Good explanation Tkrussell. I am in the process of running wires for a 2500 watt, 240v baseboard heater. I am using 12/2 with the white taped black for the supply. My question is about the thermostat, the wire required for this, and how to wire it.

The owners manual for the unit I have is here:
http://www.cadetco.com/support/ownersguides/1004.pdf

Does the thermostat and the current supply get wired together on the heater? Is standard "thermostat wire" good for this? I am also being introduced to the concept of double and single pole thermostat. Can someone explain the difference and advantages. Any difference in the thermostat wire for either. I have not bought my thermostat yet but plan on something very simple.