Electric Furnace testing.

[wtavcar]

Did a quick visual inspection of the blower and heat strips (I got 5 of them 24kw (5+5+5+5+4).

What can I (Mr. Homeowner) do to test if all the strips (and what appear to be switches [black plastic circular]) are working OK and if all of them are coming on. Or is this job better left to HVAC folks. I know my way around a volt/ohm meter. I just need guidance on what I should/should-not be looking for.

ALSO:

I have a air leak somewhere in the return trunk near the furnace. I get this suction action if I close the door for the furnace room. As I close the door the air velocity increases at the door's edge. Prompting me to suspect the return is sucking air nearby instead of the return vents.

I have seen a hand-held device that pumps smoke into the air. It is used to detect leaks and air currents. Can this thing be purchased at a RENO type store?

[ct2]

I have seen a hand-held device that pumps smoke into the air. It is used to detect leaks and air currents. Can this thing be purchased at a RENO type store?


Yea , that would be called a cigarette

What can I (Mr. Homeowner) do to test if all the strips (and what appear to be switches [black plastic circular]) are working OK and if all of them are coming on. Or is this job better left to HVAC folks. I know my way around a volt/ohm meter. I just need guidance on what I should/should-not be looking for.

Mr Homeowner should call a qualified tech to test anything in an electric furnace- there has got to be a qualified person between Reno and Trukee somewhere

[beenthere]

Call a contractor, you don't want to see the sparks, or fire if you do some thing wrong.

[billva]

Originally posted by beenthere
Call a contractor, you don't want to see the sparks, or fire if you do some thing wrong.

with 240 volts and 100 amps, you might just see Jesus.

[cem-bsee]

too complex to try & explain -- too many ways to get killed.

[Milk man]

Holy Crap man! I blow through quite a bit of things, except for electric frunaces. I've done lots. I remember the very first one I did. Welded my meter lead to the frunace.

Homeowner now. Land owner in the near future. At the local cemetary.

[wtavcar]

Thanks gents,

Just a comment. I plan to live quite a few more years. When I asked if I could test anything, it was with the power "OFF". I would imagine there ain't much except for maybe the continuity. I have opened it before (blower clean & oil). The house panel breaker turned off is the first item of business "always".

I would never dream of putting fingers, or anything for that matter, into that area with live juice. I have seen 120V make enough sparks to make me see the light.

As "Billva" said, 240V/100A is enough to make a beautiful barbecue. I do not intend for me being the main course.

My idea was to check the continuity on the banks to see if they are healthy. I assume that the simple fact that you get an OHM reading implies it is OK. My idea was to see what reading I should be reading.

I agree with all of you. The furnace "live" is no place for an amateur. Too many things could/would go wrong.

[beenthere]

Ohming them out only tells half the story, you still wouldn't know if the sequencers are bringing them on.