[jeffwes]

I need help replacing an old electric baseboard thermostat with a digital programmable one. Keep in mind, I do not know much about electricity/circuits, etc. The baseboard specs are 240V, 1000-1250W (two 1000W, one 1250W in the living room). They are running on a double pole, 20Amp circuit. I recently bought a Honeywell digital, programmable line voltgage thermostat (TL8230A1003) which I thought could handle the heaters. It is rated for 240V, 3600W, but its max load is 15Amp. Which brings me to my question(s):
Using my existing 20Amp double pole circuit, can I use this thermostat for my electric baseboard heat or do I have to find something else? Do I need one rated for 20Amps or more? Again, I know little about electricity/heating and I am confused by the maximum load of the thermostat which looks to be otherwise compatible with the heaters.
If the thermostat is not compatible, does anyone know of a programmable thermostat for this heating system other than the plain old inaccurate dial thermostat I have?
If it is compatible, what do I do with the ground wire that doesn't have a place on the new t'stat? Can I just tape it up?

Thanks!

[sparkyibew32]

It should be fine. With your connected load the heaters should only draw 13.54 amps. As far as the ground wire if there is no place to terminate it on the thermostat tuck it back so it cannot touch anything. If there is more than one ground wire at the place where the thermostat connects make sure they are still tied in together.