How the Parabolic Heater Works
An automatic control switch, or thermostat, is built into the heater to control the heat
output. The control knob (Fig. C), located on the top of the heater, is used to adjust
the thermostat. This thermostat works like the control for a burner on an electric stove
by cycling the heating element on and off to regulate the amount of heat produced. At
the highest setting, the element is on 100% of the time. At lower settings, the element
will cycle on and off, automatically producing a lesser amount of heat. The lower the
heat setting, the longer the element will remain off during the cycle. This is normal.
Additionally, like the power control switch for any electric device, this thermostat
may produce a small spark or flash of light each time it opens or closes to cycle the
element on or off. While this visual flash is normal for any electric switch, it may be
more
noticeable
in the
heater,
particularly
if the
room
is
darkened.
Likewise,
you
may
hear a slight humming sound at lower settings as the thermostat turns the element back
on
and the
unit heats
up.
This
is
also
normal.
Tilt Feature
The heater features a tilt mechanism which allows you to adjust the angle of the heat
output (Fig. B). While holding onto the handle, tilt the parabolic reflector upward to aim
the heat high, low, or anywhere in-between. Tilt the heater down for compact storage.
The tilt mechanism tension can be adjusted to suit your preference by turning the tilt
adjustment screw located above the cord wrap (Fig C). To tilt with a lighter touch (less
tension), insert a #2 Phillips screwdriver and turn the screw counterclockwise in % turn
increments to desired tension. If a more assertive touch (more tension) is preferred, turn
the screw clockwise in 4 turn increments.
Tilt down for
compact storage.
Safety
Features
The heater has three safety features: an automatic safety switch, a manual reset button,
and a warning buzzer. The automatic safety switch turns the unit OFF and the warning
buzzer sounds (if the element is energized) whenever the heater is moved or is placed on
a non-level
surface.
The
buzzer
also
sounds
if the
heater
is
turned
on when
in
the
storage
position.
Although chiefly intended as a warning of tip-over, the switch shuts the heater off and the
buzzer sounds as an additional safeguard, for example, when a child or animal moves the
heater.
