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    newbiedad08klk's Avatar
    newbiedad08klk Posts: 21, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    May 15, 2009, 06:06 PM
    Wiring Baseboard Heaters?
    I am taking on an electrical project in my basement and I am looking for some guidance, I would like to install 3 basebaord heaters in all. 1 5 footer and 2 3 footers. My question is can I run three on on 2 20amp circuits? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    Missouri Bound's Avatar
    Missouri Bound Posts: 1,532, Reputation: 94
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    #2

    May 15, 2009, 06:20 PM
    Probably. You need to check the specs on the heaters. It's very likely that the heaters together will not draw more than a total of 17 - 18 amps. (@120 volts)
    You can wire the two 3' on one, and the 5' on the other. If they operate on a dbl 20 amp, 240 volt breaker, then you can wire all of them on that breaker. Make sense?
    ohb0b's Avatar
    ohb0b Posts: 215, Reputation: 14
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    #3

    May 16, 2009, 02:13 AM
    To calculate the current the heaters will draw, divide the watts by the voltage.

    For example, a 2400 watt heater operating at 240 volts will draw 10 amps.

    Yo must also de-rate the circuit by 20% You can only load a 20 amp breaker to 16 amps.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #4

    May 16, 2009, 06:38 AM
    Electric heat is usually 240v, and is almost always 250 watts per foot.

    So if both of these hold true you can definitely have 11 feet of heat on one 20A 240v circuit.

    If you do opt for 120v units then yes, you will need two circuits.
    newbiedad08klk's Avatar
    newbiedad08klk Posts: 21, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    May 16, 2009, 07:22 AM
    Gentlemen, thanks for the help. It looks like I will be able to fit it all in the box if done like this.
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