If your electric heater is flashing, it is often nothing to be concerned about and is typically a sign of normal operation.
The flashing you observe is most likely a small electric arch jumping between the thermostat contacts as they open or close. This phenomenon occurs as the internal thermostat regulates the temperature.
Here's a breakdown of why this happens:
- Thermostat Operation: Electric heaters use a thermostat to maintain your desired room temperature. When the temperature falls below the set point, the thermostat contacts close, allowing power to flow to the heating element. When the temperature reaches the set point, the contacts open to cut the power.
- Electric Arc: As the contacts just begin to separate or just before they fully meet, the gap between them is very small. The voltage attempting to bridge this tiny gap can create a momentary electrical spark or arc, which appears as a flash.
- Normal Function: As the reference states, "When the contacts are fully open the gap between them is large enough to prevent this happening." The flashing is primarily visible during the transition phase of the thermostat contacts opening or closing. It's a common characteristic of mechanical thermostats in many electrical appliances.
In summary: If the heater is otherwise working correctly (heating as expected and maintaining temperature), the flashing is typically just the visual effect of the thermostat contacts managing the power flow.
Key Takeaways:
- Flashing is often a normal part of how mechanical thermostats operate in electric heaters.
- It occurs due to a small electric arc as the thermostat contacts open or close.
- This is not usually a sign of a fault if the heater is functioning correctly.
