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02-03-2009, 11:57 PM
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#1
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Newbie
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 13
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240 v Space heater plug?
I added my 30 amp breaker and outlet. Now, The plug I have on the space heater now (240 volts, 20 amp) needs to be replaced. Can I just add a 30 amp plug? What do I do about the chord? Do I need a new one or can I just add the new 30 amp plug to replace the old 20 amp plug? I've heard about 5 different answers from electricians. I'm wondering if I should've just kept the plug as it was and went with a 20 amp outlet. Problem is the heater draws 16.7 amps, which is why I went with the 30 amp breaker to avoid the surge issue and being above the magic 80% of the load. By the way, the heater is 4000 w. Just want to make sure I'm doing this right. I really am frustrated that so many electricians have different answers. Thanks!
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02-04-2009, 06:43 AM
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#2
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Electrical Contractor
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Delmarva
Posts: 3,130
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240 v Space heater plug?
If the heater came equipped with a 20 Amp plug, then you need to install a 20 amp receptacle. 
I'd guess you need a NEMA 6-20R. 
Change the outlet to match the heater, and install a 20 Amp breaker.
Otherwise, you most likely will void any warranty on the unit, and violate any UL listing as well. 
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02-04-2009, 07:11 AM
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#3
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Electrical Contractor
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Newnan GA
Posts: 5,009
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240 v Space heater plug?
Quote:
Originally Posted by CooperChloe
I've heard about 5 different answers from electricians.
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Well, I agree with kb. Now you have heard from two that tell you the same thing! 
__________________
Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"
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02-04-2009, 08:10 AM
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#4
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Licensed Pro
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SC
Posts: 1,420
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240 v Space heater plug?
Quote:
Originally Posted by jbfan
Well, I agree with kb. Now you have heard from two that tell you the same thing! |
Make that three...
__________________
"Life is hard. Life is harder when you're stupid." John Wayne
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02-04-2009, 08:16 AM
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#5
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Iowa
Posts: 1,543
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240 v Space heater plug?
Not an electrician, but I agree, you should change the receptacle and breaker.
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02-04-2009, 12:18 PM
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#6
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UAW SKILLED TRADES
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Kansas
Posts: 4,584
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240 v Space heater plug?
I also agree. Where your getting your misinformation is the 80% rule. If your heater plugs into a individual single receptacle dedicated to that heater then you can run that branch circuit at 100% of its rating as long as the load is not continuous. A cord and plug heater is not a continuous load. The 80% rule has to do with cord and plug equipment, appliances, etc.. that are used on general purpose branch circuits that serve more than one outlet. A duplex receptacle is 2 outlets. In this case your not supposed to plug anything into one of those outlets that exceeds 80% of a branch circuits rating. For a 20 amp branch circuit that would be 16 amps. But there is no way to control what people plug into multiple receptacles on a branch circuit this is just the code requirement.
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" One nice thing about the NEC articles ... you have lots of choices"
Stubbie
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02-04-2009, 08:23 PM
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#7
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Idiot Emeritus
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fernley, Nevada (near Reno)
Posts: 1,431
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240 v Space heater plug?
Even though 4000 watts at 240 volts is 16.67 amps and is, at times, a technical code violation to supply with a 20 amp circuit, I can't even think of how many times I've done exactly that. Most of my work is inspected, and I've never been busted for it.
In reality, a 20 amp circuit will run a 4000 watt load for a long, long time. Completely safely.
Rob
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02-04-2009, 08:25 PM
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#8
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UAW SKILLED TRADES
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Kansas
Posts: 4,584
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240 v Space heater plug?
I concur (but I don't agree....  ) if I do.. then the internet police will put us both in jail.
__________________
" One nice thing about the NEC articles ... you have lots of choices"
Stubbie
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02-04-2009, 09:05 PM
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#9
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Xtreme DIY'r
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: South of Boston, MA
Posts: 17,248
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240 v Space heater plug?
So, no-one saying that they should absolutely NOT put this on 30a ?
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02-04-2009, 09:13 PM
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#10
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Electrical Contractor
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Delmarva
Posts: 3,130
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240 v Space heater plug?
You should not plug a NEMA 6-20P into a 30 Amp circuit. 
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02-04-2009, 09:16 PM
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#11
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Xtreme DIY'r
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: South of Boston, MA
Posts: 17,248
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240 v Space heater plug?
Woops - missed that
Everyone basically did say not to use the 30a breaker 
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02-04-2009, 10:40 PM
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#12
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Iowa
Posts: 1,543
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240 v Space heater plug?
Any 20 amp receptacle or plug on a 30 amp circuit is a no-no.
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02-04-2009, 11:57 PM
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#13
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Idiot Emeritus
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fernley, Nevada (near Reno)
Posts: 1,431
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240 v Space heater plug?
It's OK to feed a 20 amp receptacle with #10 wire, it's not OK to feed it with a 30 amp breaker.
Rob
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