Electric panel heater - metal wall convector installation

araab

Hello,

I have a spare metal wall convector (electric panel heater) 1000w which I like to install in a new place. It was manufactured by Atlantic and they insist that the equipment use NO earth wire connection (https://www.atlantic-comfort.com/Our-products/Room-heating/Gentle-heat-radiators/Shangai-Ecodomo)

I am extremely nervous about this. How come a metal casing is not earthed? (even if the heating operation inside is “double insulated”). 

Similar heaters anywhere are using, very naturally, the earth wire to connect the casting to the house earth. (e.g. https://www.dimplex.co.uk/product/epx-100kw-panel-heater-electronic-thermostat

and

https://www.stiebel-eltron.co.uk/en/products-solutions/central_heating/electrical_heaters/convector_heaters/cns_50-300_trendu/cns_50_trend_uk.html )

Could somebody please try to clarify this situation and the possible reason for this.

Thank you very much.

knightstyle

Does the heater have a double insulated symbol?  a square in a square.  If so no it does not need an earth.  All exposed metal will have two insulating barriers between it and live parts.

EssexExile

It's double insulated according to the installation instructions. Personally I'd throw it in a skip.

Heedtheadvice

Too true EssexExile.

It is always the best idea to have exposed metalwork "Earthed"  just in case of that unplanned fault!

Heaters are so cheap these days that it is just not worth the risk.

araab

Hey,

Thank you very much for your comments.

The product is “double insulated” by its markings on the back label.

But I trust not this marking!! (and to link this to the second fair comment), I remember me putting in the skip my, “double insulated” marked, 14” television set, in 1988, because I used to get a shock (they probably did not invent the RCB yet) when I touched the tiny metal ring of the earphone socket (that was well screwed in the plastic casting). 

AND, I forgot to say, I live in France, so if we take that this is the new product, currently in the shop:

https://www.castorama.fr/panneau-rayonnant-dillam-1000w/3663602912910_CAFR.prd

And this is its installation manual:

https://media.castorama.fr/is/content/Castorama/3663602688532_prd_FR_CFpdf

“.... This product is double insulated and must not be earthed….”

Does that mean that I just ride to the shop, buy the product, return home, and put it in the skip?? How many times?  ;-)   ;-)

Lorian

Ride to the shop an buy one that needs an earth, anything else will be too worrying.

greyteam1959

Nothing to stop you installing your own earth wire if you are that bothered.

araab

Thank you very much.
This is what I would do. Just wanted to pass it by others to see if I miss something foundamental (which unfortunatly happens frequently).
I think it is really sad that the Frenchies produce it without this option.

coffeehound

If it really is double-insulated then it would be okay, but there are no signs of it meeting international quality standards such as the 'CE' mark.

binao

OP said he lives in France?

EDF may supply earth, may not, check earth resistance / impedance.

Does the fuse box have an RCD?

Equal potential bonding has to be considered.

What happens if the heater casing becomes live from an extraneous  source.

Sounds Cxxnxxe heater to me.

No main RCD, skip it.

Heedtheadvice

Equipotential bonding, please!