Why Does My Electric Heater Keep Turning Off?

You may have been having problems with your electric heater, whether it be that it does not heat up or that it is not heating at all. The reason for this may be several things, including a faulty power socket, a tripped circuit breaker, or a low battery.

Low battery

A low battery is no fun. The battery can be the stumbling block for a smooth-running furnace. As such, the first rule of thumb is to always have fresh batteries on hand. If that fails, you can have the batteries replaced with a new batch. After that, you’re good to go.

Of course, this may not be the case if you live in the suburbs where a power outage is more common than a dry spell. If you’re in the market for a new furnace, then you may be well suited for a visit to the local home improvement store. There are many options available. Most are well-stocked and priced in the mid to high sixties. Make sure to read up on the manufacturer’s warranty before you shell out the cash.

Faulty power socket

A faulty power socket may be the cause of your electric heater’s inability to stay warm. This can be dangerous, not to mention costly to fix. You can’t just leave the problem unaddressed, as it could lead to an uncontrollable fire or electrical shock. The best solution is to consult a qualified electrician.

An electrician can test your sockets for you to see what the culprit is, or perform a simple test of your own. He or she might even tell you where the trouble is hiding. If not, you could be spending hours or even days to get the power back on, and it would all be for naught.

Getting the power back on is the first step, but it’s not the only thing you need to do to solve your electrical dilemma. It’s also a good idea to consider replacing your power cords as well. They don’t last forever, so you should replace them every few years.

Tripped circuit breaker

If you’re getting frequent trips to your circuit breaker, it’s important to find the cause. Depending on your situation, you may have to call an electrician. However, you can do a few things on your own to stop tripping.

First, you should check your circuit breaker for overload. Overloaded circuits are dangerous because they can lead to overheating. You should also test the continuity of your outlets. To do this, turn off the electrical panel and unplug all of the devices in the room. Once you’ve done this, wait about a minute to see if the circuit stays on.

Secondly, you should plug in a lower-power appliance on the same circuit. This will decrease the load on the breaker. Finally, you should move the heater to another outlet.

High-limit safety switch

If your electric heater keeps going off, the cause may be a high-limit safety switch. This device is an important safety feature of your furnace, preventing it from overheating and damaging your home.

High-limit switches are often located above the burners. To access the switch, you will need to unscrew two screws. Then, disconnect the wires from the switch, and reconnect them. You will also need to clean the sensor on the limit switch.

When you have trouble with your heater’s high-limit safety switch, it is a good idea to consult a heating professional. They will be able to determine the problem and help you fix it.

One of the most common causes of a high-limit switch is a dirty/clogged filter. This impedes the proper airflow into your AHU, causing the temperature to rise.

Thermocouple

If your electric heater keeps turning off, the most likely reason is a malfunctioning thermocouple. This device is located in the burner assembly and is responsible for regulating the flow of gas. It works much like a circuit breaker.

To replace a thermocouple, you will need to shut off the power and remove the cover. Then, you will need to use a multimeter to test for its fault.

While the failure of a thermocouple does not always mean it is faulty, it can be a major safety hazard. As a result, it is a good idea to have a professional install a replacement.

You should also inspect the thermocouple for signs of contamination. This can include pinholes, missing insulation, and even corrosion.