Block Heater Question
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Illinois
Block Heater Question
I plug the block heater in every night since it is around 15*F over here, sometimes 0*F over night... but when I start it in the morning and un-plug it, it still takes about five minutes worth of driving before I get some warm air from the heater - does that sound about right?
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Highlands Ranch
I think that's normal -- but it doesn't take 20 minutes....
I have a separate question about the block heater -- how many amps does this thing draw -- it was tripping my GFCI last night -- I don't know if it's because it's snowing outside and things are wet, or if it's pulling more than 15amps -- Any ideas?
I have a separate question about the block heater -- how many amps does this thing draw -- it was tripping my GFCI last night -- I don't know if it's because it's snowing outside and things are wet, or if it's pulling more than 15amps -- Any ideas?
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 50
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From: LONGISLAND NY
go to the site www.dieselstop.com look at the marinco setup for the blockheater.This gentalman listed a whole lot of info on amps and voltage drop,also I hooked up the marinco inlet like shown.It is great..
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: LaPorte, CO
Re; bnscott2
how many amps does this thing draw -- it was tripping my GFCI last night -- I don't know if it's because it's snowing outside and things are wet,
The heater is supposed to draw about 1000 watts - about 8 amps.
Up here in The Fort Collins arera, the local truckers have trouble with Ground Fault breakers due to the Mag Chloride that the State uses on the highways.
The MgCl draws moisture out of the atmosphere. A little moisture and a little dirt can create a current path - I'm not sure if the MgCl itself is conductive. It is a constant job to clean the plugs off so there is not a trickle current leakaging across the prongs. I understand it only takes a few miliamps to trip a GFCI if it is working correctly.
Hope this helps.
how many amps does this thing draw -- it was tripping my GFCI last night -- I don't know if it's because it's snowing outside and things are wet,
The heater is supposed to draw about 1000 watts - about 8 amps.
Up here in The Fort Collins arera, the local truckers have trouble with Ground Fault breakers due to the Mag Chloride that the State uses on the highways.
The MgCl draws moisture out of the atmosphere. A little moisture and a little dirt can create a current path - I'm not sure if the MgCl itself is conductive. It is a constant job to clean the plugs off so there is not a trickle current leakaging across the prongs. I understand it only takes a few miliamps to trip a GFCI if it is working correctly.
Hope this helps.
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