delonghi fan heater (plug very hot?)

Euphoria1z

Hi

we have a delonghi 3kw fan heater, and after using it for a few minutes we have noticed that the plug gets very very hot? is this normal? is it dangerous?

don't know if its always been like this or something recent...

Thanks

ariba10

A loose connection in the plug will cause it to heat up.

If you feel competent enough, take the plug apart and see if the screws are tight.

27col

It is quite likely that there is a loose connection in the plug. If it is a moulded plug then it should be replaced. If it is not a moulded plug then open it up and check for a bad connection. The presence of heat coming from anywhere but the element is always a bad sign.

Myser

After only a few minutes, the plug may be warm. If it feels very hot, there could be a loose wire inside which is causing it to overheat.

Is the plug a re-wireable type or moulded?

Some of the DIY stores used to sell stickers that you could stick to plug tops. They change colour if the temperature exceeds a safe level.

Ectophile

All 13A plugs will get quite warm with a 3kW load (which is as close to 13A as makes no odds). It's the fuse in the plug that generates the most heat.

But any sign of melting or blackening means that it's hotter than it should be. That could be either a faulty plug, or a worn-out socket.

Euphoria1z

ive opened the plug and the wires are secure... theres only 2 though, blue and brown...the third pin has no wire in it.

its only used for 5 mins a day but not sure if we should continue? (the front grill where the hot air comes out has discoloured over time , it was black, its now a redish colour, and becomes untouchable after only 30 seconds operation).

Myser

The third pin is for an earth connection and if the fan heater is plastic, it will not require an earth.

The black paint on the grill may be wearing off over time due to heat.

How long have you had the fan heater? If you are overly concerned, contact Delonghi.

3kW is quite powerful for a fan heater. Many of the smaller ones are 2.5kW or less. As an example, when you boil an electric kettle (3kW) you are drawing the same amount of current. If you were to boil a kettle full of water a couple of times, you would notice the plug top get warm.

Avoriaz

Euphoria1z wrote: »

Hi

we have a delonghi 3kw fan heater, and after using it for a few minutes we have noticed that the plug gets very very hot? is this normal? is it dangerous?

don't know if its always been like this or something recent...

Thanks

Stop aiming the heater at the plug.

:whistle: