Dj powerstrip

[demonspeedn]

I have a DJ power strip with the individual switches for each outlet. My heater has stopped working in 3 of the outlets over the course of 4 months. It has worked fine for the last 2 years. I'm not sure if the switch is getting shorted out or what, but stops working completely. I'm wondering if there is a more heavy duty option for my application. I'm running a Finnex 800w heater with controller and I keep my house at 63 degrees in the winter so it's on pretty much all the time.
Any suggestions?

 

[mta_morrow]

I have a DJ power strip with the individual switches for each outlet. My heater has stopped working in 3 of the outlets over the course of 4 months. It has worked fine for the last 2 years. I'm not sure if the switch is getting shorted out or what, but stops working completely. I'm wondering if there is a more heavy duty option for my application. I'm running a Finnex 800w heater with controller and I keep my house at 63 degrees in the winter so it's on pretty much all the time.
Any suggestions?

Since heaters are seldom Turned on or off manually, I plug mine directly into an outlet on a surge protector along with other items like battery backups.

I reserve the switches for items like skimmer, reactors, power heads that I regularly power off and remove for maintenance.

 

[mjlash22]

Since heaters are seldom Turned on or off manually, I plug mine directly into an outlet on a surge protector along with other items like battery backups.

I reserve the switches for items like skimmer, reactors, power heads that I regularly power off and remove for maintenance.

May want to try a dedicated outlet as indicated above. Your DJ power switch may be overloaded and shorting out some of the outlets. I use 2 Tripp Lite controllable power strips for my tank and have the heater plugged into one of them. Haven't had any issues with my power situation.

 

[demonspeedn]

I have just now plugged the heater directly into the wall. Is it normal for the prongs to be warm to the touch? I've never noticed before and now it makes me nervous.

 

[mta_morrow]

I have just now plugged the heater directly into the wall. Is it normal for the prongs to be warm to the touch? I've never noticed before and now it makes me nervous.

Your 800 watt heater draws around 7 amps. And you said it runs all the time with your low house temp. A constant draw like that will build up heat. If it’s UL listed the wires will be sized for continuous full load. They could get warm, but should NOT get hot.

I personally wouldn’t be worried about it being warm. It it were to HOT to touch, I would be getting a new heater ASAP.

However, it’s your home and your decision.

I’m speaking from 20+ years experience as a Navy and industrial electrician.

 

[demonspeedn]

Not HOT , just slightly warm. I've never felt them before and electricity makes me nervous.

 

[mta_morrow]

Not HOT , just slightly warm. I've never felt them before and electricity makes me nervous.

I personally don’t like offering electrical advice without seeing things. If there is no wear on the insulation or exposed wires, and just the prongs were warm, you should be fine.

 

[mjlash22]

Maybe try adding a secondary heater to ease the load on just one. It will probably help with temperature consistency as well.

 

[demonspeedn]

I personally don’t like offering electrical advice without seeing things. If there is no wear on the insulation or exposed wires, and just the prongs were warm, you should be fine.

Understandable. Thank you.

Maybe try adding a secondary heater to ease the load on just one. It will probably help with temperature consistency as well.

That's my next step.

 

[WWIII]

Have you opened up the dj powerstrip? They work very well for mist equipment, but are not real heavy duty. I would open it up to see what damage the heater did if you're still using it. Unplugged from the wall outlet obviously.

 

[demonspeedn]

Have you opened up the dj powerstrip? They work very well for mist equipment, but are not real heavy duty. I would open it up to see what damage the heater did if you're still using it. Unplugged from the wall outlet obviously.

I haven't opened it up yet, but do plan on it soon. I have to get another one to plug everything into while it's apart.