Engine Block Heater

An engine block heater is simply an electric heating system installed in your car's cooling system circuit, to help warm up the engine when it's too cold. During extremely cold winter months, most people find it difficult starting their cars. Having an engine block heater installed can save the driver a lot of trouble when it comes to keeping the engine and the car warm. The most popular heating element is the cylinder block which connects to your car through a cord and a regular 15 amp outlet. This article discusses some of the most common reasons that cause your engine block heater to fail.

Exposure to Elements

The end plug of the cord is usually installed through the cars front grill. This exposes it to elements which will damage it in the long run. The end plug is usually installed with a cover. If the cover is missing, salt, dirt and water can accumulate on the metallic part of the cord and cause poor electric conductivity. Another problem is to plug in the engine block heater when it is not cold. This over heats the device and slowly degrades the equipment. It is not advised to plug in the engine block heater in warm weather.


There have been cases where drivers forgot that the power cord was still plugged in their car when they started driving off. When this happens, the power cord is damaged and there could be damage to the engine and other parts of the car. When the exposed conductors come into contact with people around, there could be personal harm, since electricity will still be flowing through them.

Lime and Calcium Build-up

Using non-distilled water and the wrong mixture of antifreeze can easily damage the block heater. Lime and calcium build up will cause burn out of the heater which can occur in as little as 3 days. To avoid this, it is important that you read the instruction manual and make sure you are using distilled water and the right percentage of antifreeze.

Improper Securing or Road Hazards

All equipment on the vehicle can be easily damaged. The power cord improperly secured could damage the heating element. For instance, installing the power cord too close to the hot surface of the engine can easily damage it. Failure to secure the cord could also cause it to rub against sharp parts of the car and damage it. In the end road hazards are a real problem that can and will damage the Engine Block Heaters.


Simply put, the IPLC M210 makes sure your equipment is working. Additionally, as menionted above, there are many ways to damage your Engine Block Heater. By using an IPLC M210 Control you can ensure your engine block heater is functioning. This device is added to the power pedestals in the parking lot, it is used to save power and to check vehicle equipment.

Once installed, the M210 will check the equipment by plugging in the engine block heater to the IPLC control. If it does not work, IPLC indicates the problem with a solid red LED light. If the equipment is working, then the LED light is solid green. To prevent over heating of engine block heaters, IPLC delivers power based upon the outside temperature meaning there is no power added during warm weather. This is done automatically and needs no input by the vehicle operator. Just plug into the IPLC all the time during November to March and let the M210 control manage your vehicle temperature.

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