Engine Block heater on light???
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From: MACON, GA
Engine Block heater on light???
Is there any way of knowing from inside the truck that the engine block heater is plugged in?
Two reasons: one, I almost pulled out with plug engaged; and two, I had the block heater plugged in and an electric space heater and tripped the breaker.
Now, all I can do at night is check the circuit breakers before I leave the garage. A little light would be nice.
My electric heater was 1500 watts. My circuit breaker is 15 amps so the block heater would seem to be more than 1500 watts???
Two reasons: one, I almost pulled out with plug engaged; and two, I had the block heater plugged in and an electric space heater and tripped the breaker.
Now, all I can do at night is check the circuit breakers before I leave the garage. A little light would be nice.
My electric heater was 1500 watts. My circuit breaker is 15 amps so the block heater would seem to be more than 1500 watts???
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I don't know if theres a light in the dash for your block heater but with your electric heater drawing 1500 watts - that's 12.5 amps. Thats only leaving another 2.5 amps (or so) for your block heater before it trips the circuit. I'm sure the block heater draws more than 2.5 amps.
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From: McNairy county, TN.
The block heaters are 1000 watt, thats about 10 amps. There is no dummy light (no offense) to let you know the cord is plugged in.
As a truck driver for 22 years, it is always a good idea to do a walk around every morning before you drive off. Check for flats, fluid on the ground, toys, bikes and what not behind or under the truck. This will also get you into the habit of noticing your cord is plugged in.
Here is a thread that has some very useful info on block heaters, timers, and what guage of extension cord to use.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...ck+heater+amps
As a truck driver for 22 years, it is always a good idea to do a walk around every morning before you drive off. Check for flats, fluid on the ground, toys, bikes and what not behind or under the truck. This will also get you into the habit of noticing your cord is plugged in.
Here is a thread that has some very useful info on block heaters, timers, and what guage of extension cord to use.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...ck+heater+amps
Last edited by westtntrucker; Feb 9, 2008 at 08:43 AM.
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Engine Block Heater
What I have done for my 2008 F-350 is use an extension cord that has a light on the both ends of the cord so that you know you have power. As for driving away with the cord still plugged in, the walk around is a very good habit to get into. Hope that helps!
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Grande Prairie, Alberta
Buy an extension cord that has an iluminated plug in. The small light draws little additional power but will let you know in the morning that the breaker did not trip overnight and that the block heater is still working. If you park in a spot that is visible from your house you would be able to see it from the window without checking the circut breaker.
http://www.houseoftools.com/product.htm?pid=198058
http://www.houseoftools.com/product.htm?pid=198058
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Joined: Apr 2002
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The "cord over the mirror" is an old fireman trick and works well (they plug in battery chargers when they park the rigs at the station). I picked up one of those little "Remove Before Flight" (a cloth flag, 3/4" wide x 6" long) airplane key rings and clip it to the ignition keyhole- I have to remove it to get the key in. Ya sure feel like a 'tard if ya get that far!
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From: MACON, GA
Originally Posted by Big D
I don't know if theres a light in the dash for your block heater but with your electric heater drawing 1500 watts - that's 12.5 amps. Thats only leaving another 2.5 amps (or so) for your block heater before it trips the circuit. I'm sure the block heater draws more than 2.5 amps.
I will use the extension cord with the led's and drape it over a mirror. Great advice. Thanks for all responses.
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From: Peoria, IL
P=IxV
Watts = Amps x Volts
so Amps = Watts/Volts
So for the block heater you are pulling
1000 Watts / 117 Volts = 8.55 Amps
For the space heater you are pulling
1500 Watts / 117 Volts = 12.82 Amps
8.55 + 12.82 = 21.37 Amps
By running them both on the same circuit you are trying to pull 21.37 Amps through a 15 Amp breaker. That is not going to work well.
Watts = Amps x Volts
so Amps = Watts/Volts
So for the block heater you are pulling
1000 Watts / 117 Volts = 8.55 Amps
For the space heater you are pulling
1500 Watts / 117 Volts = 12.82 Amps
8.55 + 12.82 = 21.37 Amps
By running them both on the same circuit you are trying to pull 21.37 Amps through a 15 Amp breaker. That is not going to work well.
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I use a retractable cord reel that is mounted on the ceiling. If its up, I'm ok; down, I forgot to unplug it. Plus if I forget to unplug it I have a good 20ft to notice it before there is damage to th block heater wiring.
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You are correct!
Originally Posted by rmosso1
I learned something here a couple times. Does 120 watts equal one amp? I think my math is correct and is that what you are saying? Somehow I thought it was more watts to an amp.
I will use the extension cord with the led's and drape it over a mirror. Great advice. Thanks for all responses.
I will use the extension cord with the led's and drape it over a mirror. Great advice. Thanks for all responses.
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Like other people have said, use a extention cord with a light on it. I have one with a clear plastic end with a LED inside. It makes it a lot easier to plug in at night without a flashlight.
The light in the cord also lets me know if the remote control relay I use turned on the power to the cord or not.
As for driving away with the cord plugged in. You have to remember or put a sign/marker somehwere to remind you. I know when my truck is plugged in because I only park in the driveway when I want to use the block heater. If it is parked on the street, I don't have to worry about dragging the extention cord around town.
The light in the cord also lets me know if the remote control relay I use turned on the power to the cord or not.
As for driving away with the cord plugged in. You have to remember or put a sign/marker somehwere to remind you. I know when my truck is plugged in because I only park in the driveway when I want to use the block heater. If it is parked on the street, I don't have to worry about dragging the extention cord around town.
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