On Sun, 14 Sep 2008 23:57:53 +0100, Andy Wade
wrote:

Derek Geldard wrote:

If the input thermostat sticks closed it would draw current the whole
time it was energised that might in some circumstances equate to 3x
the energy consumption, but the heater would be getting very hot.

No, for storage heaters the rated input power (3.4 kW in this case) is
equal to one seventh of the rated heat charge (24 kWh). For a full
charge from cold the thermostat will remain closed for the whole 7 hr
period. The consumption in 7 hours will not exceed the rated 24 kWh,
give or take small tolerances on the element resistance and supply voltage.

That's not it then !!!

Although to be fair by 3x the energy consumption I did mean 3 x the
steady state consumption IE a heater with some residual heat and the
thermostat set low (bit of an unlikely combination).

A shorted input thermostat was the fault condition I thought the
manufacturers helpline guy could have been on about. I can't think
what else, can you ?

Derek