View Full Version : Pannel heater installation
cejames1
Oct 22, 2010, 07:17 AM
Can I run 3 x 2.0 kW panel heaters from a 13 amp circuit safely
donf
Oct 22, 2010, 07:25 AM
What is the voltage that is required?
For example, a 120VAC/15 amp circuit can only handle a max of 1800 Volt/Amps (or Watts).
That provides an immediate answer of "No". 2,000 Watts cannot be carried at 15 amps so obviously 13 amp is to small.
However, a 120VAC/20 amp circuit can carry up to 2400 Volts/Amps (Watts).
You really need to give us more descriptive information about what you are planning.
tkrussell
Oct 22, 2010, 07:35 AM
They use 13 amp circuits in the Europe. The voltage is 230 to 240 volts +/-.
I suspect this is where the poster is from.
Here is Ohm's Law, plus you will need to confirm any derating values for circuits from your local Building Standards.
cejames1
Oct 22, 2010, 07:40 AM
Hi, I want to run three monterey panel heaters as background heat in a small flat, the heaters start at 0.5kW,0.75kW, 1.0kW, 1.5kW and 2.0kW. Is this possible and which ones should I choose please
I want to just bascally plug them into adjacent existing sockets...
donf
Oct 22, 2010, 08:48 AM
I am not familiar with the voltages and amperage's in the UK (I'm guessing that's where you are from), but let's exercise Ohm's Law a little bit. I believe that 3000 Watts or 3.0 kWatts is the max allowed on a 13 Amp circuit.
0.5 Watts equals 500 Watts. 500/230 (wall outlet voltage?) = 2 amps.
2.0 KWatts is 2000 Watts using the same principle, 2000/230 = 9 Amps. You cannot use this heater on a 13 Amp general branch circuit with multiple receptacles. Very risky because of its load. It would be fine on a dedicated 13 amp circuit.
A 1.5 KW heater would require a 7 amp circuit. It would be risky to use this on a 13 amp multiple use circuit.
1KW will require 4 amps.
So it looks to me as if you really have three choices. Heaters from 0.5 through 1.0 KW. But I am not really familiar with the standards of UK branch circuits.
donf
Oct 22, 2010, 09:12 AM
CeJames,
Please re-read my response. I had to correct some glaring error in it.