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  #1  
Old 01-24-2005, 08:17 AM
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Block heaters, how much current used?

With over night temps of 0 degs, both of our cars have been very stubborn to start in the mornings. Here is the question, can I plug-in both cars from the same outlet (15amp)? I would use 2 seperate extension cords.

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  #2  
Old 01-24-2005, 08:27 AM
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generally yes. A typical power use is about 350 watts which draws about 3 amps @ 120 VAC.
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  #3  
Old 01-24-2005, 09:13 AM
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The block heater seems to be able to maintain a temperature of 40 F regardless of how long you leave it plugged in, well at least with temps not exceeding 40 F from my experience. Why didn't they design one that can maintain the coolant at a temperature closer to the optimum operating temperature (80 F)? I mean, I know it will draw more current, but I just think that engine wear would be reduced even much more if the engine and coolant (and oil) were closer to operating temperature when you start the car. Afterall, isn't the expansion of the cylinder walls and other engine components during cold starts the greatest source of engine wear?
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Old 01-24-2005, 10:42 AM
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Maybe, with the higher temp. the heating element probably would not last as long.
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  #5  
Old 01-24-2005, 10:47 AM
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The block heater I ordered for my 126 had a rating of 400 watts - about 3.5 amps. Two would be no problem, even on the same extension cord, assuming no other major loads on the circuit.

The radiator hose heater I'm using seems to get the coolant up to about 40 degrees and it draws 600 watts. I imagine it would take a pile of amps to get an entire engine up to 80 degrees.
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Old 01-24-2005, 11:41 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SD Blue
Maybe, with the higher temp. the heating element probably would not last as long.
If they can make those M-B diesel starters with all that compression last for over 20 years and over 200,000 miles, I'm sure they can make heater elements that could last as long as the ones we have now. Hey, all it will do is cost more, but then what is cheap about these cars?

It would take a whole lot of wattage to get the entire engine up to 80 C, but I think 60 C wouldn't be too bad.
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Old 01-24-2005, 12:24 PM
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Thanks for the info. If 3.5 amps is all one heater draws, then I'll rig up a way to have both run on one cord. I guess what I can do is get a 2 into 1 adapter and use my other extension cord to plug into the one that I'll have the first car plugged into.
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  #8  
Old 01-24-2005, 02:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rickjordan
Thanks for the info. If 3.5 amps is all one heater draws, then I'll rig up a way to have both run on one cord. I guess what I can do is get a 2 into 1 adapter and use my other extension cord to plug into the one that I'll have the first car plugged into.
I am sure this isn't an issue as you do sound well learned however,

Make sure your extention cords are of decent load rating (16-14awg) and are in good working order. No pinches or sharp bends. I plugged a plasma cutter (BIG CURRENT) into a 12awg cord and everything was fine except for the plastic connetor on the end (female). It melted (sorta) to the point that the male plugged into it would come out.

You wouldn't have that issue obviously but just wanted to try to aleviate a possible unessesary electrical fire
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Old 01-27-2005, 09:13 PM
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i just went thru this

wife has new block heater in red. blondie has z-start 1500 w. we talked to a fella at hd. we bought a high amp yellow cord. the blue which are less stiff in the cold handled less max amperage. then we went to lighting and got a 3 way plug. easy as cake, i mean piece of pie. you ge the idea.
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Old 01-27-2005, 09:23 PM
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The block heater I just bought and installed is 500 watts. Thats's about 4.2 Amps.

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