Symptom Problem Solution
MAINTAINING YOUR HEATER
Troubleshooting Chart
WARNING!
Before removing grill, turn the electrical power off at the electrical panel
board (circuit breaker or fuse box). Lock or tag the panel board door to prevent someone
from accidentally turning the power on while you are working on the heater. Failure to do
so could result in serious electrical shock, burns, or possible death.
WARNING:
Any other service not detailed in this Owner’s Guide should be performed by an
authorized service representative.
Maintenance As Needed, or every six months minimum.
*CONSULT LOCAL ELECTRICAL CODES TO DETERMINE WHAT WORK MUST BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED
ELECTRICAL SERVICE PERSONNEL
Breaker trips
immediately upon
energizing heater.
1. Incorrect supply voltage.*
2. Overloaded circuit.*
3. A short circuit exists in the
supply or heater wiring.*
4. Defective circuit breaker.*
1. Verify that supply voltage matches the heater rating.
2. The total amperage of all heaters on a branch circuit must not be more than 80% of
the amperage rating of the circuit breaker and supply wire ratings. Use a lower wattage
heater, or reduce the number of heaters on the circuit.
3. Shorted supply or heater wires may be accompanied by severe sparking. Inspect all
supply and heater wiring insulation for damage. Do not reset the circuit breaker until all
electrical shorts have been repaired.
4. Replace the circuit breaker.
Heater fan
operates,
but does not
discharge warm
air.
1. Insufficient element tempera
-
ture.
2. Incorrect supply voltage.*
3. Element has failed.*
1. Allow a few moments for element to reach operating temperature.
2. Verify that supply voltage matches the heater rating.
3. Replace element.
Heater will not
shut off.
1. Heat loss from room is great-
er than heater capacity.*
2. Defective thermostat.
1. Close doors and windows. Provide additional insulation or install a higher-wattage heat-
er or multiple heaters if necessary (if your circuit is rated for more capacity).
2. Adjust thermostat to its lowest setting. If heater continues to run (allow two minutes for
the thermostat to respond), and room temperature is greater than 50 degrees; replace
thermostat.
Heater discharges
smoke or emits a
burnt odor.
1. Dust, lint or other matter has
accumulated inside heater.
2. Poor or loose electrical con-
nections.
1. Clean heater (see “Maintenance” section above for instructions).
2. Turn off power at circuit breaker. Inspect all supply and heater wire connections to
make sure nothing is loose or poorly connected. Secure or reconnect all loose connec-
tions. Do not reset circuit breaker until all connections have been checked and repaired.
Element heats for
a moment without
the fan turning,
then immediately
stops heating.
1. Defective motor or internal
connection.*
2. Fan or motor jammed.
1. Heater or fan motor requires replacement.
2. Remove obstruction, and press heater manual reset button (see “Operating” section for
instructions).
Heater does not
run.
1. Thermostat set too low.
2. Heater has tripped the
manual reset temperature limit
control.
3. Power not on at the circuit
breaker.
4. Broken or poorly connected
wire(s) to heater.
5. Defective thermostat.
1. Adjust thermostat to a higher temperature until heater operates (see Problem #5 if the
problem persists).
2. Press the manual reset button (see “Operating” section for instructions).
3. Turn on the correct circuit breaker in the main panel.
4. Turn off power at circuit breaker. Check supply wire continuity and proper connection to
heater wires.
5. The entire heater, or any of its components may be checked for continuity to determine
the cause of any problem. Repair or replace the heater or thermostat.
Heater continually
trips the manual
reset temperature
limit control.
1. Dust, lint or other matter has
accumulated inside heater.
2. Airflow is blocked.
3. Fan or motor is jammed.
4. None of the above.
1. Clean heater (see “Maintenance” section for instructions.)
2. Remove obstruction. Maintain a minimum distance of 6 inches from adjacent surfaces,
and 3 feet for furniture or other objects placed directly in front of the heater.
3. Remove obstruction, and press heater manual reset button (see “Operating” section for
instructions).
4. Replace heater assembly.
1. It is important that you verify power has been turned off and no
power is going to the heater before proceeding. Circuit breakers
are often not marked correctly and turning the wrong breaker off
could mean electricity is flowing to the heater, even if the heater
does not appear to be working. If you are uncomfortable working
with electrical appliances, unable to follow these guidelines, or do
not have the necessary equipment, consult a qualified electrician.
2. Once you verify the power has been turned off correctly, pro-
ceed to the next step.
3. Remove screws, thermostat knob, and take off grill.
4. Wash grill with hot soapy water and dry immediately.
5. While holding blower wheel (to avoid damage or bending), use
a hair dryer or vacuum on blow cycle to blow debris through the
element (do not touch element).
6. Vacuum blower area without touching the element.
7. Do not lubricate motor.
8. Replace grill and secure with screws. Replace thermostat knob.
9. Turn thermostat to desired setting.
10. Turn power back on at the electrical panel board.
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©2013 Cadet Printed in USA Rev 10/13 #720118
