Dimplex Oil-Filled Column Heaters

Introduction

This document provides instructions for the Dimplex OFC series of oil-filled column heaters, including models OFC1000, OFC1500, OFC2000, OFC2500, and their 'TI' variants (OFC1000TI, OFC1500TI, OFC2000TI, OFC2500TI). These instructions should be read carefully and retained for future reference. The product is suitable for well-insulated spaces or occasional use.

The product complies with European Safety Standards EN60335:2-30 and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards EN55014:1, EN55014:2, EN61000:3-2, and EN61000:3-3, covering essential requirements of EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and LVD Directive 2014/35/EU.

Important Safety Advice

• ⚠️ DO NOT COVER: The heater carries a warning symbol indicating it must not be covered.
• ⚠️ FIRE RISK: Keep textiles, curtains, or any other flammable material at a minimum distance of 1 meter from the product or air outlet.
• Do not use the heater if it has been dropped or if there are any visible signs of damage.
• ⚠️ OVERHEATING RISK: Do not obstruct air circulation around the radiator (e.g., with curtains or furniture) as this could cause overheating and a fire risk. Refer to 'Positioning the Heater'.
• Do not use the heater in the immediate surroundings of a bath, a shower, or a swimming pool.
• Do not place the heater directly below a fixed socket outlet.
• The heater should only be used on a horizontal and stable surface with the feet securely fitted.
• ⚠️ THERMAL CUT-OUT HAZARD: To avoid inadvertent resetting of the thermal cut-out, this appliance must not be supplied through an external switching device (such as a timer) or connected to a circuit that is regularly switched on and off by the utility.
• Child Safety: This appliance can be used by children aged 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities if given supervision or instruction on safe use and understanding the hazards. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance must not be done by children without supervision. Children under 3 years should be kept away unless continuously supervised. Children aged 3 to 8 years may only switch the appliance on/off if it is in its intended operating position and they have supervision and understand the hazards. Children aged 3 to 8 years must not plug in, regulate, or clean the appliance.
• ? CAUTION: Some parts of this product can become very hot and cause burns. Pay particular attention where children and vulnerable people are present.
• ⚠️ EXTENSION CORD HAZARD: Do not use an extension cord as it may overheat and cause a risk of fire.
• The heater is filled with a precise quantity of special oil. Repairs requiring opening the oil container must only be made by the manufacturer or their service agent. Follow oil disposal regulations when scrapping the heater.
• The radiator complies with stringent safety standards, but its surfaces will become hot. Avoid contact with these areas, particularly between the fins. The control panel area is designed to be cooler for safe operation.
• ⚠️ SMALL ROOM HAZARD: Do not use the heater in small rooms occupied by persons unable to leave on their own, unless constant supervision is provided. Consider fitting a guard to prevent contact and insertion of objects.
• The radiator must be used on an AC supply only, and the voltage marked on the heater must correspond with the supply voltage.
• DO ENSURE that the mains lead cannot be tripped over.
• DO NOT operate the radiator with the mains lead overhanging the fins.
• ⚠️ TIPPED OVER: DO NOT USE THIS RADIATOR WHEN IT IS LYING ON ITS SIDES. If tipped over, unplug it, allow it to cool, then stand it upright.
• If the mains lead is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or a similarly qualified person to avoid a hazard.
• ⚠️ SUFFOCATION RISK: Remove all packaging materials (plastic, EPS) and keep them away from vulnerable people, children, and babies.
• ⚠️ STRANGULATION RISK: Supervise all children and vulnerable people when they are near the product, whether it is working or not, to prevent accidental strangulation from the supply cord.

Models and Specifications

The Dimplex OFC series includes models with varying fin counts and timer functionality:

Technical Specifications

General Information and Operation

The radiator is designed for AC electricity supply and is suitable for domestic dwellings and similar indoor locations.

Placement: Always ensure the appliance is stood on a firm, level base near a suitable fixed socket outlet, but not directly beneath it.

Features: The radiator is fitted with castors and a handle for ease of movement. Selector switches provide heat output choices, and an adjustable thermostat controls room temperature. It is supplied with a cord and plug.

Usage: The supply cord should be uncoiled before use. Do not pull the radiator along by the mains lead. The radiator must only be operated with the wheels and castors fitted and in the upright position.

Operation: Plug the heater into a household power point and turn it on. Neon indicator lights at the controls will glow when plugged in.

Important: Objects or clothing must not be placed on this heater. Ensure all warnings and instructions have been read carefully before use.

Electrical Information

⚠️ WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.

If your home socket outlets are not the 13 amp BS1363 type, they may not accept the heater's plug. If you cut off the plug, it can be a shock hazard if inserted into a socket outlet and must be disposed of safely.

Wiring: The mains lead wires are coloured as follows:

• GREEN/YELLOW: EARTH
• BLUE: NEUTRAL
• BROWN: LIVE

Connect the Green/Yellow wire to the terminal marked 'E', the earth symbol, or coloured Green/Green-Yellow. Connect the Brown wire to the terminal marked 'L' or coloured Red. Connect the Blue wire to the terminal marked 'N' or coloured Black. Do not connect the Brown (Live) or Blue (Neutral) wires to the Earth terminal of your 13 amp plug. If plug terminals are unmarked or you are in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.

Fitting the Castors

Figure 1 shows the heater with castors. Figure 2 illustrates castor fitting points for different fin models. Figure 3a shows the castor bracket components, and Figure 3b shows the heater standing on its castors.

Castors are fitted between the outer fins.

1. Turn the radiator upside down on a carpet or other soft surface to avoid damage.
2. ⚠️ THE RADIATOR IS HEAVY: Ensure it is supported to prevent toppling. Ask a second person for help if necessary.
3. Locate the wire clamps and remove the winged nuts (labelled 'C' in Figure 3a).
4. Insert the non-threaded end of the wire clamp ('A' in Figure 3a) into one of the holes in the castor plate ('B' in Figure 3a). Tilt the opposite end of the plate slightly.
5. Lower the castor plate and insert the threaded end of the clamp through the fins and over the boss, into the other hole in the castor plate.
6. Place the winged nut ('C') onto the thread and tighten securely.
7. Repeat for the other castor bracket onto the last fin. Note: 9 and 11 fin column radiator models use straight castor brackets, fitted as shown in Figure 2.
8. Lift the radiator clear of the floor, turn it upright, and stand it on its castors (as shown in Figures 1 and 3b). It is now ready for use.

Positioning the Heater

Select a position ensuring clearance of at least 300mm above the heater and 150mm each side from any furniture and fittings. The radiator should only be operated on a flat, stable surface.

Controls

Thermostat (See Figure 4)

The thermostat controls heat output based on room temperature, preventing unnecessary heating when the room is warm. Turn the thermostat knob clockwise to the desired temperature setting. For quick heating, turn the knob fully clockwise. To maintain a set temperature, turn the knob anti-clockwise until the thermostat clicks off; it will then cycle automatically. The thermostat includes a frost protection setting (marked ❄️ or similar) which maintains approximately 5°C to prevent frost damage, useful in garages. If the heater does not come on at a low thermostat setting, the room temperature may be higher than the setting.

Heat Selector Switches (See Figure 5)

These switches provide a choice of heat output levels for different conditions and economy. Refer to Table 1 for wattage settings.

Timer Operation

Digital Timer Operation (OFC...TI Models - See Figure 6a)

IMPORTANT: Observe all safety warnings when operating on auto setting.

The timer allows selection of 'AUTO' or 'MAN ON' mode via the 'MODE' button. 'AUTO' mode follows a set 24-hour program. 'MAN ON' mode provides continuous power.

Key Lock: Press 'ENTER' and 'MODE' within 1 second to lock/unlock the keypad. A lock symbol (?) will appear on the screen when locked.

Initial Operation: Plug in and turn on the heater. The timer is ready for setup.

Setting Current Time:

1. Hold 'PROGRAM' until the clock symbol appears.
2. Set the hour using '-' & '+' buttons, confirm with 'ENTER'.
3. Set the minutes using '-' & '+' buttons, confirm with 'ENTER'.
4. The display returns to default. Repeat for incorrect times.

Once the time is set, up to four ON/OFF programs can be set.

Setting Programmes: Press 'PROGRAM' to set programs (P1 ON, P1 OFF, etc.).

• Set ON/OFF hour and minute (10-minute blocks for minutes).
• Repeat for P2, P3, P4. Press 'PROGRAM' to exit at any time.
• Note: If ON time equals OFF time, the program is ignored.

Advance Function: In 'AUTO' mode, press '+' for over 2 seconds to advance to the next programmed setting. The 'ADVANCE' segment will display. Press '-' to cancel.

Timer Memory Back Up: After 72 hours plugged in, timer memory batteries are fully charged. This retains time and settings during power cuts or disconnection for less than six months. If batteries are not fully charged or disconnected for over six months, time and program settings may be lost and require resetting.

Electromechanical Timer Operation (Selected Models - See Figure 6b & 7)

Setting the Time of Day: Rotate the timer dial clockwise until the correct time of day is opposite the reference mark. Use the 24-hour clock (e.g., 16:00 for 4 pm).

Operation Modes: Use the slide switch (Figure 7) to select Position I (Manual Operation) for continuous power, or 'Auto' operation for programmed ON/OFF times.

Setting 'Auto' ON and OFF Times:

• Push in segments around the dial for periods when you do NOT require heat. Each segment represents 15 minutes. All other segments will be ON. (Example: Figure 7 shows OFF between 11 pm and 1:45 am).
• You can select multiple ON periods within the 24-hour day; settings repeat daily.
• To change times, push in 'ON' segments to cancel or pull out new 'ON' segments.

Important: Do not disconnect the heater from the mains supply unless for storage, otherwise the timer clock will stop.

Safety Features

Tilt Switch

The tilt switch prevents the heater from working if accidentally tipped over. If tipped while hot, disconnect power, allow to cool, stand upright, and reconnect power for normal operation.

Safety Overheat Protection

A thermal safety cut-out will switch off the heater if it overheats. If this occurs, it indicates abnormal overheating; contact customer services.

Storage

If the radiator is not required for long periods (e.g., summer), store it in a dry place, preferably covered, to prevent dirt and dust accumulation. Coil the supply cord around the cable wrap and insert the plug into the provided pin holes.

IMPORTANT: The heater must remain plugged in at the mains to retain timer time and programmed settings. Unplugging requires resetting.

Cleaning

⚠️ WARNING: ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE POWER SUPPLY BEFORE CLEANING.

Do not use detergents, abrasive cleaning powder, or polish on the heater body. Allow the heater to cool, then wipe with a dry cloth for dust or a damp (not wet) cloth for stains. Be careful not to allow moisture into the heater.

Recycling

For electrical products sold within the European Community. At the end of its useful life, this product should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your Local Authority or retailer for recycling advice in your country.

Guarantee and Contact Information

Guarantee Terms and Conditions

Your product is guaranteed for 3 years from the date of purchase against faulty materials or workmanship. Dimplex will repair or replace the product at their discretion. To claim:

• Provide proof of purchase (sales receipt showing purchase within 36 months prior to the defect).
• Ensure the appliance was correctly installed and operated according to instructions for domestic purposes.
• The defect must not be due to accident, misuse, unauthorised modification, or inexpert repair.

Your statutory rights as a consumer are additional to this guarantee and are not affected.

If the product still does not operate after following these steps, return it to your point of purchase. Do not return faulty products directly to Dimplex, as this may cause loss, damage, or delays.

What is not covered: Faults outside the guarantee period, normal wear and tear, consumables, pre-owned products, accidental damage, external sources (transit, weather, power surges), circumstances outside Dimplex's control, non-domestic use, misuse, abuse, negligent use, failure to follow instructions, or repairs/alterations not carried out by Dimplex or authorised dealers.

Terms: The guarantee is valid for three years from purchase/delivery date, provided the original receipt is retained and produced. Proof of delivery may also be required. Repairs will be carried out by Dimplex or authorised dealers. Replaced parts become Dimplex property. Repairs do not extend the guarantee period. Replacements restart the three-year period. The guarantee does not cover indirect or consequential loss or damage.

Contact Dimplex

For questions about the Dimplex Guarantee or how to claim, please contact:

GDC Group LTD
Millbrook House, Grange Drive
Hedge End, Southampton SO30 2DF
Telephone: 0844 879 3588
Email: customer.services@gdcgroup.co.uk
Visit: www.gdcgroup.co.uk

© Dimplex UK Limited. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without prior written permission.