Latest Discussions : Electrical & Lighting

08:48AM | 01/30/03

Member Since: 01/29/03
2 lifetime posts

Replacing a baseboard heater

Hi there. First of all, I know next to nothing about wiring. That said, here's my problem:
I recently purchased a 240v, 1500w baseboard heater to replace the one in my (1996) home that had become fouled with a melted plastic toy on the element. Anyway, I assumed replacement would be simply disconnecting the old one and reconnection the new one.
The new heater has 2 wires, this would be easy!
Unfortunately the old heater has 2 wires for the power, and another 2 which I assume are for the thermostat on the wall. Is there a way that I can make this work? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

rpxlpx

01:50AM | 01/31/03

Member Since: 03/13/00
1674 lifetime posts

Probably not, as is.
Chances are, the 2 wires from the thermostat controlled an on/off device within the old heater. The new one apparently doesn't have one of those.

Electrical Inspector

12:49PM | 01/31/03

Member Since: 09/27/02
73 lifetime posts

If the heating is 240V, assuming a sheathed electrical cable install, first determine the pair that is the feed (240V) , which would leave the pair to the T-stat.

This would mean the stat is wired to 'switch' only one 'side' of the 240V feed.

Initself a problem.

Should this be the case, hopefully a heating with a build in T-stat is an option.

Check art 427, part 3 ( assuming again) resistance heating, part 7 , Control & Protection (pg 70-284 2002 ed)go on about proper disconnecting means.

web_dewd

07:27PM | 02/04/03

Member Since: 01/29/03
2 lifetime posts

Thanks for the help. I decided to return the 2-lead heater to Home Depot and pick up a direct replacement. Problem solved.
Thanks again!