Apartment wiring. Fan heater.

[Simon1287]

Hi all, I have a 2kw fan heater that I brought here from the UK. I am currently staying in a large apartment block. What kind of wiring is likely to be in it? I mean is the 2 kw heater going to be ok or melt the places puny wiring?? Simon.

[Crossy]

The outlets ought to be wired in 2.5mm² with a 20A breaker which will be fine with your heater.

Change the plug for a local one, the UK - Thai adaptors are not up to a 2kW appliance in continuous use, same goes for extension leads, avoid.

Fire it up at 1kW first just to ensure nothing is getting hot, no odd smells.

EDIT If you really must use an extension lead make your own http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878317-make-yourself-a-power-board-extension-lead/

[bwpage3]

I would advise to check the breaker size before you do anything. It might be much less than 20 amps.

[xylophone]

The outlets ought to be wired in 2.5mm² with a 20A breaker which will be fine with your heater.

Change the plug for a local one, the UK - Thai adaptors are not up to a 2kW appliance in continuous use, same goes for extension leads, avoid.

Fire it up at 1kW first just to ensure nothing is getting hot, no odd smells.

EDIT If you really must use an extension lead make your own http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878317-make-yourself-a-power-board-extension-lead/

Agree, however a great % of socket outlets that I've seen here are wired using 1.5mm cable!!!!

As Crossy has said, move with caution.

[Crossy]

The outlets ought to be wired in 2.5mm² with a 20A breaker which will be fine with your heater.

Change the plug for a local one, the UK - Thai adaptors are not up to a 2kW appliance in continuous use, same goes for extension leads, avoid.

Fire it up at 1kW first just to ensure nothing is getting hot, no odd smells.

EDIT If you really must use an extension lead make your own http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878317-make-yourself-a-power-board-extension-lead/

Agree, however a great % of socket outlets that I've seen here are wired using 1.5mm cable!!!!

As Crossy has said, move with caution.

Even 1.5mm would be OK at the 10A or so the heater will pull. Of course, add the kettle to the same circuit and things are going to get warm.

I'm more concerned that there's an iffy taped joint somewhere that will start fizzing on the unaccustomed load.

An undersize breaker is rarely more than an inconvenience (at least in a domestic environment).