riv

The flat I am in has just the one space heater. Oil filled type with wheels because it weighs a ton. See pic.

When I plugged it in yesterday ( probably for the first time in three years as the flat has been empty that long ) it at first came on ( the little red light on one of the switches illuminated ) but then after maybe two or three seconds went off. So no heat, no sign of life.

At first I thought it had blown a fuse, but no, the wall socket still works for other appliances. And the heater does not work in other wall sockets either.

So maybe it has blown a fuse internal to the heater ? But there is nowhere at all visible on the heater where there might be a fuse box ( have looked underneath as well as the sides ).


Anyone have any idea as to what is probably wrong, and whether it could be repaired ? Seems a shame to throw out if it is repairable. I am guessing it has had v little use over the years, as flat was used as holiday home, so not much used in winter.

liveaboard

It could be repairable; if you can find anyone who repairs things.
SInce those things are so cheap, and repair people (when they exist) are not, I think it would only be viable as a DIY job.

It could be a broken or burned connection inside, but most likely it's the thermostat, and you'll never get the part.
You could use a universal thermostat, but one that could handle the load of that heater would cost 80% as much as a new heater.
So even I (hard core fix anything guy) would look inside, but in all likelihood still end up replacing it.

Sad reality of our consumer society.

riv

Thanks for the (depressing ) info..

Is there any particular diagnostic significance in the fact that the machine did come on at first ( red light illuminating ) but only for a few seconds ?

You talk about 'looking inside' but I can't even see how you might do that..........there appear to be zero screws which could be unscrewed to provide access.

Btw, not 'that' cheap to replace : about E170 to buy a similar one in my local eletrodome'sticos store.

calman014

I would not bother and just buy a new one for safety reasons. Thermostat is probably shot.

Most of these are made in China anyway and pretty cheap to replace.


Take a look on Amazon.

coleio

If you are thinking of throwing it away, WHILST IT IS NOT PLUGGED IN, you may as well attempt to remove the plastic end with the switches on and look inside to see if you can find the fault. They are quite basic and have few components like mains switches, thermal cutout, temp sensor and bimetal regulator you may be able to see the problem and fix it but you have nothing to lose (except a bit of time) and may learn something.

riv

Well, except that I cannot see any way whatever to remove the end with the switches on : there seem to be no screws or other fixing mechanisms whatever holding the heater together.
I think I have to accept the consensus and get rid.

WHERE ? tho' might one recycle electrical equipent in VRSA ? I have a mattress which needs to go also, for that matter.

Eddie5425

It may just be damp.
I had a new one when we lived in Mells somerset on the Mells Estate. I had an electrician out to look at our electric oven. problem caused by damp connections. I asked him to have a look at the new heater. He said he didn't have time but would take it to his workshop. I went to pick it up a several days later and he told me he switched it on and it worked perfectly, had I had it in a shed to which I replied no just the living room.
Try putting it in the sun when it comes back
Good luck

Listen Very Carefully

If it is of any help I have a Delonghi oil filled heater and whilst it cost more initially it is over 5 years old still going strong and not expensive to run

riv

Thanks for the various suggestions.

The one about waiting for the sun to come back and warm it up came too late...........as an aircon specialist managed to get inside it and pronouned that the 'resiste^ncia' was broken and irreparable.

I understood 'resiste^ncia' to mean the heating element .

So had to accept that it has to go to the recycling post ( which Sr Aircon did for me ).

So it's gone now and I bought a new one, a 'Haeger' which I was advised was a good brand, despite being made in China.
Anyway, it has a 3 year guarantee, if that means anything. Not that cheap. but I didn't have time to wait for deliveries / traipse to Tavira etc..
It has been soo chilly.

Anyway, it did the job last evening

Thanks again for suggestions.

Fluffyhead

Not quite on the subject but related and it reminded me of a question I've been meaning to ask - Does anyone use these oil filled radiators while they are out?
I ask because the one we have says it shouldn't be left unattended which takes away some of its usefulness. Does anyone know why they shouldn't be left on unattended - - are they dangerous?

BillBullock

Google the subject and decide for yourself.

liveaboard

Anything sold in the EU should have an EU approval marking; they have features to prevent overheating.
The fan heaters are more dangerous than the oil filled ones.

Personally, I just make sure nothing can fall onto it and don't worry about it.

Fluffyhead

Thanks Liveaboard, good to hear you don't have problems leaving it on and BillBullock, as I said I was reminded by the subject of my doubts so I asked my question here before going to Google, which I may still do. It may have been useful to others to know there is a question about leaving these heaters unattended.