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    jblcanuck's Avatar
    jblcanuck Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Dec 28, 2008, 11:19 PM
    Baseboard Heater Wiring?
    Hi, I'm hoping someone can confirm I'm on the right track so I don't burn our house down :)
    I'm installing a 240V Baseboard heater. It's the only heater that will be on this circuit & I actually haven't bought it yet but I intend to buy a 1500W (or less) baseboard for a 12' x 12' bedroom. I have a role of 14/2 wire & know that 14/2 is code for a 110V 15A circuit... can I use the 14/2 for 240 as well with a 15A 2 pole breaker?
    I was looking at the other baseboard heaters in the house & they are 12/2 but there's several heaters in series totaling more than 15A?
    Just thought I better ask before making a mistake.
    Happy Holidays!
    Marty
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #2

    Dec 28, 2008, 11:41 PM

    For your example you have to take 1500W * 1.25/240 V and size up to the next available breaker size, so a 15 A, 14/2 wire is OK.

    The 1.25 is a derating factor that's necessary for heating loads.
    Tev's Avatar
    Tev Posts: 232, Reputation: 20
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    #3

    Dec 29, 2008, 02:47 PM

    Be sure to put some black tape on the white wire to re-identify it as an ungrounded conductor.
    benaround's Avatar
    benaround Posts: 69, Reputation: 6
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    #4

    Dec 29, 2008, 03:46 PM
    Marty, Don't forget to buy a thermostat, DPST with an 'OFF' position.
    jblcanuck's Avatar
    jblcanuck Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Dec 30, 2008, 12:59 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by benaround View Post
    Marty, Don't forget to buy a thermostat, DPST with an 'OFF' position.
    Hi Ben... what's the purpose of such a thermostat? I figured on buying a regular inline thermostat that turns the heater on & off whenever it gets below 60 or 70 or whatever it's set at. What's the purpose of the off setting?
    Thanks for all the tips guys.
    Marty
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #6

    Dec 30, 2008, 08:38 AM

    That stat uses an SPST switch to switch on heg of the AC when it's controlling. When you move the stat to off the other leg is turned off so you can safely work on the heater.

    In Case #1, if there was a heater break the ends can have anywhere from 0-120 V with respect to ground when supposedly "off". The later makes the heater elements safe.

    People expect OFF to mean OFF, although it's not always the case.
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