Block Heater question (Winter)

[FXDR131]

Hello

the manual calls for a 220/240 outlet… I’ve seen vehicles use the standard typical 110/120 to run the block heater and the plug itself is a normal 3 prong… any concerns if I use a typical outlet?
Thanks

No

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[TN Rotty]

Because I like to see documentation - From the 22 Manual (pages 234 and 235):

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF
EQUIPPED)

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Failure to follow engine
block heater instructions could result in
property damage or serious personal
injury.
WARNING: Do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or
two-pronged adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock.
WARNING: Do not fully close the
hood, or allow it to drop under its own
weight when using the engine block
heater. This could damage the power
cable and may cause an electrical short
resulting in fire, injury and property
damage.
We recommend that you do the following
for a safe and correct operation:
• Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord
that is product certified by
Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or
Canadian Standards Association
(CSA). This extension cord must be
suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly marked
Suitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances. Do not use an indoor
extension cord outdoors. This could
result in an electric shock or become a
fire hazard.
• Use as short an extension cord as
possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords.
• Make sure that when in operation, the
extension cord plug and engine block
heater cord plug connections are free
and clear of water. This could cause an
electric shock or fire.
• If the engine block heater cord is under
the hood, do not remove the wiring
from its original location. Do not close
the hood on the extension wiring.
• Park your vehicle in a clean area, clear
of combustible materials.
• Firmly connect the engine block heater
cord and the extension cord.
<page> 234
2022 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202109, First-Printing
Starting and Stopping the Engine
• Check the extension cord for heat
anywhere when the system has been
operating for approximately 30
minutes.
• Unplug and properly stow the system
before starting and driving your vehicle.
The protective cover seals the
terminals of the engine block heater
cord plug when not in use.
• Check the engine block heater system
for proper operation before winter.
HOW DOES THE ENGINE BLOCK
HEATER WORK
The engine block heater warms the engine
coolant. This allows the climate control
system to quickly respond. The equipment
includes a heater element installed in the
engine block and a wire harness. You can
connect the system to a grounded
220-240 volt AC electrical source.
Note: The engine block heater is most
effective when outdoor temperatures are
below 0°F (-18°C).
USING THE ENGINE BLOCK
HEATER
Make sure the receptacle terminals are
clean and dry prior to use. Clean them with
a dry cloth if necessary.
The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours
of energy per hour of use. The system does
not have a thermostat. It achieves
maximum temperature after
approximately three hours of operation.
Using the engine block heater longer than
three hours does not improve system
performance and unnecessarily uses
electricity.

So I'm seeing a potential typo above: 220-240 VAC source and the image for the block heater shows a 120 VAC cord connector:

Of course Ford could be stating rarely anyone has a 120 VAC source, it's a 220-240 VAC source (at the meter), and 120 VAC at 99% of household outlets.

To me it should read "...connect the system to a grounded
120 volt AC electrical outlet." Which 99% of households should understand.

I also do see where they say using it past 3 hours is not necessary - @Kanuck - I may have just saved you 25% on your electric bill.

 

[Snippy]

For those looking to add this to their trucks, does anyone know if all the trucks have them, but we just need to add the cord part? Or do we need the entire assembly?

 

[DT400]

FWIW your block heater should have the heater and a short cord that will reach the front of your truck, usually accessible in the front bumper area where you supply and connect an extension cord.
I have driven semi's that we plugged in when it got cold and they were ALL 120V...and reference to 220/240 might be reference for the countries that use that as normal house power not USA spec'd trucks.

Darrell

 

[Kanuck]

Hello

the manual calls for a 220/240 outlet… I’ve seen vehicles use the standard typical 110/120 to run the block heater and the plug itself is a normal 3 prong… any concerns if I use a typical outlet?
Thanks

As far as I know, all North American block heaters are 120 volt. I have never heard of a 220/240 volt block heater. When I ordered my truck, I was told because I required the front license plate mount, the block heater came with the truck. I did find the block heater cord behind the front license plate bracket. Doesn't make sense to me, but that is what I was told. Also, the plug configuration is a nema 1-15R cord end. Which is rated at 125 Volt 15 amp.

 

[Nightshade]

That’s true. And Canadian here too! You should have no issues plugging it in at all, they all should be rated at the same. Also avoid using extension cords if your block heater plug is too short; get a really long one. For those in Canada, use the one at Canadian Tire. It will be black, not blue and made for over -50. It will be flexible than the blue ones. I’m currently using the black one, been using it since my 2nd F-150! ??

 

[22XLT]

Will you see a Reading on the temperature gauge when first starting a truck that had been plugged in? (ie; how do you know this thing is even working? )

I had mine plugged in for about two hours and it wasn’t even that cold out. (maybe teens) and I didn’t really notice any difference. It didn’t instantly blow warm air or show any reading.

 

[Nightshade]

Will you see a Reading on the temperature gauge when first starting a truck that had been plugged in? (ie; how do you know this thing is even working? )

I had mine plugged in for about two hours and it wasn’t even that cold out. (maybe teens) and I didn’t really notice any difference. It didn’t instantly blow warm air or show any reading.

Honestly 4 hours max prior to driving out, helps. It warms up your oil faster and doesn’t strain the engine so it helps it. Seems to warm up the inside cabin faster for me when it’s remote started for 30 mins. Love it!

 

[Kanuck]

Will you see a Reading on the temperature gauge when first starting a truck that had been plugged in? (ie; how do you know this thing is even working? )

I had mine plugged in for about two hours and it wasn’t even that cold out. (maybe teens) and I didn’t really notice any difference. It didn’t instantly blow warm air or show any reading.

Seeing a reading on the temp gauge is not the norm. If it was -20 and not plugged in compared to -20 and plugged in, you could tell that the heater was working. They are only about 750 to 850 watts, so not a big heater. If you want to have the motor closer to operating temp you would need an inline heater that installs on a heater hose and pumps the coolant through the block. They are usually around 1000 to 1200 watts.

 

[TN Rotty]

For those looking to add this to their trucks, does anyone know if all the trucks have them, but we just need to add the cord part? Or do we need the entire assembly?

Came back to the thread to look for something and saw your post.

It should be an option that anyone can install or have installed. It's replacing a threaded plug in the engine block with a hot water style heating element. This video shows one going into a Ford diesel. A gas engine would allow for the same.

 

[Kanuck]

Came back to the thread to look for something and saw your post.

It should be an option that anyone can install or have installed. It's replacing a threaded plug in the engine block with a hot water style heating element. This video shows one going into a Ford diesel. A gas engine would allow for the same.

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