Dimplex panel convector heater Spares advice please

MrsBartolozzi

My bedroom has a dimplex PLX200N/TL convector panel heater and the on/off switch is broken. You can see the part on this page:
http://www.torreelectrics.co.uk/acatalog/Dimplex_Panel_heaters_PLX200NTI.html

Dimplex Timer & switch unit for PLX Heaters PX9804
is the replacement part I need (no 6 on the drawing).

As it all seems quite modular and easy to fit is it something I could do or do I need to get it fitted by someone professional?
If it needs to be fitted professionally is it better to get them to order it or would they happily fit something I ordered? Oh and an estimate of the cost of fitting would be good too please.

If I have missed anything pertinent out then just ask,

Thanks.

MrsBartolozzi

Bump!
Anyone with experience in this matter?

muckybutt

MrsBartolozzi wrote: »

Bump!
Anyone with experience in this matter?

How competant are you at electrics ?
Is the heater plugged in or is it fixed wired ?

For myself being an electrician its an easy fix probably take half an hour to strip it down - install part - re fit everything and test it.

Like I say it depends how competant you are. Personally if you have no electrical experience get some one in the know to do it for you or get a local appliance engineer to fit it for you. Is it the on / off switch or the timer thats faulty ?

Scrounger

I would bypass the broken on/timed/off switch and just switch it on and off at the mains socket. (Use a plug-in timer if required)

Scrounger

MrsBartolozzi

Thanks for replying.
The on/off switch is broken. I think the plastic switch at the front has a spring behind it which moves a contact which in turn causes the electric to go on/off/timer. (I don't think I'm describing it well - I've a job interview later and a bit stressed). For a few months before it broke completely it was hard to get the switch to stay put, you could hear the spring when you moved it, like it had come loose a bit. Then the plastic switch came completely off, it's loose, and with no way to get it to move the internal switches the heater is stuck in the off position. (so I know the heater works, and if I could I'd get a replacement spring/reattach the spring) but it looks like a replacement switch/dial box is the only option as in the picture it seems to be a sealed unit. If I knew it was straightforward, I'd get my Dad up to help, but I wouldn't like to ask him to do something complicated (not because he couldn't, just don't like to impose).

The heater is fixed wired and on a cheap rate circuit. (does this mean I need a professional to do it?)

My electrical experience is limited, but I've helped my Dad with some wiring projects (he's a retired electrical fitter) and I'm sure I'd know if I was out of my depth once I could see what I'd have to do. I've not opened it up so no idea yet.

Muckybutt - as an electrician would you be able to get the part cheaper than £60? If it would cost about the same then would you be happy to install a part I'd bought and what sort of price would you charge for the half hour? I know I'm asking a lot here , I'm just trying to work out the cheapest way to get this fixed before it gets much colder.
Thanks.

MrsBartolozzi

Just giving a bump!

tilamok

MrsBartolozzi wrote: »

Just giving a bump!

Hi MrsBartotolozzi

I have exactly the same problem as you where the plastic switch has broken off

Did you manage to solve your problem?
I was thinking of contacting Dimplex directly and sending them a picture of the spare part

Thanks

ormus

a 60 quid switch for a 130 quid heater?
thinking id be replacing the whole heater first.

fluffpot

Try this place for spares - they are very helpful on the phone too

http://www.storageheater.co.uk

If it's a case of swapping over the part, then you just have to follow exactly what is there already. Make a note and/or take a picture to be on the safe side.