Electric fireplace (split thread)


  #1  
Old 12-28-11, 06:46 PM
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I have another question, I don't know if I should post here, or open a new thread.

I'm heating my bedroom with an electric fireplace. There is also an electric fireplace in my guest bedroom, where I now have a litter of puppies.

However, it looks like the outlets in both bedrooms are hooked on the same breaker, and it cannot run both fireplaces at the same time for more than 5 minutes or so.

I am wondering if purchasing a breaker able to carry more amps would be able to run both fireplaces safely?

The brand of the panel is Westinghouse, and the wires are cooper. Thank you!
 

Last edited by Tolyn Ironhand; 12-28-11 at 07:03 PM.
  #2  
Old 12-28-11, 07:06 PM
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I have split your thread. It is always best to keep it to one project at a time. Prevents confusion.

On to your question:

NO! You can not just put a larger breaker in. The breaker is sized to the wire size. Putting more amps through the wire will cause it to heat up and may cause a fire. You need to run a new circuit or find another circuit to split up the load.
 
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Old 12-28-11, 07:08 PM
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No! That will cause a fire and burn down your house!

You or an electrician would need to install a new circuit / outlet. 20 amp best. Or place one room on the new circuit which may need to be 15 amps due to existing wiring.
 
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Old 12-28-11, 07:32 PM
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As the others have said, you need a new circuit. You are trying to run too many amps through one circuit.
 
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Old 12-28-11, 07:53 PM
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Got it. I will try to run a new wire from another outlet and use a power cord in the meanwhile. Thanks!!
 
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Old 12-28-11, 08:23 PM
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Make sure you use a cord heavy enough.
 
  #7  
Old 12-28-11, 09:19 PM
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Best to not use an extension cord, especially not one made in China. Might want to read this...
http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...ade-china.html
 
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Old 12-28-11, 10:14 PM
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I think I will let the pups have the fireplace over night and I will use an extra comforter, then oscillate during the day, until I will figure how I could make it work permanently. I got all the points, thanks! I appreciate your help!
 
  #9  
Old 12-29-11, 04:03 AM
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Although space heaters can operate on the "high" setting -- usually 1500 watts -- they are just as capable of heating a room using the "low" setting. It takes a little longer, but uses half the electricity and doesn't tax the wiring nearly as much.

Never leave space heaters on unless you are nearby.

What size is the breaker? 15 or 20?
 
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Old 03-15-12, 01:04 PM
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Feeling guilty for not re-checking the thread back in December. I ended pulling electric from a different line/breaker and installed a new outlet for one of the fireplaces. We made through the winter just fine. Thank you for your feedback!
 
  #11  
Old 03-15-12, 06:35 PM
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Sounds like you made a good call. Thanks for checking in!
 
 

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