Rheostat Issues

 
arcticcatmatt
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Post by arcticcatmatt » Tue. Oct. 07, 2008 3:22 pm

I blew up the Rheostat on my stove by hooking a wire up where it shouldn't have went :oops:

I called my local dealer and he carries them for 20 bucks. According to alaska its a 3 amp rheostat.

Member Gambler on here was kind enough to tell me I could have his old one from his year 2000 leisure line, my concern is that his isn't the same rheostat and I could burn my motor up. I am running into brick walls trying to find out the specs of his donor rheostat.

Has anyone else ran into this before? Can I just get a $5 one from the hardware store that is supposed to be used on a ceiling fan or something?


 
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Horace
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Post by Horace » Tue. Oct. 07, 2008 3:39 pm

I'm certainly not an electrician, but I've been using a ceiling fan speed control on the combustion blower of my Harman Stoker for a couple of weeks now and it works great. It's rated at 5 amps. I got it at Lowe's for $8. I chose this one because it's completely adjustable rather than simply a three speed switch. That seemed to make more sense for draft adjustment.

Better yet, take the free rheostat. It should work fine.

 
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Rick 386
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Post by Rick 386 » Tue. Oct. 07, 2008 3:41 pm

Matt,

If you're that worried, buy the one from the dealer. It's only $ 20.00 Hell man, how much did you pay for the gas for your 2 trips for free firewood ????

Pay the $ 20.00 and fire that thing up !!!!!!! :) :D

----------------------------------------------

Rick

 
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coaledsweat
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Post by coaledsweat » Tue. Oct. 07, 2008 3:44 pm

It won't hurt the motor, just be sure the rheostat is rated for more amps than the device it powers or you may toast it.

 
arcticcatmatt
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Post by arcticcatmatt » Tue. Oct. 07, 2008 4:15 pm

Rick 386 wrote:Matt,

If you're that worried, buy the one from the dealer. It's only $ 20.00 Hell man, how much did you pay for the gas for your 2 trips for free firewood ????

Pay the $ 20.00 and fire that thing up !!!!!!! :) :D

Rick
Haha. Hey, wouldn't we all like to save a buck? If I can use a $3 dollar one from the hardware store, awesome. As a single young home owner on the verge of layoff, it matters most.

I spent 220 in gas for that firewood haha.. but I got 600 in wood out of it for a savings of 400 bucks and I got to see my family :D

I may stop to buy the rheostat at the dealer.. I can't find the amperage of the unit that was offered to me.

 
Captain Ruggy
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Post by Captain Ruggy » Tue. Oct. 07, 2008 4:52 pm

You may be able to use one from a woodworking router as well. According to what everyone is saying, you need one rated for 3 amps, but anything rated for more then that should work fine.

 
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gambler
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Post by gambler » Tue. Oct. 07, 2008 5:36 pm

Matt, My rheostats are rated for 3 amps
Let me know so that I can ship them tomorrow.

Attachments

stove%20control.JPG
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arcticcatmatt
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Post by arcticcatmatt » Tue. Oct. 07, 2008 5:41 pm

to prevent embarrassment I bought a new one from the dealer. Going to install it now.

I will post up the information on it in my thread so that anyone else that runs into a problem with that era stove will know what they need.

You get to keep your extra gambler. I do sincerely appreciate your offer of the unit!

 
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gambler
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Post by gambler » Tue. Oct. 07, 2008 5:44 pm

Ok Matt, I will chuck this back on the shelf in the basement.

 
BIG BEAM
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Post by BIG BEAM » Tue. Oct. 07, 2008 7:58 pm

Can you use a rheostat on any motor.My distibution fans on my hotblast draw 4.4A runningThey're shadad pole motors(whatever that is)If I get a rheostat rated for 10A would I be OK.I'd like to turn them down a little,maybe 10% or so.
DON

 
Matthaus
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Post by Matthaus » Tue. Oct. 07, 2008 8:31 pm

Here is a good source for all you guys looking to control the speed on your shaded pole motors, as has already been stated, make sure the amperage rating is sufficient. ;)

http://www.electricmotorwarehouse.com/kbwc.htm

 
BIG BEAM
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Post by BIG BEAM » Tue. Oct. 07, 2008 9:30 pm

Thanks Matthaus
I assume that is running amps not starting amps they are rated at ?
DON

 
BIG BEAM
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Post by BIG BEAM » Tue. Oct. 07, 2008 9:30 pm

Thanks Matthaus
I assume that is running amps not starting amps they are rated at ?
DON

 
Captain Ruggy
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Post by Captain Ruggy » Tue. Oct. 07, 2008 10:31 pm

Gambler, how much do you want for your rheostats? I could use them for my Kodiak. Thanks.

 
Matthaus
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Post by Matthaus » Tue. Oct. 07, 2008 11:58 pm

BIG BEAM wrote:Thanks Matthaus
I assume that is running amps not starting amps they are rated at ?
DON
Yes, inrush current will be significantly higher, but the ratingss take that into consideration. That's why you want one of these rather than a light dimmer. :)


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