Electric heaters, how many circuits?

4758 Views 5 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Richo, Mar 14, 2009

Richo

Discussion Starter · Mar 13, 2009

I am looking to install 2 1500W 240V electric heaters in a basement. I'm going to use 12 gauge wire for each heater but here's my question:

I'm aware that 12 gauge is good for up to 20 amps @ 120V but if you are using 240V, does that mean you can go up to 40 amps and run both of these heaters off the same circuit/wire? And if so, would I use a 40 amp double pole breaker?

If they need to be run on separate circuits, do I just need a 20 amp double pole breaker for each heater or 40 amp?

Thanks for your help.

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InPhase277

· #5 · Mar 13, 2009

Richo said:
I am looking to install 2 1500W 240V electric heaters in a basement. I'm going to use 12 gauge wire for each heater but here's my question:

I'm aware that 12 gauge is good for up to 20 amps @ 120V but if you are using 240V, does that mean you can go up to 40 amps and run both of these heaters off the same circuit/wire? And if so, would I use a 40 amp double pole breaker?

If they need to be run on separate circuits, do I just need a 20 amp double pole breaker for each heater or 40 amp?

Thanks for your help.

You have been given good advice already, so I'll just clarify a little theory for you. Amps heat a conductor the same regardless of the volts. A #12 conductor is good for 20 amps period, 12 V, 30 V, 120 V, 600 V.

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