Storage Heater problem - any ideas?

Jamie_2-2

We have a Creda TSR storage heater in the living room and last winter it stopped working! I opened it up last month and found that the 'thermal link' which I think acts as a fuse had seperated/blown. Bought a new thermal link and fitted it last week, came downstairs the next morning hoping to feel some well needed warmth and it was still cold. When I opened it up the brand new one had blown also!! I wonder what is causing this?

Here is a link to what the thermal link looks like when new:
http://www.torreelectrics.co.uk/acatalog/Creda_thermal_fuse_links.html
(2nd picture down)

frivolous_fay

We had exactly the same problem in our old place - also replaced that part, only for it to blow again straight away. We figured it was due to an electrical problem which was making it overheat. We never got it fixed because we couldn't get an electrician recommendation.

I think the part is designed to melt and break the connection when there is a problem.

Cardew

The obvious reason would be a 'short' on one of the heater elements or switches; this could be intermittent.

The principle of these heaters is very simple; they consist of element(s) that heat up a pile of bricks.

Unless you have some electrical training and a meter to measure it will be difficult to determine if that is the reason.

Given the highish power involved you may see some evidence of scorch marks to indicate the area of the short.

Jamie_2-2

Thanks for the replies. I bought a new Input Thermostat and Thermal Link from Creda and replaced them. Glad to say we have heat this morning and lots of it. An electrician advised me that with these units it is very common for the Input Thermostat to go kaput. This in turn causes the heater to go over temperature and burn out the Thermal Link - the safety fuse doing it's job!

:T