Can one thermostat control two baseboard heaters?
The short answer is YES, you can wire multiple heaters to one thermostat, but it depends on several factors to ensure your circuit can handle the load.
How do you control electric baseboard heaters?
To operate a baseboard heater, set the desired temperature on the thermostat; the heater will turn on until that temperature is reached. If the temperature later drops, the heater turns on again. There should be a minimum clearance of 3/4 inch between the heater and the floor.
How do you wire a heater in parallel?
Connecting the heaters in parallel means that essentially the two wires coming from the power source (the thermostat) go to the two ends of the first heater, and the same two wires then continue on and are connected to the two ends of the second heater as well.
How many heaters can you run on a 20 amp circuit?
A 20-amp breaker can support any combination of heaters up to a total of 3,840 watts. For example, using a single thermostat, the breaker could support two 1500-watt heaters or three 1000-watt heaters.
Can you link baseboard heaters together?
In most all cases, multiple baseboard heaters can be connected together if the total operational amperage does not exceed the wires and circuit breaker’s capacity. If the heater is too large it must be wired on a separate circuit.
How do I control multiple electric baseboard heaters?
You can either do that by connecting each heater to the thermostat directly, or by connecting each heater to the next — just be sure that each heater is connected to the source wires. (You can also check out the wiring diagram at the top of this post — it shows how to wire multiple baseboards together.)
Can I use a smart thermostat with baseboard heaters?
A smart thermostat can connect all baseboard heaters to a central control, regardless of type. From there, you can manage your home temperature room by room, even when you’re not at home.
Can I use a programmable thermostat with baseboard heaters?
Because electric heat is one of the most expensive ways to heat your home, you can cut your heating bills significantly by installing a programmable thermostat, like this one, which automatically turns down the heat when it isn’t needed. Make sure you buy a high-voltage thermostat designed for electric baseboard heat.
Do baseboard heaters need a special thermostat?
With baseboard heaters, you won’t need to install an expensive heating system, which again, saves you a lot of money. Many consider baseboard heaters as the most efficient type of heater but they still must be used with a thermostat to control the temperature.
Does a baseboard heater need a dedicated circuit?
240-volt baseboard heaters are in need of a dedicated circuit to supply enough power for proper functionality. The general rule of thumb is that baseboard heaters need a 20-amp circuit that requires a 12-gauge wire for either type heater.
How many amps is a baseboard heater?
Manufacturer’s Recommended Heating Needs
| Total Area of Room (sq. ft.) | Recommended Heater Rating (watts) | Electrical Circuit Size Needed (240 volts) |
|---|---|---|
| 300 | 2700 | 15 amps |
| 400 | 3600 | 20 amps |
| 500 | 4500 | 30 amps |
| 800 | 7200 | 40 amps |
What size breaker is needed for baseboard heat?
Adding a 240-volt baseboard heater usually requires a new 20- or 30-amp double-pole circuit breaker and new circuit wiring to supply one or more heater units. This is a dedicated circuit that serves only the heater.
How many baseboard heaters do I need per room?
As a rule of thumb, assume a room requires 10 watts of electric heating per square foot of room. In other words, a 10×10 room (100 square feet) will require 1,000 watts of electric baseboard heating. This heating can be provided by a single baseboard heater mounted on the wall.
How much does it cost to run a 1500 watt heater for 24 hours?
Example (you can use an electric heater running cost calculator below for different wattages/kWh prices): If we assume the price of electricity is $0.1319 per kWh, a 1,500-watt electric space heater will cost; $0.20 to run per hour. $4.80 to run per 24 hours (day).
How many heaters can I put on one circuit?
A circuit running on a 20-amp double-pole breaker can have any combination of heaters up to 3,840 watt. You can install two 1,500 watt heaters if you use just one thermostat. There are three 1,000 watt heaters.
What size breaker do I need for a 1500 watt baseboard heater?
A 1500-watt heater on a 120-volt circuit thus needs a breaker of 15.6 amps. Because a 15-amp breaker would be too small, you need a breaker with the next highest rating, which is 20 amps.
How do you wire a baseboard heater?
Wiring baseboard heaters is as simple as adding a 20-amp circuit. Simply run a 12-2 non-metallic sheathed cable from the electrical service panel to the location of the baseboard heater. Since baseboard heaters have a built-in junction box, you won’t have to cut in a junction box to feed it.
What size breaker do I need for a 1000 watt baseboard heater?
Typically you will need to have the wire connected to a 20 amp breaker. This type of breaker is referred to as a double pole 20 amp. It is also what is used for 12 gauge wire.
What size breaker do I need for a 2000w baseboard heater?
Here’s the summary on what is the maximum baseboard heating load that may be connected to on a 20 amp circuit breaker: If you use 120V baseboard heaters, the 20-amp circuit can support a net total of 2,400 W. That’s one 2,000 W baseboard heaters or two 1,000 W baseboard heaters.
Can you use 14 gauge wire for 240v?
Yes, you can use 14 gauge wire in a 240 volt circuit. The one-way bonds of 14 gauge are stronger than those of 22 or 24 gauge and are used in many circuit protection applications. 14 gauge is also the minimum North American Standard for 240 V/60 Hz system power.
