Installing Programmable Thermostats
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How should I install a programmable thermostat for my Baseboard Heaters? Installing a Programmable Thermostat, Thermostat Compatibility with Heating Units. |
Wiring Programmable Thermostats
Electrical Question: How should I install a programmable thermostat for my Baseboard Heaters?
- Electric Baseboard Heating
- I live in Montreal and my house uses electric baseboards for heating.
- I have just purchased 5 new programmable thermostats for my Baseboard Heater.
- I purchased 2-wire line voltage thermostats and they were really easy to install.
- The specs for the New Thermostats are as follows:
- Model: UPM HTM611
- Rating: 120V/240V AC, 60Hz
- MAXIMUM LOAD: 3000W (12.5A); 3000W @ 240V or 1500W @ 120V
- MINIMUM LOAD: 500W
- Now here is my problem:
- I installed the thermostats and when I switched the breakers back on there were only two out of the five that seemed to work properly.
- The display on the other 3 thermostats did light up and the time showed up, but the temperature and heating information remained blank.
- Details that might help you determine what the problem is:
- I have 2 thermostats on the ground floor and 3 upstairs.
- Only one thermostat functions correctly on each story and the one that works, in both cases, is the one closest to the breaker box.
- At first I thought maybe the thermostats were defective so I tried switching them around and they all worked properly when installed in the same two spots (closest to the breaker box).
- I don’t know much about electrical wiring but it seems to me like they are set-up on two circuits and only the first thermostat on the circuit is getting enough juice.
- What I do not understand is why my previous thermostats didn’t give me this problem.
- As a reference, here are the specs for my Old Thermostats:
- Model: Ouellet 500
- Voltage: 120V to 240V, 50/60Hz
- Maximum Load: 16.7 A 50/60 Hz (4000W at 240V, 3465W at 208V and 2000W at 120V)
- Minimum Load: 1.25 A 60 Hz (300W at 240V, 260W at 208V and 150W at 120V). 2 A 50 Hz (500W at 240V, 430W at 208V and 250W at 120V).
Any idea what the problem may be?
This electrical wiring question came from: Philippe, a Homeowner from Montreal, Canada.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Philippe.
How to Install Programmable Thermostats
Application: Installing programmable thermostats for baseboard heaters.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best installed by a Licensed Electrician.
Electrical 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 circuit for the furnace or heat pump, 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. The thermostat battery should be tested and replaced as needed.
Notice: Make sure to get the exact replacement thermostat.
Thermostat Compatibility with Heating Units and the Controlled Space
How to Avoid Problems with Programmable Thermostats
- Thermostat Compatibility
- Make sure your programmable thermostats are compatible with your existing heating system.
- Wiring Multiple Thermostats
- The thermostats must be set up to work correctly when there are more than one programmable thermostats being used.
- Multiple thermostats must be compatible with each other and be configured to work together as a network.
- Thermostat Location
- The electric heating system for one room must be controlled by a thermostat in the same room area being heated.
- Wall thermostats are typically mounted 5 feet high off of the floor.
- Heating System Specifications
- Consult the owners manual of both the heating units and the thermostats for specific detailed instructions.
Additional Resources about Wiring Heaters and Thermostats
How to install a baseboard heater. Electrical wiring information with photos and instructions for wiring a baseboard electric heater.
The following may also be helpful for you:
Electrical Wiring Video #2Home Electrical Wiring Videos about this Topic and MoreCheck out my YouTube Channel, and Subscribe! |
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Learn more with my Home Electrical Video Course:Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example |
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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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I am building a powder coating oven from electric range stove and I installed 6 burners. What kind of thermostat can I use to manage all the burners at once?
Hi Ian,
Typically a thermostat is rated for the amperage or watts and the voltage, therefore this information and the total capacity for all of the combined burners will need to be determined to locate a thermostat. The throttling range of the thermostat may also need to be considered which will determine at what temperature the burners are turned on, and off. In some applications it may be best to have a control circuit where the thermostat activates one or more relays which are rated appropriately for the amperage loads of the application.
Be safe,
Dave