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W. Tombling Ltd.

Wembley House
Dozens Bank
West Pinchbeck
Spalding
Lincolnshire
PE11 3ND
U.K.

BX portable industrial heaters – common questions

This page answers the most common questions we are asked about our BX portable industrial heaters. BS EN60309 plugs

What are BS EN60309 plugs and sockets?

BS EN60309 is an internationally recognised standard for industrial plugs and sockets.

BS EN60309 plugs and sockets are coloured coded for voltage:–

Yellow - 110V (for portable equipment)
Blue - 200 to 250V
Red - 380 to 415V

They are available with 3,4 or 5 pins, and in different current ratings. BS EN60309 plugs and sockets are not interchangeable, it is therefore very important to make sure you have the correct colour (voltage), number of pins AND current rating (size). If you are in any doubt, consult your electrician.

To use our BX portable industrial heaters you will need BS EN60309 sockets as follows:-

110V single phase BX portable industrial heaters are supplied with yellow 3 pin plugs requiring:

BX3LV - 32A - 3 pin - yellow sockets

230V single phase BX portable industrial heaters are supplied with blue 3 pin plugs requiring:

BX3E - 16A - 3 pin - blue sockets (special order, see below)
BX5E - 32A - 3 pin - blue sockets

BX3E is supplied with a standard 13A 3 pin plug (BS1363), unless a BS EN60309 plug is specified when ordering.

400V 3 phase BX portable industrial heaters are supplied with red 5 pin plugs requiring:

BX5 - 16A - 5 pin - red sockets
BX9 - 16A - 5 pin - red sockets
BX15 - 32A - 5 pin - red sockets

3 phase BX portable industrial heaters are supplied with 5 pin plugs, but can I use 4 pin ones?

BX9 and BX15 3 phase portable industrial heaters can be supplied with 4 pin plugs, if specified at the time of ordering.

The BX5 can ONLY be supplied with a 5 pin plug.

What is the maximum length for an extension lead?

5m is the longest lead we stock.

Longer leads are available to order, however from a safety point of view – personnel tripping, twisted and damaged leads, etc. it is better to fit a socket nearer the heater.

Where can I buy BS EN60309 sockets and accessories?

They are available from all major electrical wholesalers, i.e. Newey and Eyre, Edmundson Electrical, etc.

What if I don’t have BS EN60309 sockets in my building?

BX 230V and 400V portable industrial heaters can still be used.

The plug should be removed, and the BX portable industrial heater permanently connected to your electricity supply via an isolator. This work must be carried out by a qualified electrician. In such cases the heater should be fixed to the wall using the built in brackets.

Can I use a timeswitch?

No, if you need timed control use our wall mounted fan heaters or overhead fan heaters.

Are BX portable heaters suitable for use on construction sites?

All BX heaters are protected to IP x4 (protection from water splashes) as required for use on construction sites.

The 110V single phase BX3LV is suitable for portable use on construction sites.

The 400V 3 phase BX5, BX9, BX15 are suitable for both fixed and portable use.

The 230V single phase BX3E and BX5E are suitable for use inside site buildings.

Are BX portable heaters suitable for heating workers outdoors or in large open spaces?

Fan heaters are not really suitable for heating workers in open spaces and outdoors, we recommend portable radiant heaters instead.

Our BX portable fan heaters are designed for heating enclosed spaces. They are fitted with powerful fans to rapidly distribute warmth throughout the space, this means the temperature lift through the heater is typically 28C. When used in open spaces the outlet air mixes with the colder surrounding air and the heating effect is lost.

The exception to this is the BX15, which has a temperature lift of 42C and so will provide some warmth around the heater outlet.

Will a BX portable industrial heater work on an American 60Hz supply?

No, they will only work on European 50Hz supplies.

Can I use BX portable industrial heaters outdoors?

Yes, providing they are protected from rainfall, but see the answer above about heating large open spaces and outdoors.

There’s no heat coming from my BX portable industrial heater, what shall I do?

Turn the thermostat to maximum and select full output. If there is still no output, press the overheat trip reset button on the back of the heater. If the overheat trip operates again, the heater should be inspected by a qualified engineer.

The overheat trip will operate if the inlet or outlet are blocked, or because of a build up of dust inside the heater.

My BX portable industrial heater doesn't get as hot as I expected, how do I check it?

Our BX industrial portable heaters use powerful fans to recirculate high volumes of air. This gives excellent heat distribution, with minimum stratification, but does mean the temperature lift through the heater is lower than some people expect.

It is easy to check the heater is working correctly:

For electricians:

With the output switch set to full heat and the thermostat set to maximum. Use a current clamp to measure the current drawn. Compare this the values below:-

110V single phase BX portable industrial heater

BX3LV - 28A

230V single phase BX portable industrial heaters

BX3E - 13.2A
BX5E - 22.0A

400V 3 phase BX portable industrial heaters

BX5 - 7.4A per phase
BX9 - 13.3A per phase
BX15 - 21.9A per phase
For users:

With the output switch set to full heat, and the thermostat set to maximum. Wait for 5 minutes for the heater to reach its full operating temperature and use a thermometer to measure the inlet and outlet temperatures immediately in front of the grilles.

Subtract the inlet temperature from the outlet temperature to find the temperature lift , it should be approximately:

110V single phase portable industrial heater

BX3LV - 29C

230V single phase BX portable industrial heaters

BX3E - 29C
BX5E - 28C

400V 3 phase BX portable industrial heaters

BX9 - 28C
BX15 - 42C
It is very difficult to get accurate readings, take several measurements and use the average. Using this method an error of 4 to 5C should be expected.

How often should I have my BX portable industrial heater tested for electrical safety?

Every application is different, users should consult their electrician for guidance.

For high risk environments such as construction sites, or where leads and plugs are particularly vulnerable to damage. Equipment should be checked weekly by the user, and formally visually inspected once a month. Additionally a combined inspection and test should be carried out before the heater is first used on site and then every 3 months.

Back to the 3 phase BX portable industrial heater page, or single phase BX portable industrial heater page.

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