Electrical Baseboard Thermal Protection

Blade_316 · 10-20-2009, 05:57 PM

Is it possible that over the years (25), the thermal protection switch gets weak and trips constantly?

I've noticed this problem since I installed digital thermostats throughout my home. A "Low Power" message appears off and on when the heat ramps up in the evening, this can only be caused by total power lost, which is not the case, or the thermal protection trips (for no reason)

This only happens on 2 of the 10 heaters I have. At first I thought the thermostat was the problem so I replaced it on one of the faulty baseboards and the problem still appears.

So if the thermal protection switch is weak, I'll start changing my baseboards throughout the house, they are pretty old after-all.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

williswires · 10-20-2009, 10:23 PM

What is the model of your thermostat?

Blade_316 · 10-21-2009, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by williswires

What is the model of your thermostat?

Honeywell RLV4300 5-2 Day Programmable

kbsparky · 10-21-2009, 07:21 AM

I would love to have an Amprobe handy to see how your BB units are behaving.

It sounds plausible that the thermo cut-out is acting up and disconnecting the unit causing the symptoms you have described.

Try replacing one of the offending units, and see if you obtain desirable results.

Blade_316 · 10-21-2009, 07:33 AM

I'm almost certain it is. Right before I'll see the "Low Power" message I hear a big <<Click>> from the BB. After a few minutes I hear another <<Click>> and the message disappears.

kbsparky · 10-22-2009, 06:51 AM

Yup. That click is the thermo cut-out. You could replace the cut-out IF you could find a new one. Or replace the entire unit, as originally stipulated.