Why Does My Portable Heater Keep Turning Off?
If you have a portable heater and it keeps turning off, there are a few things you need to check. These include the heating element, the sensors, and the electrical cords. You can also try checking the temperature setting.
Overheating heating element
If your portable heater keeps turning off, you are likely dealing with an overheating heating element. This can lead to damage to the unit and possibly a fire. Luckily, there are measures in place to help prevent this from happening.
The first thing you should do is test the heating element. This is done by removing the element and looking at it. You should be able to see it glow bright orange. It should also show some continuity.
Another thing you should check is the circuit breaker. This is the device that controls the power to your entire home. A faulty circuit breaker can cause your space heater to keep turning off.
If you are not sure whether your GFCI is still working properly, you can check it with a voltage detector. The voltage detector tests the connections between the wires and the circuit. Normally, it will light up if there is a live wire in the circuit.
If you think your thermal fuse may have been blown, you should take it out of the unit and try to locate the broken fuse. Once you have located it, you should replace it with a new fuse.
Faulty sensors
If your portable heater is keeping you warm and cozy but isn’t producing enough heat, you may have a problem with your sensors. These sensors will measure the temperature of the air in your room and send that information to the thermostat. A faulty sensor is the symptom of a more serious problem.
The best way to determine what the problem is is to call in a professional. They can help you with a variety of different tasks including diagnosing the problem, replacing defective parts, or recommending what to replace it with.
Faulty sensors are not the only thing that can make your portable heater shut off. You might also have a malfunctioning thermostat or even a blown fuse. To identify the cause, you’ll need to turn off the power to your unit and look at the circuit breaker panel. In some cases, you’ll need to get a professional to fix a faulty thermostat.
One other thing to check is your fan. It might be the culprit behind the thumping you are hearing from your heater.
Damaged electrical cords
If you have a portable heater that keeps turning off, you need to make sure that the power cord isn’t damaged. A damaged power cord can lead to an electrical fire. This is why it is important to have your portable heater checked out by a professional to prevent further damage.
While the most obvious cause of a portable heater tripping a circuit breaker is overloading the current, a tripped breaker can also be caused by short-circuiting or a broken outlet. In any case, the tripped breaker should be reset to the “on” position.
Short circuits can be dangerous, especially if your young child accidentally touches an exposed electrical wire. The best way to handle this problem is to have an electrician inspect your home’s electric system. He or she can then recommend necessary upgrades or repairs.
Another possible cause of a tripped breaker is a surge of electricity, such as after a heavy storm. When this happens, the tripped breaker acts as a sort of silent protector to keep your household safe.
Thermocouple
If you have a space heater or patio heater that keeps turning off, the thermocouple may be the issue. Thermocouples are small devices that are found inside a gas-fired appliance, and they are triggered by an electrical current created by the pilot light. They help to prevent gas leaks by shutting the gas valve when the pilot is off.
To replace a thermocouple, you need to first turn off the gas supply. This allows you to remove the old unit and disconnect the igniter wire. Next, you will need to clean the thermocouple. You can either use a lint-free cloth or fine-grain sandpaper to remove any traces of dirt.
After you’ve cleaned the thermocouple, you will need to re-assemble the heater. If you don’t have the right tools, you can contact a professional to do the work. However, you will find that it is relatively easy to do on your own.
To remove the gas valve cover, you will need a screwdriver. Ideally, you should have a flashlight to see what is going on under the hood.
