Electric Storage heater not working

[johnkevins]

Hi, another new fault I seem to have today!

I have electric storage heaters, and whilst switching them on this morning, one of them doesn't seem to work.

Please can anyone who has these or knows about them advise me what the problem could be?

Thanks for your help again

 

[Space cat]

The last time I was in a house with those heaters (which was a long time ago), each one was on its own breaker in the consumer unit. If you haven't had a look already, that's where I'd start.

 

[johnkevins]

Thanks for your help. I did look at this at their seems to be power going to it, the neon on the switch that supplies it is lit.

Is there any other obvious things I can/should check, as you say these are quite old nowadays and rare!

 

[flameport]

Possible causes:
1. Storage heaters have a thermal cutout inside - some of these can be reset by pressing a button or others have to be replaced. People drying their clothing on the heater causes this.
2. The input regulator has failed.
3. Elements have failed - was the heater properly hot before, or was just one end / part of it heating up?
4. Internal wiring has failed or the terminal block has melted.

Unless the heater is ridiculously old or full of asbestos, they can usually be repaired for substantially less than the cost of a new heater.

 

[johnkevins]

thanks for your help

how can I test these parts to find the cause?

I have a multimeter if that is required??

 

[flameport]

What make/model of heater is it? Post a picture if you can't find any info.

A typical method would be:

Disconnect power, remove outer cover of the heater. (DO NOT detach the heater from the wall bracket)

Use the continuity setting on the multimeter.
Connect one probe to the incoming live wire
Use the other probe at various points starting at the incoming terminal block (follow the wires from there to the thermostat and other parts)
When you find a lack of continuity, you have located the defective part.

For the elements, test for continuity across the two ends of the element. No reading = element busted.
The element ends are typically accessible along the lower edge of the heater. On some very old ones, it may be necessary to dismantle the heater.

 

[johnkevins]

Thank you very much for your help

I haven't tested it yet, but will be doing so tomorrow when I have a whole day off

When I discover the faulty part, is there anywhere I can order it from? Online ?

Thanks again for your kindness