Garage Heater Used as a Blower...

[threewood]

I have a 240v overhead heater in my shop and want to use it as a blower only to circulate the air. However, the thermostat is keeping the unit from coming on. Anyone familiar with these units? Is there a bypass to kick the fan on without kicking on the heating element?

 

[BillK]

Took a quick look at the instruction manual / wiring diagram and it does not appear easily done. You would probably have to wire in some type of additional relay to run the fan by itself.

 

[marinusdees]

Took a quick look at the instruction manual / wiring diagram and it does not appear easily done. You would probably have to wire in some type of additional relay to run the fan by itself.

Not the answer you were looking for. I am not familiar with this unit, but it isn't rocket science. I think you can do it, just need to suss it out.
A toggle switch should do it.

 

[PoorUB]

There is no easy way. The motor is controlled from a circuit board. You could jumper a couple wires from L1 and L2 over to a switch, then to the motor. The other concern I would have would be back feeding power into the circuit board, it might not like it and fry the board.

Personally, I would buy a ceiling fan.

 

[threewood]

Good suggestions. I might pull it down and see if I can wire in a switch. Thanks all!

 

[The Cobbler]

if you insist on using the heater for a fan only,

does the fan come on with heat immediately ? if it does, look for a way to disconnect the heater element . either by pulling a wire or adding a switch rated for the load

 

[FredWanaker]

I

might pull it down

With that much involved one of these or something like it is probably best. Since hot air rises it would circulate hot air if it is raised off the floor.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VNDQ3X4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XK5RCZY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[fitter30]

Could use either a 4 pole double throw switch or relay.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TJ6O9M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[PCustoms]

For as small as that internal fan is, why?

Get a cheap box fan or a ceiling fan if you have the height. You'll probably spend $20 in electrical junk to try to re-wire it anyway.

 

[RoadBeater]

I’ve got a similar unit, I had to wire in a separate switch for the fan, for summer use. A box fan moves more air, but my heater is already hanging from the ceiling.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Rite Aid sells box fans for $17. Way cheaper than the parts required to eff up your heater.

 

[Bert_]

Those heaters do not have a very powerful blower. Would be much farther ahead to get a fan and hang it in the corner or wherever you want.

 

[threewood]

Box fan for the cheap! Thanks all. I wanted to use the heater because it is already there. For $20 I'll grab a fan or two.