The installation of electric baseboard heaters is a really enjoyable experience. It is not very complicated. Therefore, it's not that irritating at all. In addition to this, after you are finished, you will notice that the room is much warmer. The ideas, advice, and recommendations that we have found to be effective in having these heaters installed securely and without serious complications are presented in this section.
The operation of an electric heater is straightforward and simple to grasp. In point of fact, the digital thermostats of today conceal the specifics of excellent heat regulation. Therefore, give this project a go if you feel motivated. Installing electric baseboard heaters is a fun way to get your feet wet if you love dealing with electricity and are interested in expanding your skillset. In addition, this would make you more comfortable if you have a room in your home that is on the cooler side. Exactly what the prescription called for.
At home, we have installed electric baseboard heaters in a few rooms, including the master bedroom and the guest bedroom. Additionally, we resided in apartments that were equipped with them. As a result, this section details our personal experiences installing these baseboard units. The following is a general outline of the processes and concepts that we used.
Despite the fact that each installation is unique, we hope that this explanation is helpful. The advice and suggestions that are provided here ought to make your work easier. When we thought about them, they did, in fact, make ours easier. We are certain that they will point you in the direction of the appropriate procedures for your project. This is how ours worked out, but it doesn't necessarily have to be how yours works out.
Before beginning the actual installation of your electric baseboard heaters, it is recommended that you first take some time to just think about the undertaking. Get a sense of how it works. Get a feel for how the installation you're working on will turn out.
The advice in the next section should be helpful in getting your creative juices flowing. They have the ability to direct your attention to the most pertinent topics and worries.
Important Considerations to Make Before Installing Electric Baseboard Heaters in Your Home
Ask yourself the following questions when you are preparing your project. In addition, if you are unsure about the answers, discuss them with friends who are knowledgeable.
Is the Electrical Service at your Home Capable of Handling the Load of Electric Baseboard Heat?
Any project involving the installation of electric baseboard heaters should have a service capable of a minimum of 200 amps. Even while a 100-amp service to the residence would perform the job rather effectively, it is possible that it would not give enough "juice." When added to services rated at 100 amps, these heaters definitely have a discernible impact on the amount of light that is dimmed. However, the greater the distance that your wire travels from the electric pole, the less significant this influence will be.
When lower amperage panels are used, the activation of a ten or fifteen amp heating system might result in an extreme lowering of the light. Why? because the voltage is lost at a much higher rate in these smaller cables. In addition to it, annoying levels of fading and flickering might occur. Additionally, significant shifts in voltage may be taxing on other electrical equipment located around the home. Therefore, consider upgrading your electrical service if it is necessary. This is something that can be done for you by an electrician who is certified.
Have you Checked to See whether the Service Panel Has Sufficient Circuit Spaces?
This will most likely not be a problem at all. If you are updating your service panel, it will probably have a good number of empty slots where additional circuits may be installed. But if you're not going to upgrade, make sure you have at least two empty slots before you start. 220-volt circuits require them (one breaker for each line hot side). It's possible that you'll need two slots for every baseboard heater that you want to install.
How to Properly Install the Thermostat on a Baseboard Heater
The placement of the thermostat has an effect on the overall degree of comfort that the electric baseboard heaters installation provides. The placement of the thermostat on an interior wall should be planned for optimal results. It is important that the new heater does not create any direct updrafts that reach this wall. We installed our thermostat on a wall that was not next to the heater that it controlled.
When installing electric baseboard heaters, you should give thought to the positioning of the heaters.
Install the heater on the wall that is the coldest in the room; ideally, this should be an exterior wall with windows on it. Also, keep it at a low level on the floor. Installing the thermostats such that they are extremely near to the ground can help keep your feet warm by maintaining temperatures at floor level.
However, we raised the heater a few inches off of the carpeted floor in order to avoid any potential accidents. The task of vacuuming is made easier. Additionally, it decreased the likelihood that the heater would be damaged as a result of the vacuum cleaner repeatedly colliding with it.
Insulation that is Adequate
Because it uses up so much energy, electric heat might result in significant monthly bills. Therefore, you will need to ensure that the walls have a sufficient amount of insulation in order to reduce these expenditures. We recommend insulating the space above the ceiling in the target room using a material that has a high R-value.
This contributes to the relatively low cost of operating electric baseboard heating. In the room seen above, we insulated the walls and ceilings using R-12 Styrofoam board and utilized it behind the walls as well.
Warnings and Disclaimers Regarding the Installation of Electric Baseboard Heaters
This Paragraph is Only for informational Purposes.
This content is solely provided for educational or informative reasons. It is not a substitute for the guidance and assistance provided by a licensed electrician. Always seek the assistance of an expert if you are unclear about how to continue. We are unable to take responsibility for baseboard heaters that are improperly connected and cause harm or death to a person or their property.
Working with high voltages is required for any project involving the installation of electric baseboard heaters (220 volts). If a job like this one involving wiring gives you the creeps, then please do not wire by yourself. Consult an electrician for assistance. Coming into contact with live wires may be fatal. Therefore, use extreme caution and be constantly alert.
Make sure to verify and double-check your work.
Your work should be checked, double-checked, and even triple-checked, particularly when connecting a new circuit to the breaker box. Every time you come back to the circuit you're working on, you need to double-check that the power has been turned off. Doing so is particularly prudent if you share your living space with other people.
In point of fact, they might flip the circuit breaker without your knowledge. So check, check check! After all, you'll want to be there to take pleasure in the installation of your brand new electric baseboard heaters. Now consider the extreme automobile. Learn the federal, state, and local wiring codes if you haven't already.
If it's bigger, it must be better.
We advise 220-volt heaters. For the same amount of heat, they use far less current—roughly half as much as their 110-volt counterparts. When they turn on, they thus result in voltage dips throughout the home that are not as severe. In addition, the most heat that can be produced by a heater operating on 110 volts is around 1500 watts. However, for heating bigger rooms, it is much too insufficient. When such areas, such as corner rooms, have more than one wall that faces the outside, then large heaters are an absolute need.
The Recommended Equipment for Concluding Your Installation of Electric Baseboard Heaters
Create a tool kit for yourself if you believe you are able to handle this challenge and consider yourself to be handy. You'll need the items listed below.
Screwdrivers
You need many in order to successfully install electric baseboard heaters in almost any space. Purchase drivers with both straight and Philips head in a variety of sizes. They should have shafts that are between medium and lengthy in length. They will be very useful to you at this location.
Rulers
The most ideal ruler tape length is one hundred feet. It is both flexible and long enough to be used for measuring the lengths of wire runs.
Multi Meter
Helpful for verifying that the voltage in your wiring is right. Additionally, it is able to evaluate continuity, which is useful while checking the thermostat and heater.
Stripper and cutter for electrical wire
To successfully cut through 12/2 electrical wire, a set of diagonal pliers with a substantial size is recommended. In addition, strippers are available for this kind of wire. These cut away the protective jacket that was around the three wires contained inside. On the other hand, they do not nick the insulation or the internal wire.
Circuit Tester for Use in the Installation of Electric Baseboard Heaters
These are the little LED or neon bulbs that have two pigtail leads attached to them. They are inserted into outlets to test whether or not the outlets are "hot." During the course of any wiring installation, make frequent use of these voltage testers. Make sure that the circuit you're working on is turned off at regular intervals.
Circuit Breaker
You will need to purchase a circuit breaker if you want to add a new circuit to your service panel. Be careful to choose the circuit breaker that is compatible with the brand of service panel you have (Square D, Murray, Siemann's, etc.). The breaker unit has two breakers in it, but only works with circuits that are 220 volts. That accounts for one breaker for each of the lint's hot sides.
Heavy-Duty Drilling Equipment and Its Bits
It's possible that you'll need to drill holes in the studs or walls in order to mount the heater and route the wiring.
A Fishing Tape
A roll of fish tape that is fifty feet long is of great use for pushing wires through lengthy lengths behind walls.
Suggestions for Materials to Be Purchased for the Task of Installing Electric Baseboard Heaters
The Heating Unit
Again, choose the greatest heater that both your financial situation and your electrical system can handle. The hydronic baseboard heaters are, in our opinion, the most effective. They are the least noisy and contain the fewest hotspots that, if handled, may cause someone to be burned.
The Temperature Regulator, Also Known as the "Thermostat"
When it comes to space heaters, we give preference to models that cut power to BOTH SIDES of the 220-volt line when the unit is turned off. Because when they are turned off, there is absolutely NO voltage present in the heater, they are safer. However, voltage is still present at the heater when using thermostats with a single pole.
To clarify this further, the side of the line that is not switched still has a connection to the heater. Therefore, between that side of the line and the ground, you will get a reading of 110 volts to the ground. This measurement remains unchanged even after the actual heater is turned off. Because of this, we recommend using a thermostat with a double pole for these projects so that everyone's safety is ensured.
Copper Cable
You will need electric wire that is either 12/2 or 10/2. We strongly recommend that you do not use anything less than #12 or greater than #10. In addition, if you really have to utilize number 10, particularly for lengthy runs, get the stranded kind. This variety can be bent, stripped, and installed with little effort.
The installation of these electric baseboard heaters requires the use of a circuit breaker.
Pick a circuit breaker with the appropriate amperage rating. Rule of thumb: If you are wiring your circuit with #12 / 2 wire, pick a model with a 20-amp capacity; if you are wiring it with #10 / 2 wire, choose a size with a 30-amp capacity. Check the relevant section of the National Electrical Code manual to determine the appropriate wire gauge and breaker rating for your region.
Wire Nuts, Electrical Tape, and Junction Boxes are Some Necessary Components.
It was necessary to splice together two different pieces of cable inside the junction boxes. Never make any connections outside of a junction box that has been authorized.
Installation and Sizing Instructions for Electric Baseboard Heaters
The winters can be rather cold here in Pennsylvania. A space heater with 1500 watts was enough for heating the area shown in the previous image. Portable space heaters were effective so long as the ambient temperature was higher than thirty degrees Fahrenheit. However, as the wind became colder, which happens very often, that small heater was unable to keep up. The temperature in the room continued to drop even though it was set to the maximum possible level despite the fact that the machine was operating at full speed. Our freezing bedroom was the impetus for us to finally get around to installing electric baseboard heaters.
In point of fact, the room did not experience another instance of being chilly until we updated to the 2500-watt wall-mounted baseboard unit depicted above. Even though the temperature outside dropped below zero for a whole week, the bedroom remained wonderfully warm. Even on the days with the lowest temperatures, the new heater only operated between fifty and sixty percent of the time. Even on the nights that are the coldest, you should choose a heater that only needs to operate at half capacity or less. No matter how chilly it is outside, it will keep the temperature in the room at the appropriate level. In point of fact, you don't want to put in all of this effort only to end up in a chilly room.
Selecting the biggest baseboard heater that is rationally possible should be done in order to prevent under-sizing during the installation of electric baseboard heaters. You'll have to pay extra to get greater heat. Our recommendation is that you spend as much as you comfortably can on it. You won't come to regret it.
Recommended Actions to Take When Installing Electric Baseboard Heaters
Find Out What the Room's Heating Requirements Are.
As was just said, get the largest baseboard heater that still meets your needs. Why? Because your home has just a moderate amount of insulation, it requires bigger heaters. The pricing difference between the two-footers and the eight-foot ones with 2500 watts is not nearly as significant as you would think. So go for it, and make some substantial purchases.
Figure Out Where You Should Put the Thermostat.
In most cases, this kind of heating calls for a thermostat that operates on line voltage. If you choose to mount the thermostat on the wall, you should first ensure that it will be convenient for you to access. We recommend hanging the stat between four and five feet above the ground in a location where it will not be obstructed by any objects.
Additionally, check to see whether the #12/2 power cable can be routed from the breaker box to the location in question.
Determine the Length of the Wire
To simulate the route of the wire, use the ruler tape that is 100 feet long. If you are measuring a lengthy stretch of wire, do it in portions. The length you calculated should then be increased by an additional five percent. This ensures that you purchase the appropriate amount of cable. Buying a little amount of additional wire helps compensate for any inaccuracies in measurement. Estimating the length of a wire accurately becomes more difficult when it must be routed around rafters, pipes, or attic crawlspaces. Consequently, you need to be certain that you get sufficient materials for the job of installing electric baseboard heaters.
Determine where the heater will be most effective in your electric baseboard heater installation.
As their name suggests, the most effective placement for baseboard heaters is low to the ground, either directly on top of or a short distance above the baseboard woodwork.
Purchase Baseboard Heater(s), Thermostat, Wire, and Other Necessary Materials
Obtain the heater(s), thermostat, wire, as well as other equipment and materials that were previously stated. As your knowledge increases, you may find that you need to make a few trips to the shop. E,g, When you were planning your project, you probably didn't think of some of the things you could require later on.
Keep the Wire Running
This is quite likely going to be the most difficult phase. Why? Because it's possible that the wires will need to be fished out from behind walls and above ceilings. This is made much easier by having an unfinished basement, particularly if the heaters are being installed on the first level. In this scenario, the routing of the wires ought to be simple. Installing on the second story with an unfinished attic above is exactly the same as installing on the first floor. Again, not too complicated.
However, the installation of electric baseboard heaters becomes more difficult when the basement or attic has been completed. The task becomes more difficult in areas where getting behind the walls from either above or below is impossible. Because of this, you may need to use your creativity. It's possible that you'll need to drill holes in the walls in order to get the cables where they need to go. Then you will have to mend them once more after that.
Examine the Wiring.
Before you connect this new run to your main circuit box, you should make sure there are no short circuits. Check to make sure there are none, then fix them if there are any. If you pounded the wire fasteners too hard, there is a possibility that shorts may develop. Short circuits may also be caused by excessively tightening the clamps that are attached to the junction box.
Continue with the installation of your electric baseboard heaters by first installing the thermostat.
Thermostats that use line electricity should be able to fit into a typical wall switch box.
Installation of the Heater on the Wall
Put a few wood screws with a number 10 or 12 into the body of the heater and into the studs in the wall. This is how we secured ours when it arrived. The vast majority of baseboard heaters are equipped with a number of these holes. Make sure that the wire pigtails are aligned with the junction box that is built into the heater. This box is often located on one side of the heater or the other, but never in the center.
Establish each and every Electrical Connection.
Following the directions that came with the heater, connect it to an electrical outlet. If the heater has metal elements that are exposed or a metal casing, then grounding it correctly is of the utmost importance. Proper grounding is an absolute need for any installation that takes place in a bathroom or anyplace near sinks, water, or other grounded materials.
One more time, check to see if there are any open or short circuits.
During these testing, your circuit must remain OFF at all times!
When you connect the heating element to the wiring, you will see that the resistance in the cables coming from the heater is very low. You should see continuity when reading across the 220-volt line coming from the heater and arriving at the thermostat. However, you should examine open-circuit values on the leg of the wire that connects the thermostat to the power supply.
In order to test things out during the installation of your electric baseboard heaters, make sure that the thermostat is set to its lowest possible temperature.
It is quite possible that you will be required to exit the area in which the electric baseboard heaters are being installed in order to switch on the electricity. However, you must ensure that you are there when the power is turned on. When the heater turns on, you need to keep a close eye on it and listen to how it operates. You will be able to see any issues as soon as they arise, making troubleshooting much simpler. Reduce the temperature on the thermostat, and the heater will remain off until it is ready. Before turning on the power, make sure it is in the OFF position or the lowest setting.
Activate the Power Switch
After that, go to your power panel and activate the new heater circuit by toggling the appropriate switch. When you flip the switch, be sure to keep your ears open. A short circuit may be indicated by a buzzing sound, sparks, or a humming sound that is out of the ordinary. If this happens, cut off the power immediately and make the necessary repairs.
But if you don't notice any alarming noises, don't smell any smoke, and don't see any sparks, then you should be OK. Continue on to the next stage.
In order to complete the installation of your electric baseboard heaters, you need to put the new baseboard heating system through its paces.
You need to return to the project area where the electric baseboard heaters were installed. After that, set the new thermostat to its highest possible temperature. This guarantees that electricity will be supplied to the heater. Or at the very least, it ought to.
Once again, you should be on the lookout for any indicators of danger by listening, seeing, and smelling. Be aware that when you initially turn on the heater, it may give out scents similar to burning dust and heated paint. However, this is very normal and will go away after a few hours of usage at the latest.
Make sure the heating is on. Within a minute or two, there ought to be heat produced. If the appliance does not warm up, switch off the power at the breaker and make the necessary repairs.
If you do feel the heat, you should proceed to the following step, which is adjusting the thermostat.
Set the temperature on the thermostat.
If you went for a programmable digital thermostat, you should go ahead and set it up immediately by following the instructions that came with it. If that is not the case, simply adjust the temperature to your liking.
Don't Forget to Clean Up After Your Work!
But hold on just a second. Despite the fact that all of the tests came back OK, you have not yet completed the installation of the electric baseboard heaters. Only until you have put away all of your tools and cleaned up the mess is the task considered finished. Because the installation of the new heater would have most likely generated a great deal of dust, you should be careful to vacuum and dust the room.
Done! I'm sending you warm wishes in the hopes that your heater project was a roaring success. I hope you are pleased with your new heater.
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