Creda 3.5kw storage heater

[jamesdean1986]

Storage heater stopped working a few weeks ago.
When I dismantled it I noticed the link fuse had gone, so I replaced it, but still did not work.
I disconnected the heater from the switch and attached a plug to connect to normal circuit. Plugged it in for a few minutes and it got warm.
I used a tester on the switch and it seemed faulty so I brought a new one. But it is still not working.
The heater is only 1.5 meters from the fuse box and the wire is in trunking and there appears to be no damage.
There is a second heater running from the same fuse box and that one works.
Any suggestions on what to try as the next part is around £70 which I don’t really want to pay.

PS I have looked through other posts and the closest one I found never actually posted how he fixed it...DAM!

 

[gman76]

Have you checked the fuse/MCB in the off peak CU (fuse box)?

 

[Gutterball]

is there a fuse in the switch

 

[gman76]

is there a fuse in the switch

I had a 3.5kW storage heater on a 13a FCU - the fuse got so hot that the fuse, holder & FCU became one. I replaced with a 20a DP switch.

But the OP says he replaced the switch, which I am assuming means the isolator.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I had a 3.5kW storage heater on a 13a FCU - the fuse got so hot that the fuse, holder & FCU became one.

That shouldn't have come as a surprise...

 

[jamesdean1986]

Sorry for slow reply, didn't get chance to check the forum over weekend.
The main fuse box has 2 fuses for 2 separate heaters, and as the other heater is working I trust that the unit is ok - but please advise me if I should not assume that.
The old switch was a normal DP switch without a light, but I did replace it with a 13a switch as it was 9.30pm, I had a new one to hand and given the fact it didn't blow the fuse in the plug I tested earlier on I foolishly hoped it would be ok... but I will now change this back to a 20a DP switch just to make sure this is not causing a separate issue.

Is there an easy way to test these parts (this was taken before I replaced the link fuse).

Untitled

• jamesdean1986
• 11 Nov 2013
• 1

 

[EFLImpudence]

Is there an easy way to test these parts

Yes. You need a proper two-pole voltage detector.
It would have saved all this bother.

You cannot do electrical work properly without one.

 

[jamesdean1986]

Thanks.
I've only ever needed a multi meter up until now, but think I may invest in one of those.