Baseboard Heater Electric Circuit

What Size Circuit Does a Baseboard Heater Need to Have? Electrical Circuit Requirements for a Baseboard Heater. By: Dave Rongey

Electrical Circuit for a Baseboard Heater
Electrical Question: Can I simply pull out a 120v outlet and use the wiring for a 120v baseboard heater?

• I am wondering if I could simply pull out a 120V outlet and use the wiring for a 120volt baseboard heater?
• I would like to add a baseboard heater to my mudroom and already have an unused outlet in the mudroom.
• I’m thinking I can simply disconnect the outlet and re run the wires for a 120 baseboard heater.
• Could anyone please give advise on whether this is, or is not recommended?

Thank you much for your time.

This electrical wiring question came from Phil, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

Additional Comments: Great site.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Phil.

Circuit Requirements for a Baseboard Heater

Application: Wiring a 120 Volt baseboard Heater Circuit.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and install electrical circuit wiring.
Precaution: Identify the panel circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional electrical circuit wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Electrical Circuit for a 120 Volt Baseboard Heater

Baseboard heaters come in a variety of sizes, therefore the specific electrical circuit requirement will depend on the baseboard heater that is selected. Because of the amount of electrical consumption required for electric heating units a dedicated circuit is typically installed.
Note: 240 volt baseboard heating units will perform better than 120 volt units because they will heat faster and use the electrical power more efficiently.

• Determine the Baseboard Heater Size that is Needed for Your Application
  
  • How large is the room or area?
  • Are there any obstacles that will interfere with the installation and operation of the heater?

• Electrical Panel Capacity
  
  • Does the electrical panel have the capacity for the additional circuit load?
  • Is there available space in the electric panel for an additional circuit breaker.

More about Baseboard Heaters

• Installing Baseboard Electric Heaters
• Sizing and Installing Baseboard Electric Heaters with Detailed Step-by-Step Pictures and Instructions.
• Chart shows how to plan for your baseboard heating unit.

Guide to Home Electrical Wire

• Electrical Wire for the Home
• Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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