DIY Electric Garage Heater

[legendboy]

Hi guys, just joined. Great forum idea. I am just in the middle of finishing my garage (or semi finishing before the snow comes!)

Well, i got sick of using my Kerosene tube heater and I couldn't justify the cost of running natural gas (first house, just starting out) so I whipped myself up this 10,000watt electric heater.

Basically this is 2 4800w Dimplex portable construction heaters in a sleeve with a 230v 700cfm centrifugal fan in the back. I have it wired up with a switch, thermostat and a contactor. Its a bit pricy to run, but it will be fine for what i need it for! I have #8 wire running to my 50a tig welder plug for now.

Thing works great, and for only spending $160CAD on everything it was a good deal too!

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/legend88/heater/

[428]

Cool. uh I mean hot! Amazing what can be done when you have to.

I've never seen a power meter throw a bearing before. Bet she get's spinning pretty fast. :shocking:

[ZRWON]

WOW!!! you are my new hero...Bob Vilia get lost. Really admire your creative talents and craftsmanship :drool:

[TOMWELDS]

Nice. Is it homemade? I worked 12 years for an elec heater manufacturer. Does it have a 'high limit' thermo inside, incase something goes wrong?

[legendboy]

Thanks guy. Yes the Dimplex heaters both have high temp shut off if something goes wrong. They also will turn off if one of their internal fans stops working.

Our family has an industrial hvac equipment manufacturing business, i do design work but i have a key and full use of the shop :rocker:

[TOMWELDS]

We built from scratch, made the elements and all. Neat stuff and a big learning experience.