[willj]

I have a Honeywell/Kaz Hz-690 oil filled heater. There is a wire inside that is broken. I would like to replace the wire (and do them all while I'm at it) but I'm unsure as to how to do this. I have attached pictures. There is a square object (made by Tower mfg)inside the unit that the outside switch attaches to. Four wires exit this object. There are 2 small metal clasps on the object that I may be able to pry off and that *might* allow me to open the object so that I could solder in new wires. I'm afraid if I pry the object open I will break it. My questions: 1) What is this object 2) How can I open it to solder in new wires? Thank you.

[Missouri Bound]

You probably can't open it without damaging it. I would contact Honeywell either by telephone or email and ask them if a replacement part is available that is pre-wired.

[hkstroud]

You won't be able to open the box but you can probably drill a hole as shown and solder the wires. Put some electricians tape in hole to dam up hole then fill with epoxy.

[steeler_ny]

I had the same problem and was able to pry the back if the switch apart the wire wad melted and as very brittle I think I need the cord and switch to be completely replaced. Any have any ideas?

[phiolendrick]

All,

I know it's been a while since this was posted, but wanted to share my experience. I had the same problem with this wire. The switch only uses springs to keep contact with the wires, which for 1500W, in my opinion, is bad design. Buildup in the switch created resistance which is bad. The same wire as you see above had burned in the switch and come loose - you can see the end of the wire inside the switch in the third picture. I carefully took the switch apart, cleaned all metal parts and wires, and put back together. Be very careful to:

• Have a professional do the work if you are not comfortable with it.
• Use Needle-nose pliers to bend the tabs holding the switch together, SLOWLY, just enough to take the top off. They will break if you are not careful.
• Study the orientation of all parts, including the switch position
• Disassemble and reassemble carefully.
• Make sure the rotating contact is positioned correctly.
• Recognize that wire colors vary (The disconnected red wire from the prior poster is a black wire coming directly from the power cord on mine), so take notes of your own orientation instead of relying on others'.
• Decide, if there is arcing damage, you can't fix the switch.

Attachment 45413Attachment 45414Attachment 45415Attachment 45416

[glennboboy]

I was able to take the switch apart , removed burnt wire end , cleaned contacts and soldered the end of the power cable , after reassembling the switch , was able to push the power cord back into switch - I did find a new switch on eBay in which I will purchase , just want to use this method for now - don't go to sleep if you've got corroded contacts and / or breakage of those contacts and somehow ( as I was able to ) get the power lead back into the switch - I went all over the netz , called the manufacturer of both the switch and the heater , the manufacturer of the switch told me they don't sell to individuals , only manufacturers , the manufacturer told me I was SOL , and clearly stated I will have to buy a new one because mine was out of warranty - as I mentioned the fact that it was ridiculous to sell a product that can't be repaired , along with a few other expletives - poor girl on the other end was speechless - I think she needed to make notes about this and post them to her internal message board , somehow "maybe" it might get up the chain of command - that this company is selling products that can't be repaired and it should be fined and penalized for taking peoples money and giving them crap like this -but that's the way of our world these days make enough crap like this until they become unpopular or the stock runs out and make a newer more expensive model and forget about supporting the crap they've just produced - okay I've said and vented enough , hopefully this guy on eBay can help me out , I just hate wasting money like this over ( as I also found ) a .36 cent part

[hfcarson]

do be aware by altering this you have ended any warranty by the manufacturer. If this fails badly and somehow hurts someone....you are now responsible. Be careful...