block heater timers.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 405
Likes: 42
block heater timers.
I was wondering what timers you guys use for your engine block heaters? I found this one at Home Depot. What do you guys think?
Westek Heavy-Duty Outdoor Timer, Black - TM12DOLB at The Home Depot
Its says it is ideal for block heaters. I read somewhere on here about getting a timer that has 15 amps. This one only has 8 amps. Is that OK??
Also, when I was hunting this year I borrowed a generator that had a load meter on it. I did the math and this heater was drawing just above 1800 watts. This timer is only rated at 1000 watts. THAT doesnt seem like enough to me. I NEED GUIDANCE!!!
Please will somebody point me in the right direction so I dont burn my truck to the ground. Thanks, Aaron.
Westek Heavy-Duty Outdoor Timer, Black - TM12DOLB at The Home Depot
Its says it is ideal for block heaters. I read somewhere on here about getting a timer that has 15 amps. This one only has 8 amps. Is that OK??
Also, when I was hunting this year I borrowed a generator that had a load meter on it. I did the math and this heater was drawing just above 1800 watts. This timer is only rated at 1000 watts. THAT doesnt seem like enough to me. I NEED GUIDANCE!!!
Please will somebody point me in the right direction so I dont burn my truck to the ground. Thanks, Aaron.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 107
From: Staten Island, NY
I'm not sure what kind of block heater you have in your engine. I have a '05 6.0 and the factory heater draws about 8 amps which would make it about 1,000 watts. Amp meters on small portable generators are notoriously inaccurate. They tend to read high to keep you from overloading the generator. In addition, most small portable generators are not outputting a voltage regulated sine wave unless they are inverter style generators. This makes measuring current draw even more inaccurate. If you can borrow an Amprobe, check the current draw when plugged into household power.
If your heater truly draws only 8 amps then the timer you show would be fine. I use one almost identical to it for my block heater. More importantly, use a good extension cord. My truck is parked about 50 feet from the outlet / timer so I use a 12 ga. extension.
If your heater truly draws only 8 amps then the timer you show would be fine. I use one almost identical to it for my block heater. More importantly, use a good extension cord. My truck is parked about 50 feet from the outlet / timer so I use a 12 ga. extension.
New User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
I never knew you needed a timer, is this correct?? I've been keeping mine plugged in for almost two weeks. Temps at day 20's and night/AM 5-17 degrees. She's not a daily driver so the last time I moved her was on the 13th of this month. I statr her up once a week and drove it around today being it's about 16 days since sitting.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 107
From: Staten Island, NY
I never knew you needed a timer, is this correct?? I've been keeping mine plugged in for almost two weeks. Temps at day 20's and night/AM 5-17 degrees. She's not a daily driver so the last time I moved her was on the 13th of this month. I statr her up once a week and drove it around today being it's about 16 days since sitting.
Down to about 0 degrees, you really only need to plug it in for 3 or 4 hours before use. Below zero maybe a little longer. Actually my truck has started with nothing more than a small white smoke cloud after sitting all night in a motel parking lot all night at -12. Just give it time to warm up a little after starting.
Where I am, the electric rate is about $0.22 per Kwh. So if I left the heater plugged in round the clock it woule be costing me $5.28 a day in electricity. The timer pays for itself pretty quickly.
New User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Thanks for the heads up! I didn't think it drew that much power to even notice.
So basically I should have it pluged in approx. 3 hours before starting if the temp is 20 degrees or lower.
Thanks, this was extremely informative!
So basically I should have it pluged in approx. 3 hours before starting if the temp is 20 degrees or lower.
Thanks, this was extremely informative!
