Hydro Hot heat on electric shore power

[wsmcycle]

with the hydro turned on by thermostat (set at 70degrees) and calling for heat, I have the "electric" switch on and the system finally turned on the pumps and fans to heat the interior. However, after running for a bit, the 120v heater coil turned off. I suppose it was cycling but why cycle when the interior is still below thermostat setting? I checked the overtemp thermostat and it was not tripped.
I do not find in the hydro manual anything about the heating element cycling over a temperature range. Only the over temp safety switch which must be reset manually.
the system runs well on diesel. It does not cycle until the thermostat is satisfied. but why burn diesel when you are on shore power?
Is the electric portion of the Hydro that poor?
Thanks for any help

[gsander1]

The electric element in the Hydrohot provides about 4,500 BTUs. The diesel boiler is about 45,000 BTUs.

In cold weather the electric element has no hope of keeping up. So, when the coolant temperature drops too low to provide heat the circulation pumps and fans will stop until the temperature of the media rises.

WHat tells you that the electric heating coil is cycling? The coil should run until the media attains hi limit temperature.

[sanddan]

Originally Posted by gsander1

The electric element in the Hydrohot provides about 4,500 BTUs. The diesel boiler is about 45,000 BTUs.

In cold weather the electric element has no hope of keeping up. So, when the coolant temperature drops too low to provide heat the circulation pumps and fans will stop until the temperature of the media rises.

WHat tells you that the electric heating coil is cycling? The coil should run until the media attains hi limit temperature.

Is the electric side of the hydrohot enough to keep the coach ok when stored outside in the winter? Assuming temps no colder than mid to low 30's. Enough to not worry about freezing.

[smlranger]

I can tell you that one electric element will not provide enough heat for the boiler coolant to provide any real heat. You can take a brief navy type shower but you just will not heat the coach without using the diesel burner. The larger Aqua Hots (600 models with two elements and a 15 gallon boiler) can provide heat with just the electric on. Our 450 models with a 5 gallon boiler capacity ain't gonna do it.

The diesel burner does not use a lot of fuel. One of the benefits of having an Aqua Hot is the ability to use diesel instead of LP to heat your coach and your domestic water. We use our heat pumps until the outside temp falls below 38 - 40 F then we switch on the Aqua Hot. Just enjoy it.

The good Aqua Hot techs will tell you that folks who don't use (exercise) their Webasto in an attempt to avoid using diesel fuel are the ones who are likely to have problems with the system.

[gsander1]

I would not trust the electric side of the Hydrohot to protect my coach when sitting outside. In the low to mid 30s you are probably ok but if it drops to 25 and the wind picks up you may be in trouble.

[wsmcycle]

thanks all
I have determined the electric heat element is working properly. However, my further discovery is that the system wont even run continuously when the ambient temperature is 55. the system will heat the tank to about 150 and the pumps and fans turn on. In about ten to 15 minutes, the air heat exchangers outrun the heat input of the electric element so the fluid temperature drops to 105 and the pumps and fans turn off while the electric element heats the fluid back up to 150. At that time the system cycles again.
My conclusion is that the electric aspect is only for the ability to dispense hot water in small quantities for dish or hand washing. Intermittent usage allows the system to recover between cycles.

[CarlAda]

Your conclusion is correct. Was never meant to supply heat as an electric furnace. Do you have heat pumps installed on your coach? Better option if you don't want to burn diesel. I've found that I prefer to use the Hydro Hot to supply our coach with heat rather than the heat pumps -- quieter for one thing, but I just find it gives a cozier warmth (personal preference).

[8Birds]

Originally Posted by smlranger

I can tell you that one electric element will not provide enough heat for the boiler coolant to provide any real heat. You can take a brief navy type shower but you just will not heat the coach without using the diesel burner. The larger Aqua Hots (600 models with two elements and a 15 gallon boiler) can provide heat with just the electric on. Our 450 models with a 5 gallon boiler capacity ain't gonna do it.

The diesel burner does not use a lot of fuel. One of the benefits of having an Aqua Hot is the ability to use diesel instead of LP to heat your coach and your domestic water. We use our heat pumps until the outside temp falls below 38 - 40 F then we switch on the Aqua Hot. Just enjoy it.

The good Aqua Hot techs will tell you that folks who don't use (exercise) their Webasto in an attempt to avoid using diesel fuel are the ones who are likely to have problems with the system.

Agree with smlranger. In Low 40s high 30s we get along fine using the H-H electric only. We use the diesel boiler for low temps. The coach stays comfortable inside with few cold spots. Bays stay above freezing...but how?

[8Birds]

Hello W...wintering in OR. Have what you have almost exactly. Running heating most of the time. Use the electric only cycle during day when temps are in 40s, 50s and 75° maintained inside. Use diesel for bathing, washing, heat below low 40's. Hate to curse myself, but my H-H system is great! Easy? Well thought out.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by smlranger

I can tell you that one electric element will not provide enough heat for the boiler coolant to provide any real heat. You can take a brief navy type shower but you just will not heat the coach without using the diesel burner. The larger Aqua Hots (600 models with two elements and a 15 gallon boiler) can provide heat with just the electric on. Our 450 models with a 5 gallon boiler capacity ain't gonna do it.

The diesel burner does not use a lot of fuel. One of the benefits of having an Aqua Hot is the ability to use diesel instead of LP to heat your coach and your domestic water. We use our heat pumps until the outside temp falls below 38 - 40 F then we switch on the Aqua Hot. Just enjoy it.

The good Aqua Hot techs will tell you that folks who don't use (exercise) their Webasto in an attempt to avoid using diesel fuel are the ones who are likely to have problems with the system.

I have the 600D and don't even try to run both elements on a 30 amp service. I turn one on and then run the boiler. Floor heat is nice too, but then that limits how much other stuff I can run on a 30 amp.

[sanddan]

Originally Posted by 8Birds

Hello W...wintering in OR. Have what you have almost exactly. Running heating most of the time. Use the electric only cycle during day when temps are in 40s, 50s and 75° maintained inside. Use diesel for bathing, washing, heat below low 40's. Hate to curse myself, but my H-H system is great! Easy? Well thought out.

Can you tell me what the amp draw is on the electric only cycle? It would only be for keeping the coach around 50 degs when parked between trips. I'm currently plugged into a 20 amp service at home for keeping the batteries topped up, if I need more I will have to install a 30 or 50 amp plug. I'm not sure if I have the room for another circuit breaker in the shop panel, it might require some jockeying around but I'll do it if I have to.

[gsander1]

Mine draws 13 amps.

[sanddan]

Thanks gsander1, I should be good to go on a 20 amp plug. The light on the switch did not go on when I tried it this morning so I thought it wasn't working. Maybe the light is burned out, I'll have to check it out.