Use of a plug in electronic timer with convector heater?

[dimmy]

I have bought a Dimplex 1/2/kw convector freestanding electric heater which does not have a timer. In the manual it states "do not use with an external switching device such as a timer so as to avoid the potential hazard of the inadvertent resetting of the internal thermal safety cut out device". HOWEVER on all the plug in timers (i.e.TIMEGUARD TRT05) it says "can be used with convector heaters up to 3kw...so I am really confused!. Any advice gratefully received...thanks

 

[Lucien Nunes]

The info on the timers merely indicates that they are electrically robust enough to switch that size of load and would be fine with a heater that has a manual-reset thermal cutout. The Dimplex heater apparently has a self-resetting thermal cutout that remains in the tripped position while power is present if the heater has overheated e.g. if the airflow if restricted, but resets when power is removed for a few minutes. Therefore, a timer that cycles the heater power on and off without human intervention could cause the cutout to reset and the heater to overheat repeatedly each time it switches on, if left unattended. Obviously they don't want an overheating situation to carry on relying on the cutout, but to be spotted and corrected.

 

[dimmy]

ok thanks...I thought that might be the case. Although I would think most modern convector heaters have an auto thermal safety cut out rather than a manual one. Therefore I think the makers of the plug in timers should make it clear they are not suitable for appliances with auto cut out.....cheers!

 

[Resu]

ok thanks...I thought that might be the case. Although I would think most modern convector heaters have an auto thermal safety cut out rather than a manual one. Therefore I think the makers of the plug in timers should make it clear they are not suitable for appliances with auto cut out.....cheers!

Seems like it is covered by the instructions of the heater, can you imagine the size of the instruction manual for the timer if it detailed every item it is/isn't suitable for use with?