Hi I am trying to repair my electric heater.
I found this unknown component(which looks like a resistor with a blue stripe) is not conducting. This component is connected between the switch and the hot wire. Is it a fuse?
Does anyone know what this is?

 

It may be a thermal protector that has opened up because there was excessive heat in the unit. If so, then the heater has other problems.

 

It may be a thermal protector that has opened up because there was excessive heat in the unit. If so, then the heater has other problems.

so is it supposed to be conducting at low temperature? I just measure the resistance and basically it has infinity resistance. I think it might burn out. You are right it might has other overheat problems.

 

It could be one kind of thermal fuse, you can use the type no or brand to search.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_cutoff

http://www.electronics-cooling.com/...-meets-high-current-application-requirements/

 

That is a thermal fuse. Inside it has a material that melts at xxx temp, breaking the power connection, it doesn't reset. The temp is usually marked on the outside of the case. The ones with a blue stripe seem to be 128ºC (262.4 ºF ) fuses.

You can order a replacement. Reason for them failing is often a lack of circulation. If it is a forced air type heater, make sure the fan blades and motor aren't clogged with dust, and the fan spins freely.

If the entire heater got that hot, the oil in the sintered bearings on the motor will have evaporated, rendering the fan sort of useless.

 

Thank you for all quick and detailed replies!

 

those are great pics. what camera are you using?

 

Hi I am trying to repair my electric heater.
I found this unknown component(which looks like a resistor with a blue stripe) is not conducting. This component is connected between the switch and the hot wire. Is it a fuse?
Does anyone know what this is?

It is a thermal overload. clothes dryers have the same thing. replace it with a blue stripe and if it blows again look for a problem. just do not bypass it.

 

permanent version of a bimetallic strip.... per say