IS it normal for the wire leading from the back of the heater to the temperature sensor to get hot to the touch?
633098
If the wire is too hot to keep your finger/hand join it longer than 30 seconds, I think there is a problem.We have two of these heaters and I have never noticed this to occur. By the way, after dust does accumulate inside these heaters and vacuuming will not remove slot of it. AT LEAST once a year I use an airless to "blast out" the accumulated dust. This will keep them at their optimum performance.JM2C
633099
I don't think it should get hot, warm maybe. But if it's uncomfortable to touch I'd unplug it.
633100
I have two of these heaters and never noticed that problem. I don't think it is normal, maybe the wire got damaged. I would exchange it just in case.
633101
Depends. If the wire is so hot that it is burning your hand then you have issues.If it does not burn your hand and is warm I would say this is normal. The box on the electric cord is designed to cut off the power if the cord gets too hot so no matter what you should be safe.If you have a house with old wiring this could also be a cause for extra heat in the wire.
144905
yes. you just want to make sure that the plug is within easy NOT overhead reach. I had to call to electrician in to move the plug that was up by the heater. It is very hot.
2270834
The sensors might be dirty or perhaps the unit is too close to a vent or air source. I took the front panel off of mine and blew on the sensor then relocated it slightly. It hasn't happened since.
446786
Mine started sending heat immediately, but I don't use it often as it's in my utility room. When I turned it on I feltnheat right away while I stood underneath it.
610968
When using it to control a little space heater, the unit gets hot and affects the perceived temperature since the probe is so close to the unit. For this reason I place the unit close to the ceiling fan.
1342923
It might be. Others have commented on short life for new thermocouple, operating temperature of safety sensor is different part numbers will vary. Sensor temp rating has NOTHING to do with thermostat setting for water temp!!! Be sure to clean the combustion air screen on bottom or around the base of the heater. Lack of air flow is #1 reason for thermocouple (sensor) failure. If you need owner's manual, go to aosmith.com & follow tabs to your model. I checked & it is available.
532016
I believe that because of the heat flow going mainly upwards the electrical outlet will become quite hot if above heater.
777094
I could be an overheating issue.....when left in the on position for awhile it generates so much heat it turns itself off. I now have one that wont stay on more than 4 seconds on high and around 30 seconds on low..then the overheating sensor shuts if off. It seems once this happens it will always shut off instantly going forward.
1978030
Mine gets really hot, that has never been a problem. It actually gets hotter that I had anticipated.
758763
The temperature of the cable is not controlled. It is a simple resistance heater, designed to work well at cooler temperatures. You need to turn it off when the weather gets warm to prevent it from over heating and being damaged. There are temperature controlled switches designed for these heater cables that turn them off above about 35or 40 degrees F. That is also why they should not touch each other, the cable may overheat at the point of contact.
1840631
It is very normal; my electrician explained it to me when he installed the thermostat - nothing to worry about!Donna
316461
I don't think it's normal. That is why I returned mine. Would not run for more than a few minuets before overheating and the safety would shut it off. I know of people who have had success with it but not me and looks like not you either. I'd return it because overheating that quickly could lead to blown fuses or fire.
2053762
same problem, im sure it is due to the sensor that reads the return air temp. my wire has moved, getting erratic readings too. long yellow wire in the unit, not sure where it should be mounted though
1725274
There is an on/off rheostat dial on the front of the unit. This would be fine if you are running straight power to the heater. I have the heater set at its highest setting and my power comes from a wall thermostat. Hope that makes sense to you.
2250710
That is not a good sign. The AC adaptor does get warm (not hot) but if you are smelling something burning I would turn it off. That is not normal.
1440454
I found I had to set the temperature a few degrees higher for it to come on. I believe this is because the sensor/antenna is close to the wall. I am trying to remember how the programming works. I just have mine set at 72 round the clock. I will check when back home. But I love this unit! Nice steady heat and electric bill did not go up.
1175780
Mine too. There is an electrical connection behind the control panel that overheats and starts to burn the wire insulation when the heater is on high. It is connected to the pendulum switch that would power-off the unit if it tipped over. I contacted Kaz (the actual mfgr) but they weren't interested in fixing or replacing the heater.