Electric Duct Heating Blog: Toast

MAINTENANCE "TIPS" TO ENSURE PEAK PERFORMANCE OF DUCT HEATERS

Tweet  

  

  

 delicious  

  

Proper upkeep is the key to ensuring that electric duct heaters operate at peak performance. The following Maintenance Tips may be helpful in keeping your heaters in good working order.

• Disconnect ALL power circuits to the heater before any service is performed, (there may be more than one disconnect switch that needs to be in the off position).
• Ensure that all air filters in the duct and/or the unit are clean so that there is no restriction of air flow to the heating elements.
• If an air filter needs to be replaced, always use the same type that was originally installed.
• If dust or other material has collected on the heating elements, use low pressure air to remove the debris from the surface. The heater may need to be removed from the duct section for proper cleaning.
• There should be no dust, dirt or moisture in the control panel.

SERVICE TIPS

• Inspect all electrical connections to the power and control circuits to ensure that they are securely attached, they can loosen during operation.
• Check to ensure that the field voltage and phase rating match the heater information data plate.
• Check the full line amp draw of the heater against the rating on the heater information data plate.
• Check the operation of the heater circuits with the thermostat/controller to ensure proper cycling of the relays to the thermostat/controller set point.
• Inspect all internal wiring in the heater control panel for burned or broken wires. 
• The heater panel cover should not be open or removed while the heater is being operated.    

REPAIRS / REPLACEMENTS

• All wiring must be done in accordance with the National Electrical Codes and any applicable state & local codes.
• Ensure that correct field wire size and grade connect the heater to power circuits. There must be a proper ground wire attached to the heater.
• For a heater to operate properly, repalcement wire must be of the same gauge and rated at 105 degrees Celsius.
• Automatic and manuel resets MUST be replaced with the same components, i.e., the same vendor, part # and temperature rating. Using a reset with higher temperature ratings will void the 'Listing' and can damage the heater or even cause a fire.
• Do not file down relays to stop chatter or to extend their lives, replace them.
• Element insulators that are cracked or broken should be replaced with insulators of the same size and type. If insulators on the element support frame are missing or broken, they must be replaced or a replacement frame assembly should be ordered.
• Broken heating elements must be replaced with elements of the same gauge, ohms and outside diameter size.

CAUTION

• For the safe operation of a heater, do not try to repair any of the heater's components. Broken parts should always be replaced with new ones.
• Modifying or altering a heater's construction can result in the warranty on the heater being nullified and/or its 'Listing' being voided.

Electric Duct heaters, installed following manufacturer recommendations and NEC/SMACNA guidelines, should require very little upkeep. However, to keep heaters operating at peak performance, a formal schedule of regular maintenance should be established and maintained.