story` on here - I wanted to try and clarify exactly My `position` regarding Electrical Work - Also I have NEVER tried to give advice on any Electrical matter on this Forum.

Because I was helped by topquark regarding an unusual wiring question on Heating Controls - which fell beyond the `Normal` methods / wiring systems - I decided to try and be Helpful to Members of the Forum in return regarding Central Heating problems.

NOT regarding Wiring Questions but more in a `Diagnostic` manner to try and identify the offending Control - or possibly Errors in the Design / Pipework configuration - although this is obviously VERY difficult in a Forum situation.


That is why I am a Member of this Forum - I became a Member to Post an Electrical question - received valuable Help from a Member - topquark - and then decided to show My gratitude and `Give Back` some knowledge from My own Trade / Profession - Heating - Plumbing & Gas Installation.


I hope that Members have not been Bored with this.


Regards,


Chris

 

[Guitarist]

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

Relax Chris. Your question was perfectly reasonable and you really don't have to explain yourself.

 

[Swicade]

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

Everyone forget's things they were taught years before when they dont have to use that knowledge day in day out....it's natural.

There's always one joker in the pack and as much as tend to not rise to them meself i do let some innocent comment get me riled at times for no real reason.

The written word is so stale it can easily be taken totaly the wrong way on forums (learnt that from many years of online gameing forums) so best to sit back and ignore what might seem like a jab/dig from someone.......just wish i always stuck to this little rule meself.

 

[chris murphy]

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

"Hello Guitarist and Swicade",


Thanks for your messages - I am not a particularly `sensitive` person - in fact far from it - My motivation for writing My Post was not entirely to explain to the Member who commented in a less than positive manner.

I think that it is a positive thing that I have explained My situation to Members regarding how I have previously been involved in learning SOME aspects of Electrical Installation and Safety and the unfortunate situation of not ever using any of the Electrical Theories / Calculations and because of that having forgotten them.

Also I wanted to explain how I came to be a Member of the Electricians Forum to try and get a slightly unusual Control wiring question answered - was helped by topquark and then wanted to remain on here to see if any Heating System questions came up that needed a little more than the Electrical diagnosis aspect so that I could be helpful - as a `Small Payback` for the help that I received.


I appreciate the positive comments from both of You - "Thanks again".


Regards,


Chris

 

[alarm man]

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:

 

[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