Controlling heaters with an Apex EB8

[Brew12]

I wanted to throw out some advice to those using heaters under 400w. Outlets 1-3 and 5-7 on an EB8 are controlled by triacs so there is no arcing or wearing when cycling the heaters on and off. If you use outlets 4 or 8 these can handle bigger heaters but they will arc when they interrupt the heaters.

So, if you use one of the triac controlled outlets you really don't need to worry about how often the heater cycles on and off. The only issue would be thermal cycling of the heater components themselves and congrats to you if you make a heater last long enough for that to be an impact!

 

[jboone82590]

Just to be clear you are saying that its good to plug the smaller heaters into 1-3 and 5-7 because they will last longer? And its better for the heater?

 

[Brew12]

Just to be clear you are saying that its good to plug the smaller heaters into 1-3 and 5-7 because they will last longer? And its better for the heater?

The heater will last longer than if you use the thermostat in the heater to maintain temperature. I like to set my heater temp around 2F higher than my Apex setpoint to increase its life.

The Apex EB8 will also last longer than if you use it on plugs 4 and 8. Those plugs are turned on and off via mechanical relays (as opposed to solid state) so they are more prone to wear.

 

[jboone82590]

The heater will last longer than if you use the thermostat in the heater to maintain temperature. I like to set my heater temp around 2F higher than my Apex setpoint to increase its life.

The Apex EB8 will also last longer than if you use it on plugs 4 and 8. Those plugs are turned on and off via mechanical relays (as opposed to solid state) so they are more prone to wear.

Ok thats good to know. Thanks a lot.