Checking Baseboard Heating Units
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How to Check a Baseboard Electric Heater if the unit is not working properly
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Electrical Circuits and Baseboard Heaters
I’m having a problem with my baseboard heaters.
- One only seems to be putting out half heat or less?
- The other two in the basement are not working at all.
- The electrical power is getting to the unit but not heating?
This electrical question came from: A Homeowner from , Alabama.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question.
How to Check a Baseboard Heater
Electric Baseboard Heaters
- The electrical circuits should be checked to make sure the circuit is providing full power.
- T0 reset the electrical circuit power locate the circuit breaker in the electrical panel, turn it all the way OFF, and then back ON.
- Adjust the thermostat control to turn the heater ON, then make sure the heater comes up to the desired temperature and then turns OFF automatically.
- If the heater still does not appear to be working then a qualified electrician should be called to perform circuit voltage tests.
- Electrical heaters typically require dedicated 120 or 240 volt circuits and require the special skills of an experienced electrician.
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I have 6 baseboard heaters controlled by one thermostat. The thermostat burned out and I replaced it. The heaters are all getting 240 volts now but none of them heat.
Hi Gordon,
Six baseboard heaters on one thermostat sounds like quite a load, and you have not provided information about watts, so lets be sure about the electrical circuit integrity: The electrical circuit must be sized for the total connected load of all of the heaters and this must follow the guidelines as stated within the installation manual of the baseboard heater manufacturer as well as all the applicable electrical codes, and the circuit wiring should be installed by permit and inspected. I am mentioning this because thermostats rarely burn out unless the circuit is overloaded, so we want to be sure the circuit has been installed correctly according to code and not overloaded. With that in mind, make sure that the thermostat is rated for the combined load of all six baseboard heaters and make sure that the 240 volt circuit connections are correct.
TESTING A 240 VOLT CIRCUIT: On a 240 volt circuit there should be a 120 volt reading to ground for each circuit conductor, and a 240 volt reading between the two circuit conductors. If these readings are correct then there may be a problem with the electric baseboard heaters, but that is unlikely. You may try removing all but one heater from the circuit wiring and see if the problem persists, but again, make sure the circuit is correct and installed according to the installation manual and applicable electrical codes for electric heaters.
Be Safe!
Dave