Cadet RBF Series Owner's Manual - page 6
Troubleshooting Chart
Symptom Problem Solution
MAINTAINING YOUR HEATER
WARNING!
Before removing grill, turn the electrical power off at the electrical panel
board (circuit breaker or fuse box). Lock or tag the panel board door to prevent someone
from accidentally turning the power on while you are working on the heater. Failure to do
so could result in serious electrical shock, burns, or possible death.
WARNING:
Any other service not detailed in this Owner’s Guide should be performed by an autho-
rized service representative.
*CONSULT LOCAL ELECTRICAL CODES TO DETERMINE WHAT WORK MUST BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED
ELECTRICAL SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Maintenance As Needed, or every six months minimum.
1. It is important that you verify power has been turned off and no
power is going to the heater before proceeding. Circuit breakers
are often not marked correctly and turning the wrong breaker off
could mean electricity is flowing to the heater, even if the heater
does not appear to be working. If you are uncomfortable working
with electrical appliances, unable to follow these guidelines, or do
not have the necessary equipment, consult a qualified electrician.
2. Once you verify the power has been turned off correctly, pro-
ceed to the next step.
3. Remove screws, washers, grill and grill frame.
4. Wash grill with hot soapy water and dry immediately.
5. While holding fan (to avoid damage or bending), use a hair dryer
or vacuum on blow cycle to blow debris through the top element
(do not touch element).
6. Vacuum fan area without touching the elements.
7. Do not lubricate motor.
8. Replace grill frame, grill, washers and screws.
9. Turn power back on at the electrical panel board.
Breaker trips
immediately
upon
energizing
heater.
1. Incorrect supply voltage.*
2. Overloaded circuit.*
3. A short circuit exists in the
supply or heater wiring.*
4. Defective circuit breaker.*
1. Verify that supply voltage matches the heater rating.
2. The total amperage of all heaters on a branch circuit must not be more than
80% of the amperage rating of the circuit breaker and supply wire ratings. Reduce
the number of heaters on the circuit.
3. Shorted supply or heater wires may be accompanied by severe sparking.
Inspect all supply and heater wiring insulation for damage. Do not reset the circuit
breaker until all electrical shorts have been repaired.
4. Replace the circuit breaker.
Heater fan
operates,
but does not
discharge
warm air.
1. Insufficient element
temperature.
2. Incorrect supply voltage.*
3. Element has failed.
1. Allow a few moments for element to reach operating temperature.
2. Verify that supply voltage matches the heater rating.
3. Replace element.
Heater
discharges
smoke or
emits a burnt
odor.
1. Dust, lint or other matter has
accumulated inside heater.
2. Poor or loose electrical
connections.
1. Clean heater (See “Maintenance” section for instructions).
2. Turn off power at circuit breaker. Inspect all supply and heater wire connections
to make sure nothing is loose or poorly connected. Secure or reconnect all loose
connections. Do not reset circuit breaker until all connections have been checked
and repaired.
Element
heats for a
moment with-
out the fan
turning, then
immediately
stops heating.
1. Defective motor or internal
connection.*
2. Fan or motor jammed.
1. Heater or fan motor requires replacement.
2. Remove obstruction and follow instructions in the “Operating” section for “Reset-
ting the Manual Power Reset Limit Control.” Test heater operation. If heater does
not run, heater requires repair or replacement.
Heater does
not run.
1. Heater has tripped the power
reset high-temperature control.
2. Heater has tripped the sec-
ondary over-temperature fuse.
3. Power not on at the circuit
breaker.
4. Broken or poorly connected
wire(s) to heater.
5. Defective rocker switch
control.
1. Follow instructions in the “Operating” section for “Resetting the Manual Power
Reset Limit Control.”
2. A severe over-temperature condition has occurred. Repair or replace heater.
3. Turn on the correct circuit breaker in the main panel.
4. Turn off power at circuit breaker. Check supply wire continuity and proper con-
nection to heater wires.
5. The entire heater, or any of its components may be checked for continuity to de-
termine the cause of any problems. Repair or replace the heater or rocker switch.
©2013 Cadet Printed in USA Rev 10/13 #720196
Page 6