Main Break Pops when portable heater plugged in

[TimandLee]

We have a small portable electric ceramic heater. It can draw up to 1650 watts. We've run it for about two weeks and then it started to pop the main breaker. The breaker box smells hot when the breaker pops. I'm wondering if the system is not set up to run something like the little heater and why it ran fine for two weeks and then started to cause problems. I'm open to ideas and suggestions.

I should say we have an Imagine 2600RB with a 30 amp main breaker.

Tim

 

[Second Chance]

That little heater can draw close to 1/2 of your total amperage capability. It's not a good idea to run it if you have the water heater, fridge, fireplace, or microwave running at the same time. There could also be a problem with the connections on the back of the mains (not as likely). You can disconnect the shore power, remove the cover to the power center, and make sure the big wires from the mains are inserted all the way into the breakers and the screws are very tight.

Rob

 

[TimandLee]

Thanks so much - I'll definitely take your advise.