How to Install and Wire a Baseboard Heater
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How to Wire a Baseboard Heater: Wiring Connections for a Baseboard Heater Thermostat, Thermostat Mounted on the Wall Heater Unit, Remote Thermostats or Wall Mounted Thermostats. © By: Dave Rongey |
Wiring a Baseboard Heater Thermostat
Electrical Question #1: How do I wire a baseboard heater and thermostat?
I have a HHBT-2 thermostat that is for a 220 volt baseboard heater.
I need to know what black and white wires connect to the source and the black and red wires that connect to the heater.
Thank you.
Guy.
This electrical wiring question came from: Guy in Champaign, Illinois.
Electrical Question #2:
- I’m doing some changes in my house. I’m trying to figure out a way to connect 2 baseboards heaters to a thermostat. The power comes from one side and the thermostat is on the opposite side with the baseboards in between.
This electrical wiring question came from Danny in Montreal, Canada.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question and the great photo of your 220 volt baseboard heater thermostat.
How to Wire a Baseboard Heater
Application: Wiring a Baseboard Heater and a Thermostat.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best performed by a Electrical Contractor Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the heater circuit turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the thermostat wiring.
Troubleshooting and Testing: Most thermostats may be tested using a Volt/Ohm Meter with the circuit power OFF.
Notice: When replacing a thermostat be sure to get the same exact type.
Wiring Connections for a Baseboard Heater Thermostat
Example: Electrical Wiring a Baseboard Heater Thermostat
Thermostat Mounted on the Wall Heater Unit
- A 220 volt baseboard heater requires a dedicated circuit sized specifically for the heater that will be installed.
- Typically the baseboard heater circuit wire will be provided by installing a 2-wire cable with a ground, and the colors of the insulated wires will be black and white, and the white wire of a 220 volt circuit is typically colored red.
- As shown here, a 220 volt baseboard heater thermostat has two pairs of wires that are black and red as well.
- One pair is the LINE side of the thermostat and the other pair is the LOAD side.
- The electrical circuit wiring from the panel connect to the LINE.
- The remaining pair of wires of the LOAD side attach to the baseboard heater lead wires which are directly connected to the heating element of the baseboard unit.
Remote Thermostats or Wall Mounted Thermostats
- Some baseboard heaters will have a thermostat mounted on the wall instead of the wall heater.
- The wiring for a wall stat is basically the same except the circuit cable may be installed to the thermostat location and then an additional cable of the same type and size is installed to the location of the baseboard heater unit.
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