Comfortzone 220v heater issue

[ebarker9]

I've had a ComfortZone CZ220 heater in my 2 car garage for the past 3 years. It's always worked well with no issues until this evening. I was letting the garage warm up for about 20 minutes and came out to a strong smell of electrical components burning. After letting it cool down, I took a look at the wiring and everything on the L1 side of the connection block was melted. I'm using 10/2 Romex going to a 30a breaker which didn't trip. Having a hard time figuring what the issue could have been...interested in any thoughts. Mostly grateful that I was around to catch the issue before a fire started.

 

[Bert_]

Either the factory crimp on that black wire wasn't tight. Or you didn't get the screw tight on your wire connected to L1.

 

[ebarker9]

Either the factory crimp on that black wire wasn't tight. Or you didn't get the screw tight on your wire connected to L1.

I'd assume the latter is more likely although it seemed pretty tight when I removed it. Definitely will approach replacement with an abundance of caution...

 

[The Cobbler]

^X2
since the wire past the connector isin't melted, and only melted at that point, it was a bad connection

 

[The Cobbler]

I'd assume the latter is more likely although it seemed pretty tight when I removed it. Definitely will approach replacement with an abundance of caution...

I would think that since the line wire is melted, that was the bad connection. if it was the factory crimp on the heater side, that would have melted . (unless of course it is a higher temp rated wire maybe

 

[ebarker9]

^X2
since the wire past the connector isin't melted, and only melted at that point, it was a bad connection

Thank you. What didn't even occur to me at the time and I may now be kicking myself for is the use of stranded wire between the junction box and the heater...used a "Liquid Tight" extension because it allowed some flexibility, but is it inherently problematic to use that with a screw terminal?

 

[Bert_]

Thank you. What didn't even occur to me at the time and I may now be kicking myself for is the use of stranded wire between the junction box and the heater...used a "Liquid Tight" extension because it allowed some flexibility, but is it inherently problematic to use that with a screw terminal?

That terminal is almost certainly rated for stranded wire. Stranded wire was not your issue.

 

[ebarker9]

That terminal is almost certainly rated for stranded wire. Stranded wire was not your issue.

Is it worth considering using a crimped ferrule when I install the replacement? I know it's completely possible to get a solid connection without, but given the past issue I'd rather reduce the risk as much as possible.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Either the factory crimp on that black wire wasn't tight. Or you didn't get the screw tight on your wire connected to L1.

X3.

Tommy