Aqua Controller Jr DC8 issue

[jwill275]

Two of the outlets on my DC8 (#'s 5&6) that controlled my heaters have malfunctioned. I noticed just in time that my tank temp had dropped to 73, I saw that my heaters were off, I manually tried turning them on/off with the controller, nothing happened. When I test the outlets with my tester, in both the on and off positions, the tester shows 120volts. I tried plugging in a small lamp, nothing. Any ideas what the problem could be? Is it the outlet or controller? By the way all the other devices are working, daylights, moon lights refugium light.

Thanks

 

[pecan2phat]

Where they large wattage heaters? Sounds like the outlets might have arc'd and are toast.

 

[jwill275]

total wattage for each 600 - 650

 

[pecan2phat]

Hmmm, even at 650 watts, it's still under 6 amps which I think is the maximum power for each outlet.

 

[jwill275]

That's what I thought but I think you're right, I'm just confused by the meter reading showing the 120 but when I plug my small lamp in it doesn't work. Thanks for your input!

 

[WallysWorld]

That's what I thought but I think you're right, I'm just confused by the meter reading showing the 120 but when I plug my small lamp in it doesn't work. Thanks for your input!

If that's true than the poles(contacts) maybe open more than usual inside the outlet and not contacting the plug? That's the only thing that makes sense to me.
Take a pigtail plug with wires exposed plug it in connect meter to wires (tape them before plugging in) then jiggle the plug or even bend the plug poles in and or out see if you get juice.

 

[jwill275]

thanks Walter, will give it a try, it won't make my hair curl will it!

 

[lrasser]

I would also get the email/text alert setup for your temp readings so it wont get that low without you knowing.

 

[Bow]

Could be a bad neutral wire, it might test fine but when you put an actual load on it's no good. Any way to open it to see if something came loose?

 

[mbg75]

You need a voltage reading with that actual outlet under a load.

 

[JB NY]

I have had them malfunction, get stuck in both the on or off position. I have always had to send it back to Neptune to fix. I run 10 amps of heaters through one outlet so you should be more than ok to run 600 watts on one outlet.