Space heater

[kwak]

Hi guys

Our Trumatic space heater keeps tripping the main rcd fuse after about 5 minutes of being on. It doesn't matter what setting you have it on, or whether its on 500w, 1kw or 2kw. It even trips out if we turn every other electrical draw off. Is there a common fault with these that might cause this?

Thanks

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Ours was tripping last year after 5 minutes on 2 kw but was OK on the lower power levels. The problem turned out to be a faulty rcd which, when replaced, has been OK since. Nothing wrong with the heater itself.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi guys

Our Trumatic space heater keeps tripping the main rcd fuse after about 5 minutes of being on. It doesn't matter what setting you have it on, or whether its on 500w, 1kw or 2kw. It even trips out if we turn every other electrical draw off. Is there a common fault with these that might cause this?

Thanks

Hello Kwak,

Woodlands solution may be what you need, but there are a number of things that could cause your problem. Given the symptom you describe and without being able to test the installation and appliance it is sheer guesswork. Both Gas and Electric issues need to be treated with a caution as there are real safety issues to consider. Unless you are fully conversant with the workings and techniques, I venture to suggest you should refer the matter to a competent fitter.

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Kwak
What make model and year?
I suspect either the main heating coils are shorting or more than likely one of the thermal overload devices is on the way out.
One will normally turn the heater off , cool down and restart.
The other TOD will switch off and that's that.
In between they do partially start breaking up causing problems.
Whilst the parts are about £5.00 each reaching them at the very rear of the heater is a major operation. Both electrical and gas connections need to be disconnected.
As the Prof says this is one for the Professional.

 

[kwak]

Thanks for your reply's. Its a 2007 Abbey Spectrum. Whilst I understand the principles of its workings I am by no means an electrician so will probably assign it to a pro, just wondered if it may have been a common fault/easy fix.

 

[Dustydog]

IMO with heavy winter use it is a common fault.
Expect to pay approximately £10 for the parts and £100 for the labour.
This is a job for the professional.

 

[bertieboy1]

Kwak,
If it's the RCD that is tripping then you have an earth fault on the heater wiring circuit or heater itself.
RCD's don't trip on circuit overload,they only trip if an earth fault is detected.

 

[waffler]

I agree completely about using a pro but costs may not so high as suggested. Some vans come with a removable panel at the side of the heater that allows the fitter to access the back without removing the whole thing. Have him replace any batteries whist it's apart.

 

[Martin_E]

Waffler

You are correct about some vans having panels to her to the rear of the heater but if it's the upper or lower sensor then the gas heat exchanger needs to come out to change them.

As others has said though it could be a few things ranging from the for mentioned stats, the RCD, the elements, a fault on the PCB or a wiring fault.

 

[Woodentop]

Kwak,
If it's the RCD that is tripping then you have an earth fault on the heater wiring circuit or heater itself.
RCD's don't trip on circuit overload,they only trip if an earth fault is detected.

RCD's - particularly the cheap and nasty Chinese ones that the caravan industry uses - are prone to both electrical and mechanical issues that can cause them to trip even if there is no fault of the type they are designed to detect. If the 'van is fitted with one of this type a Schneider is a physically direct replacement except that the busbars will not fit comfortably and will need to be replaced with suitable flex.

If the OP does not consider himself electrically competent then he should get someone who is to do it - the job is quite easy, you just need to know what you are doing.