FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
INSTALLATION
Can I install (hardwire) the RCP heater and remove the power cord?
No, the RCP heater is UL Listed as a portable heater. Any alteration of the power cord is not recommended and will void the warranty. For your convenience, the universal bracket included with the RCP can be mounted to a wall, provided a wall receptacle is mounted within reach of the 6 foot power cord. (A dedicated breaker and service line is required for the RCP heater.
Can I mount the RCP on the ceiling?
No, if the universal bracket supplied with the heater is mounted to the ceiling, it will block the airflow at the top of the heater resulting in abnormal temperatures and causing the reset limit switch to trip.
What are the clearance requirements for my RCP heater?
The RCP series REQUIRES A MINIMUM distance of 6” from back and top, 12” from the sides, and 3’ in front. Ceiling mount is not recommended.
MISCELLANEOUS
Is it safe to let my drapes cover my heaters (fan or baseboard)?
No, see Owner's Guide for all safety requirements and recommendations.
If I know the BTU’s required, how do I calculate the watts required?
Watts = BTU/3.412 (1 watt = 3.41 BTU)
How do I choose the correct wattage to heat a room or zone?
Click here for a 'Rule of Thumb' on wattage suggestions per square foot.
Which is more efficient, a 120 volt or a 240 volt heater?
Electricity is calculated on kilowatt hours, not by voltage. For example: a 1500, 120 volt heater will cost the same to run as a 1500 watt, 240 volt heater for the same amount of time. The difference is in the amperage. A 120 volt heater will draw twice as many amps as a 240 volt heater; so fewer 120 volt heaters can be run on the same circuit.
How do I determine my supply voltage?
A voltmeter must be used to determine your supply voltage. CAUTION: this test must be performed with the circuit panel or fuse box “on”. Please call a qualified technician or licensed electrician if unfamiliar or uncomfortable with electrical wiring.
How do I calculate the amps a heater will draw?
Watts divided by Volts equals Amps
Example: 2000 Watts/240 Volt = 8.33 Amps
Can I paint my heater surface?
Cadet Manufacturing uses a powder coat paint system that is electrostatically applied and baked on the surface. All Cadet heaters and accessories are listed by UL and cannot be altered in any manner.
How can I heat my garage or shop?
We recommend the RCP or the CEH unit heaters. The RCP is a 240 volt portable (plug-in) heater and the CEH is a permanent mount heater. Both are rugged and use industrial grade components.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Why does the motor run slowly on my fan forced heater?
Be sure the supply voltage matches the heater rating, the supply wires are sized properly (240 volt heater/240 volt supply), and the heater is clean.
Why does the heater run - then quit?
Check the set point on the thermostat first. If the room temperature has reached the set point, the heater will turn off. Test by turning the thermostat up. If heater still does not power on, the heater may have reached abnormal temperatures.
When the manual reset trips (turning the heater off), typically the heater needs to be cleaned or is blocked. If your heater is clean and free from any obstructions, it may be wired to the wrong voltage. Check the voltage of your heater and your supply wires.
Why does my heater continue to heat even after I turn the thermostat down?
Most likely, the air temperature around the thermostat is lower than the thermostat setting. If you continue to turn the thermostat down and the heater still runs, the heater may be undersized (low wattage) or the thermostat is not functioning properly.
Why does my heater get hot enough to keep tripping the limit switch?
First be sure your heater is clean and free from all obstructions. Click here for maintenance instructions. If your heater is clean and free from all obstructions, it may be wired to the wrong voltage. Check the voltage of your heater and your supply wires.
Is my heater supposed to glow?
No, a glowing heater is an indication that your heater needs to be cleaned, the airflow has been blocked, the heater is wired to the wrong voltage, or it needs to be repaired or replaced. First, be sure your heater is clean and free from all obstructions. Click here for maintenance instructions. If your heater is clean and free from all obstructions, check the voltage of your heater and your supply wires. If the voltage of the heater matches the circuit voltage, have heater repaired or replaced.
Why won’t my heater operate?
Adjust your thermostat to a higher temperature setting. If your heater still doesn’t operate, verify power by checking your circuit panel or fuse box. If you have power to the unit, see other suggestions below:
Remove any objects (including curtains, furniture, etc.) that may be impeding the airflow of your heater.
Be sure your heater is clean. Click here for maintenance instructions.
If your heater is equipped with a MANUAL reset limit, refer to your Owner’s Guide for resetting the limit.
Why does my RCP heater only blow cold air? Several possibilities exist:
a)Fan switch is “ON” and thermostat setting is below actual temperature
b)Fan dispersing air after shutdown
c)Possible defective heater elements
d)Possible loose wire from elements
Please see Owner’s Guide troubleshooting chart for detailed information.
Why do the elements heat, but the fan does not operate?
First unplug the unit, then spin the fan blades to be sure the fan spins freely. If your heater is an older unit or is used extensively, it may need a little lubrication on the motor shaft: Remove the front diffuser cover with 4 screws and tilt unit back on the mounting bracket. Put a couple drops of 20-weight (or like) oil and spin fan blade. Caution! DO NOT USE WD-40! WD-40 is flammable and contains a solvent that can wash remaining oil from motor.
Why won’t my heater operate?
Be sure the heater is not blocked and check the manual reset switch. Other possibilities: the thermostat is set too low; the circuit breaker is not turned on, a loose plug at the connection. The RCP requires a 240 volt circuit dedicated to one unit. Be certain the outlet is dedicated to the receptacle you are using for the RCP and that it is 240 volts. Please see Owner’s Guide troubleshooting chart for detailed information.
THERMOSTAT
Can I bypass or remove the built-in thermostat to use a wall mount thermostat?
No, the RCP heater is equipped with a fan delay mechanism, which allows the element to heat before blowing air, thereby eliminating cold startups. It also delays the shutdown of the fan after the element turns off to disperse residual heat. Bypassing or removing the built-in thermostat on this unit will override this function causing operational issues and will void the warranty.
What is the temperature range of the built-in thermostat?
The temperature range of the built-in thermostat is 45 to 50 degrees on low to 90 degrees on high. The built-in thermostat is double pole with a positive “off” switch.