Wiring 20 amp 4800 watt 240 volt heater
#1
12-04-14, 07:03 AM
Wiring 20 amp 4800 watt 240 volt heater
Am trying to get heat into new basement in house under construction in Northern Ontario.
Panel is in and inspected. Heater I have has 3 wires i.e. black white green. Looks like plug end was cut off.
I sense NMD 12/2 should be used connected to 20 amp breaker. Likely have to run 50ft of wire. Is there a benefit to using higher gauge wire i.e. 10/2.
Thanks for thoughts, confirmations or corrections.
Panel is in and inspected. Heater I have has 3 wires i.e. black white green. Looks like plug end was cut off.
I sense NMD 12/2 should be used connected to 20 amp breaker. Likely have to run 50ft of wire. Is there a benefit to using higher gauge wire i.e. 10/2.
Thanks for thoughts, confirmations or corrections.
#2
12-04-14, 07:10 AM
Super Moderator
If the heater was originally a plug in, then that's how it should be used.
Is this just for temporary heat? If so than an outlet should be wired and the cord replaced on the heater. A heavy gauge ext cord can be used if temporary.
You can't run a 20A (4800/240) heater on a 20A circuit since that is a continuous load. At least I don't think so. IIRC 80% of circuit capacity is the standard.
Is this just for temporary heat? If so than an outlet should be wired and the cord replaced on the heater. A heavy gauge ext cord can be used if temporary.
You can't run a 20A (4800/240) heater on a 20A circuit since that is a continuous load. At least I don't think so. IIRC 80% of circuit capacity is the standard.
#3
12-04-14, 08:24 AM
Group Moderator
Vic is right.... you definitely need to run #10 and use a 2P30amp circuit breaker for the heater.
#4
12-04-14, 07:56 PM
the heaters are temporary until basement cemented, furnace in, etc. Appears fron your advice 30 amp breaker should be used. Would that be with 10/2 wire i.e.black, white with copper ground?
Thanks
Thanks
#5
12-04-14, 08:06 PM
Super Moderator
CAN is a little different in their wiring colors I think. I'd just put in a temp outlet near the panel with proper receptacle and run a heavy duty ext cord. You said heater before...but then you just said heaters (plural)?
It's a new construction correct? I'd ask your electrician or GC for local advice.
It's a new construction correct? I'd ask your electrician or GC for local advice.
#7
12-04-14, 08:35 PM
Super Moderator
Even more so...have the sparky give you some temp outlets where you need them or use a really heavy duty ext cord from a central box area.
#8
12-04-14, 10:02 PM
Member
Receptacles beside your panel isnt a bad idea. Even after your house is done its handy to have somewhere to plug in to beside the panel.
If youre gung ho about not adding extra receptacles, just run the cords right in to the panel on two 30a 2pole breakers for now. One of those breakers will likely get used for your dryer anyways.
If youre gung ho about not adding extra receptacles, just run the cords right in to the panel on two 30a 2pole breakers for now. One of those breakers will likely get used for your dryer anyways.
