How to Wire a 120 Volt Heater Circuit

Summary: Electrical Circuits Question: I have a heater called a Sun Twin, that states it should have a dedicated circuit. It basically claims that it is an appliance.

© By: Dave Rongey

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Installing a 120 Volt Heater Circuit

I have a heater called a Sun Twin, that states it should have a dedicated circuit. It basically claims that it is an appliance.

Do I need to run two 12-2 wires or is just one 12-2 wire sufficient to the electrical outlet I am using?

Or is the two wire configuration referring to the breaker itself in the box?
Thanks- Don B.

Hi Don - Great Electrical Repair Question!
Don, I would need to know the information from the label attached to the heater, particularly: Volts, Watts or Amps, Make and Model Number. The owners manual should also state if the dedicated circuit is 120 volt or 240 volt, along with the Watts or Amps. This will help me a lot. Let me know what you find out.

Hi Dave,
Thanks for the fast response.
The label on the back of the machine says 120V-60Hz, 1500W and the model is the 1500 Elite. You can see the heater at www.edenpurestore.com. When you go to this web page, the one I have is the heater in the middle picture. The manual says to plug into a three-prong 110V, 15 amp or higher grounded circuit. The manual also says that each heater and appliance should be on its own circuit. let me know.
Thanks for your help!

Hey Don, Nice Heater. You'll have to let me know how this heater works out. One 20 amp circuit of 12/2 Romex for each unit would be my recommendation. The specs show 12.6 amps so you could get by with a 15 amp circuit using 14-2 romex, but with electric heaters I like having the 20 amp circuit

The cost for the Romex and Breaker is not that much more. Make sure the receptacle is wired correctly - the Black Hot wire on the Brass Screw, the White Neutral wire on the Silver Screw and make sure the Ground wire is bonded at the panel and attached to the Ground Screw on the Receptacle. If you are unsure about how to do this, by all means do not take a chance, and hire a qualified electrician. Be Safe and Be Careful!

Thanks again Dave.
I am going to run the wire to save myself some money, but I am having an electrician put it in. I just haven't hired anyone yet, but I wanted to save some labor time because I have to run this wire over a drop ceiling in the basement. You answered my question, and I really appreciate your help. I will run the 12/2 wire and purchase the 20 amp circuit breaker.

Thanks again!
I'm recommending your site to all my friends.
Sincerely,
Don

P. S. - I'll let you know how it all works out.

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