Dimplex MPH500 failure

[Anders_P42]

I bought one of these (500W one) so I could leave water system running over winter, it also kicks out enough heat to keep chill from forward cabin over night.

http://www.dimplex.co.uk/products/d...ctor_heaters/mph/technical_specifications.htm

The first one failed after two weeks, second one has gone after about three to four. I'm sure Dimplex will send another, it's covered by three year warranty. But given the main function in life is to protect boat from frost, my confidence has been knocked by two rapid failures.

Has anyone else had any experience with this model? I either need to buy another for some sort of redundancy, or throw it in bin and find a different make/model to try.

Anders

 

[Hadenough]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dimplex-Watt-Mounted-Frostwatcher-Heater/dp/B0037VVY9U

I've got two of these, one five years old, the other two. Both used fairly frequently as we live aboard. No problems yet, touch wood and not as ugly as the greenhouse ones.

 

[Anders_P42]

Thanks for reply, I did look at that one before buying above but it's only wall mount.

 

[pvb]

The first one failed after two weeks, second one has gone after about three to four. I'm sure Dimplex will send another, it's covered by three year warranty. But given the main function in life is to protect boat from frost, my confidence has been knocked by two rapid failures.

I'd agree, get your money back and buy something else.

 

[PhillM]

I had one fir a year before kicking it and destroying the temp knob. Completely my fault.

2nd has lasted 2 years so far. No problems to date.

 

[Anders_P42]

I plugged it in when I got home, it works again

I tested the socket on boat by charging handheld radio. I wonder if overheat protection kicked in? Maybe they aren't designed for hours of continuous operation. I'll leave on full power over night and see if it's still working in morning.

 

[William_H]

I guess the answer is in the "safety cut out". The link does not indicate the nature of the safety cut out. ie saying it interupts the power is not very helpful.
I have a cheap electric heater which has a smple switch that extends into the floor feet such that it turns off if it is knocked over. ie is not vertical on the floor.
An alternative safety cut out might involve a bimetal switch which opens if the body and internals get too hot. Which could occur ina confined space over a long time.
I suggest you try to identify what "safety cut out means as it looks like there in lies your problem. This kind of technology is so old and well proven that it would be very unusual to find the kind of faults you seem to have. good luck olewill

 

[Anders_P42]

Heater still working this morning, I'll leave it on for a couple of days more.

I spoke with Dimplex, they suspect thermal cut out as heater works at home and I confirmed power socket is working on boat. They suggested positioning heater on its back rather than vertical and to ensure there's enough room around edges. On its back the heat has a large surface area to escape from, so hope this is a solution. This experience highlights risk of only one heater, I'll buy another to be safe.

William, agree this heater is low tech and one of the reasons for choosing this model. No fan to break and simple bi-metallic strip for a thermostat.

Anders