VC WinterWarm 2100 (Large) Rheostat Connections

[Dave Jenkins]

After 18 years, the rheostat which controls fan speeds on our Vermont Castings WinterWarm large (Model 2100) gave up the ghost. We ordered a new one from VC.

Both the old part and the new one are made by KB Electronics of Hong Kong and have exactly the same designation: KBMC-13BV.

However:

Holding the part so one can read the label on the back (the stem is pointed away), the old rheostat has one black wire running from the left side, which is apparently for incoming electricity.
Running from the right side, it has two red wires soldered to the same interior post which run to the right and left fans.

The Problem:

The new part has one white wire running from the left side, and one black wire running from the right side.

How should I proceed with installing this rheostat?

Your help will be much appreciated.

Dave Jenkins

 

[DAKSY]

Black from the feed (power source) to the black on the rheostat. White coming out
of the rheostat wire-nutted to both fan feeds...Returns from the fans
to the white wire in the feed cable from the power source...
HTH

 

[Dave Jenkins]

Bob's advice is much appreciated but poorly understood because of my own ignorance of all things electronic. To clarify my questions, as well as to help clarify my understanding of any answers received, I am posting photographs of the new and old rheostats and also the box where the wires go into the fan plug-ins.

On the left is the new rheostat, with only black and white wires, in the center is the old rheostat, with black and red wires, and on the right is the box with the fan plug-ins.

Thanks again for your help.

Dave Jenkins