Through Switch for fan heater?

[Traveller]

Hi All.

I would like to ask if it is possible to be able to operate a fan heater (3kw or whatever) by fitting a switch in the middle of the mains cord, like how they have on some table lamps.

If it is possible, do I need a special type of switch? I have seen something called a 'through switch' with a 6 amp rating at Wilkinson's. Would that be suitable or do I need something else?

Thanks.

 

[ricicle]

I think you would struggle to find an in-line switch rated at 2 or 3kW for a fan heater. In-line RCDs are available but I am not sure if these are rated for functional switching.

6 amp is not big enough for 2 or 3 kW

 

[Traveller]

Thanks for the helpful reply ricicle. Are there any other options to turn the heater on and off besides one of those remote control switches that you have to keep buying batteries for or an extension cord with a switched socket (it's already plugged into an extention cord; I assume it's not wise to plug an extension cord into another extension cord)?

Thanks.

 

[JohnD]

If you wanted to, you could use an extension lead where the socket has a switch. You can get 4-way extensions like that. Multiway extensions are not usually very long though you could fit a longer cable and use it in place of, not in addition to, you existing extension.

Just to check, if you have a switch on the heater, and a switch on the socket, why do you need yet another switch halfway between the two you already have?

 

[electronicsuk]

You could always use a 1G metalclad box + 20A DP switch, with compression glands for the incoming and outgoing cables. It's not going to be ideal as you won't be able to achieve an acceptable IP rating without covering the mounting holes on the rear, but regs aside, I think you'd have to judge the situation on its own merit.

 

[bernardgreen]

Why can't the switch on the fan heater be used ?


There is a safety concern if a fan heater can be turned on from a location from where it is not possible to see that the heater is safe to switch on. If paper or clothing has fallen onto or been placed on the heater then turning it on remotely could create a fire.

 

[Traveller]

Thanks for all the advice. Appreciated as always!

I constantly turn the heater on and off to maintain a comfortable temperature. Thermostats aren't very useful to me at all because the heater stays on/off for too long, so I need to control it manually.

I don't know if I'll be able to explain the extremely technical reasons for my request, but I'll have a try. Well, the reason I asked this question was so that I don't keep having to get up and turn the heater on and off! Haha.

Thanks for the suggestions. "1G metalclad box + 20A DP switch, with compression glands" will require some investigation, haha.

The heater shares an extension lead with other appliances and I don't think there are any spare sockets (or ones that can be reached), so if I were to fit a longer cord, then the whole board of plugs would have to be placed on a higher surface with all the cables from various appliances dangling about.

Thanks.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I constantly turn the heater on and off to maintain a comfortable temperature. Thermostats aren't very useful to me at all because the heater stays on/off for too long

Then either the thermostat is rubbish or it's in the wrong place.

 

[JohnD]

Thermostats aren't very useful to me at all because the heater stays on/off for too long, so I need to control it manually.

You might consider changing to an oil-filled electric radiator, which is less abrupt in heating you. Or a less powerful heater which can run for longer or be turned down to avoid overheating you.

Or do you have a problem with excessive draughts or something?

 

[Traveller]

Thanks for the replies.

No, the thermostat's fine. It's just that I need to turn the heater on and off at VERY frequent intervals, sometimes even seconds as it is a very small room and heats up very quickly but then gets too hot. I already have a radiator in the room but prefer the fan heater for the reason JohnD has queried. Yes, JohnD, there is a cold draught from the window. It's double glazed with PVC frame, however, the very first frame which runs along the face of the wall is still the old wooden one. It's the same in the whole house and can be felt if your hand is placed where the wood joins the wall.

Thanks.