Otis Singleton
Controlling multiple electric baseboard heaters is possible through a single thermostat. This is dependent on factors such as the size of the breaker in the electrical box, wiring type, and individual heater wattage. 240V circuits are recommended for multiple heaters as they operate at lower amperage. All heaters must be wired in parallel, either directly to the thermostat or to each other, with each heater connected to the source wires. Smart thermostats, such as Mysa, Sinope, and Stelpro, offer multi-room smart baseboard heating options that can be controlled remotely through apps or websites, providing convenience and energy savings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of heaters that can be wired to one thermostat | Depends on the breaker size, wiring type, and wattage of heaters |
| Recommended circuit for connecting multiple heaters to one thermostat | 240V circuit with a 20-amp, double-pole breaker |
| Maximum wattage for a 240-volt circuit with a 20-amp breaker | 3,840 watts |
| Example combination of heaters for a 240-volt, 20-amp circuit | Five 750-watt heaters |
| Wiring method for heaters | All heaters must be wired in parallel, either directly to the thermostat or daisy-chained with source wire connections |
| Baseboard heater placement | Under windows to mix falling cold air with rising warm air |
| Power source for baseboard heaters | 120VAC or 240VAC depending on manufacturer |
| Connection of like-voltage heaters | Possible, e.g., connecting 240VAC heaters to other 240VAC heaters |
| Calculation of total amperage draw | Divide total wattage by voltage (a = w/v) |
| Smart thermostat options | Mysa, Sinope, and Stelpro offer smart thermostats for line voltage heaters and multi-room control |
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What You'll Learn
Wiring multiple heaters to one thermostat
It is possible to wire multiple heaters to a single thermostat, but there are several factors to consider. The number of heaters that can be safely wired to one thermostat depends on the size of the breaker in the electrical box, the wiring type, and the wattage of the individual heaters. Typically, 240V circuits are recommended for connecting multiple heaters to a single thermostat because they operate at lower amperage. For example, a 240-volt circuit with a 20-amp, double-pole breaker can accommodate up to 3,840 watts of heaters. This could include five 750-watt heaters, for instance.
It is important to ensure that all heaters are wired in parallel. This can be achieved by connecting each heater directly to the thermostat or by linking each heater to the next, ensuring that each heater is connected to the source wires.
In some cases, it may be necessary to take control of the power side of the wiring. This can be done using relays such as a RIB (relay in a box) and a master control thermostat or microprocessor control unit. This setup would allow the primary thermostat to turn the circuits on and off, with the internal units in the baseboards activating at a preset temperature.
While wiring multiple heaters to one thermostat is possible, it is generally not recommended for heaters in different rooms. This is because the temperature in each room would be determined by the thermostat's location, reducing the benefits of zone-based heating, which allows independent temperature control in different areas to maximize comfort and minimize electricity costs.
Additionally, it is important to consult the installation guide and consider the wattage, amp reading, and sizing of the breaker and wire to ensure they are appropriate for the load.
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Using smart thermostats for centralised control
Smart thermostats are a great way to centrally control multiple electric baseboard heaters. They offer a range of features that provide precise control over your heating system, helping you save energy and money.
Firstly, it's important to note that not all smart thermostats are compatible with electric baseboard heaters. These heaters are line voltage systems, meaning they use direct electricity to heat rooms and require a 120-volt or 240-volt thermostat, also known as a high or line voltage thermostat. Most popular smart thermostats, like Nest, Ecobee, and Emerson Sensi, are designed for low-voltage heating systems. However, companies like Mysa and Sinopé Technologies offer smart thermostats specifically designed for electric baseboard heaters.
The Mysa smart thermostat, for example, offers features such as energy savings, mobile app-based scheduling, WiFi control, integration with smart hubs (Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings), energy reports, and vacation mode. The Sinopé smart thermostat also integrates easily into your ecosystem, connecting directly to your home's WiFi network and offering compatibility with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
When installing a smart thermostat for your electric baseboard heaters, it's important to ensure compatibility and proper installation. You can choose to install it yourself or consult a professional, especially if you're uncomfortable with electrical wiring. Remember that these thermostats are high voltage, so proper safety precautions are necessary.
Smart thermostats provide a convenient and efficient way to control multiple electric baseboard heaters, offering precise control over your heating system and helping you save energy and money. With features like mobile app control and integration with smart hubs, you can easily manage your heating needs from a central location.
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Calculating the total amperage of heaters
When calculating the total amperage of heaters, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is essential to determine the size of the breaker in the electrical box, as this will impact the number of heaters that can be safely connected. For instance, a 240-volt circuit with a 20-amp, double-pole breaker can accommodate up to 3,840 watts of heaters. This means you can install a combination of heaters that do not exceed this total wattage.
The type of wiring used is another important consideration. All heaters must be wired in parallel, either by connecting each heater directly to the thermostat or by linking them together, with each heater connected to the source wires. This setup ensures that the heaters function as a single unit, allowing for more efficient energy distribution.
The wattage of individual heaters is also a critical factor in calculating total amperage. By adding up the wattage of each heater, you can determine the combined wattage required for the entire system. This value will help you select the appropriate breaker size and wiring type to handle the load safely.
Additionally, it is recommended to choose a breaker that is rated at 125% of the total amperage draw of the heaters. This means selecting a breaker that is 25% larger than the calculated amperage. For example, a 20-amp heating circuit should not have a load exceeding 16 amps. This consideration ensures that the circuit can handle the demand without overloading or tripping.
Lastly, it is crucial to consider the voltage of the heaters. 240-volt heaters are more common because they reduce the amp draw on the breaker/fuse panel, allowing for more heaters to be connected. It is important to note that 120-volt and 240-volt heaters are not interchangeable, as using the incorrect voltage can lead to reduced performance or even damage the heater.
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Using relays to control heaters
Relays are commonly used for heating elements or any electronic device with high wattage or high current requirements. In the context of heaters, relays increase the wattage capability and prevent the thermostat from overloading. They enable you to connect a low-voltage thermostat to a line-voltage heater. For example, you can use a 240-volt circuit running on a 20-amp, double-pole breaker to control multiple heaters with a combined wattage of up to 3,840 watts.
When using relays, it is essential to consider the size of your breaker in the electrical box, the type of wiring, and the wattage of the individual heaters. Additionally, relays themselves may produce a humming noise, as reported by an electrician who had to replace an electromagnetic coil-style relay with a "tdr" style relay to eliminate the issue. It is also important to note that while relays can reduce the number of thermostats, they eliminate the advantage of zonal control, which is a key benefit of electric heat.
To implement this, you can use a relay-in-a-box (RIB) setup, along with a main control thermostat or a microprocessor control unit. This setup allows you to use the primary thermostat to turn the circuits on and off, while the internal units in the baseboards activate at preset temperatures. However, it is important to exercise caution when dealing with the control wire, as opening it may damage the unit beyond repair.
While relays can be a useful tool for controlling multiple electric baseboard heaters, it is always recommended to consult a professional electrician for advice and guidance before proceeding with any electrical work. They can provide specific recommendations based on your unique situation and help ensure a safe and effective installation.
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Connecting heaters with the same voltage
If you want to connect multiple electric baseboard heaters to one thermostat, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is possible to wire multiple heaters to a single thermostat, but it depends on factors such as the size of your breaker, the wiring type, and the wattage of the heaters.
When connecting heaters with the same voltage, it is important to ensure that they have the same wattage as well. If you have two heaters with the same voltage but different wattages, they will have different resistances. For example, if you have a 4000-watt heater and a 2000-watt heater, both with a voltage of 240V, the lower wattage heater will have a higher resistance and will receive more voltage, producing more wattage. This could cause the lower wattage heater to burn up.
To connect heaters with the same voltage and wattage, you can put them in series, which will cause them to divide the voltage equally. For instance, if you have two 240V, 1000W heaters, and you put them in series across a 480V supply, each heater will receive 240V.
It is important to note that connecting heaters in series will result in a longer total resistance, which may impact the performance of the heaters. Additionally, all heaters must be wired in parallel, either by connecting each heater directly to the thermostat or by connecting them to each other, ensuring that each heater is connected to the source wires.
If you are unsure about the process or have heaters with different wattages, it is recommended to consult a professional or technical support to guide you through the process and ensure a safe and effective setup.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can wire multiple heaters to one thermostat, but it depends on factors like the size of your breaker, the wiring type, and the wattage of the heaters. It's recommended to use a 240V circuit as it operates at a lower amperage.
First, ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and all local electrical regulations. Then, open one end of the heater and locate the "wire connection" or "heater connection". Strip the insulation from the wire and connect the wires by twisting them together.
Yes, smart thermostats like Mysa, Sinope, and Stelpro offer multi-room smart baseboard heating options. These can be controlled remotely via an app or website and can integrate with smart home systems.
Smart thermostats offer convenience by allowing remote control of your heaters and can help automate your home heating system. They can also reduce energy consumption and lower heating costs by controlling the temperature in each room.
Ensure that the total operational amperage does not exceed the wires and circuit breaker's capacity. Only connect heaters with the same voltage, i.e., connect 240VAC heaters to other 240VAC heaters. Additionally, it is not recommended to connect heaters from different rooms to a single thermostat as it may affect temperature control.
