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-   -   Multiple heat elements out at once? (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=300561)

  • Jan 7, 2009, 04:14 PM
    sweetnessizme
    Multiple heat elements out at once?
    :confused: What would cause you to get power to your stove, dryer, hot water heater; but, there is not working heat from all three at one time? Also, the central heat is not coming on as well. I've tested the wires to the stove and there is working power to them; however the burners and oven will not heat up, same with the dryer, and hot water heater! Any advice? :(
  • Jan 7, 2009, 04:50 PM
    donf

    First, all three of the appliances you describe as working are on independent circuits or at the very least should be. It should be perfectly all right to use all three at once.

    Information on the type of equipment is important, for example is the dryer a 120/240 dryer?

    What is the amperage of your load center (main panel)?

    Are all of the failing circuits on the same side of the panel?

    Have you thought of calling an electrician for help? Have you called the Power Company to make sure they are delivering a full power drop to you.

    If you service entrance cables are lateral, their could be a broken cable underground and you are actually losing half of the load for your home.

    Did this happen suddenly?

    You need to explain how you tested what and what actual results you saw.
  • Jan 7, 2009, 06:53 PM
    benaround
    Sweetness,

    It would appear to me that 1/2 your power is out. This should be looked at asap. It

    Could be on the POCO side, but more likely is a connection before the meter, at the meter,

    In the main panel, or in a sub-panel if there happens to be one. A connection like this

    Can from time to time make and then break again, do not be fooled into thinking 'it fixed

    Itself', it did not, sooner or later this connection will " arc " and that is when bad things

    Can happen. I'm not trying to scare you, I'm just relaying things that I have seen and

    Hope you take action.
  • Feb 1, 2009, 06:33 AM
    Stratmando

    Does sound like you lost/loosing a Leg(hot wire), May be your Main Breaker "Half tripped".
    Try turning off, then back on.
    An Electrician will look for 240 from Main Disconnect, if it is their, he will likely measure the voltage with a Load(your 240 stuff turned on).
  • Feb 1, 2009, 07:28 AM
    stanfortyman
    Strat, I would hope after 25 days she got this fixed. It's cold out. :D

    Sorry, I just had to point this out. :p ;)

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