[pwd77]

I will start with a simple(I hope) question:

I would like auxiliary heat in some basement rooms downstairs we are finishing.

I am considering flush-mounted (in the wall cavity) fan driven (as opposed to convection or radiant) wall heaters, probably 1000W per room.

All else being equal, is there a reason to choose 208V or 120V? Of course, before buying and installing I would consult with an electrician to make sure my choice is viable.

Thanks

[tkrussell]

Using a higher voltage will allow more load on a circuit, using small wire.

I am curious why you mention 208 volts, and not 240. You certainly may have 208 volts if your home is a part of a large apartment or condo building. If it is a single family home the supply volts should be 240 volts.

A 120 volt 20 amp circuit with #12 wire can handle 1920 watts.
A 240 volt 20 amp circuit with #12 wire can handle 3840 watts.

Same wire size at a higher voltage can handle more watts of load.

FYI, we always derated all circuits by 80%, so this is why you see some odd wattages allowed. Or increase the circuit size by 125%, which is same ratio, but works better if we derate the standard fuse or circuit breaker rating.

Oh, another FYI, if you are part of a multi-dwelling building, you probably are not allowed to do your own electrical work, only if a single family home, check with your local code enforcement office.

[pwd77]

Thanks for the response.

In my case I will be running new wire, so have no limitation there. I was just curious if there were any other factors to consider.

[yes it is a single detached home, so the voltage should be 240, not 208. I had been reading an old thread in which the issue was 120 vs. 208 in a condo complex.]