Electrical Wiring for a 240 Volt Wall Heater
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How do I connect the wires for a thermostat for a 240 volt heater? How to Install Electrical Wiring for a 240 Volt Heater. |
Electrical Circuit and Connections for a 240 Volt Wall Heater
Electrical Question: How do I wire a thermostat for a 240 volt heater?
I am trying install a 240 volt wall heater with a built-in fan to a thermostat. The heater has two red wires. The breaker is a double so I assume I need to connect white and black (12-2 wire)to the two poles on the breaker and the copper to the ground screws on the panel. Where should I position the thermostat in the circuit?
This electrical wiring question came from: Chris, a Homeowner from Vancouver, British Columbia.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Chris.
How to Wire a 240 Volt Wall Heater
Application: Wiring a 240 volt Wall Heater.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician or Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, electric drill, auger bits and extension cord.
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 circuit wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes, with a permit and be inspected.
Example of Wiring a Wall Heater
Chris, from the information you have provided I can suggest that you pay careful attention to the installation manual that came with your heater.
- Typically a 240 volt heater will have three wires in a junction box or connection area.
- A dedicated circuit containing 3 wires, two will be the 240 volt lines and one will be the ground wire.
- The circuit size is determined by the required electrical load of the heater which is measured in watts or amps.
- It is extremely important that the new dedicated circuit is sized correctly.
Types of Thermostats for Electric Heaters
- There are typically two types of thermostats:
- A thermostat that is mounted directly on the heater, located at either end
- Or a thermostat that is located on the wall of the same room where the heater is being installed
- Thermostats will either involve the same size and type of wiring as the electrical circuit requirements or some thermostats are the low voltage type where a control circuit is contained inside the electric heater unit.
IMPORTANT: Consult the heater installation manual for specific electrical circuit sizing and installation instructions.
More about Wiring an Electric Heater
Electrical Wiring for a Electric Heater
- The electric baseboard heater is the number one choice for low cost installation, and the quiet operation makes it the preferred heater for bedrooms.
- A wall mounted thermostat is recommended for optimum performance.
- House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
- This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
- Electric Circuit Listing
- The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.
- Electrical Wiring Protection using Circuit Breakers
- A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.
- 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.
For more information about 220 Volt Wiring Diagram
220 Volt Wiring
- Wiring 220 Volt Electrical Outlet
- Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how electrical outlets for the home are wired.
The following may also be helpful for you:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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Some work should be installed by a certified electrician, some home projects should not be attempted by home owners. I feel by giving information about installations is a liability to the person giving information.
Hi Todd,
I totally agree, and understand where your coming from. The information available on this website is offered under the stated Terms and Conditions, and the liability is totally on the visitor. I especially make a point of telling visitors that for best results electrical work should be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
However I will point out that a homeowner, where permitted by their local building jurisdiction and governing agencies, may choose to perform certain projects, and be held totally responsible for the work that they perform.
Dave
I have a radiant ceiling heating in a apartment that doesn’t work. The landlord wants to install a wall heater were the thermostat is. It is 240 volt circuit with no ground. Is a ground required per NEC Code?
Hi Todd,
All electrical circuits require a ground, in fact the ground wire is the most important wire of any home electrical circuit because of the measure of safety it provides if something goes wrong. It may be a good idea to find out why the ceiling heating unit is not working before proceeding with a new wall heater. It could be that the thermostat just needs to be replaced.
I hope this helps,
Dave