Block Heater question

[mjkten]

I am wanting my son to put a timer on his block heater, he seems to think it necessary to plug in during any weather colder than about 50 deg F. The question- How many amps does the heater draw? I want to make sure I (we) size the time correctly. Thanks.

[Diesel Freak]

I use a standard household timer. Use a short as possible upgraded extension cord

[Jake]

Its either 1000w or 1500w, i forget. But its not really necessary to plug in at 50*. Hell, its been in the 20's and 30's here and i still don't plug mine in usually.

[mjkten]

He thinks he has a problem with glow plugs. But still...

[jbeasts10]

Not sure what the actual amp draw is,However, I use a 100' 12/2 cord with 15amp timer..no problems.

[NCHornet]

It draws 1000 watta, that's 10-100 watt light bulbs!!! A properly working GP system should start a PSD down to 20 below. Many, including myself, will plug theirs in when temps drop below freezing just because we like a faster warm up time. If he is having problems starting he needs to troubleshoot his GP system.

NCH

[NCHornet]

Here you go!!

Troubleshooting GPR & GP's

[mjkten]

Thanks for the help!

[Highbeam]

I checked my block heater with a meter and it pulls just under 1000 watts which is under 10 amps and well within the capability of the standard 15 amp timers from the hardware store. I use the timer on subfreezing nights to get 4 hours of block heater time for an electric cost of 40 cents each day I do it.

[PowerSTOKED_Bryan]

i bought a nice outdoor intermattic timer. i got it at the local home desperate for 30 bucks.