Q&A for How to Install Baseboard Heating (Electric)

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Question

Can I install the heaters directly on the carpet, or do they have to be installed a distance above and secured to the wall?

Debra Bish

Community Answer

The casing is normally mounted along the wall above the floor, and the heater pipe is installed inside a few inches above the floor level. The heat shield (casing) keeps the heat adequately away from the carpeting. (You should read and follow all manufacturer's installation instructions and guidelines though.)

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Question

Is a double pole breaker always used for a baseboard heater?

Community Answer

It really depends on the baseboard heater you intend to install. Baseboard heaters are typically designed for either 120V or 208/240V applications. You need a double-pole if you have a 208/240V heater and a single-pole if you have a 120V heater. On a typical residential wiring (14 AWG), a 240V circuit allows you to connect heaters up to 2880W (240W*15A*.8) while you can only connect up to 1440W (120V*15A*0.8) on 120V. If you have a 120V heater with wattage under 1440W, you can keep a single-pole breaker. You can install 208/240V heater on a 120V circuit, but it will only produce approximately 1/4 of the heat. Connecting a 120V heater on 240V will trip the high-limit switch and cause a fire.

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Question

Can I put furniture in front of a baseboard heater?

Debra Bish

Community Answer

You can, but if it's a large piece of furniture, such as a couch, you should pull it away from the heater about 4-6 inches so that the heat can flow into the room properly.

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Question

What could be wrong if my 110 volt heater is not getting hot?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Assuming you have power to the heater, the element(s) could be bad, a switch could be bad, or a wire could have burned out.

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Question

Can I install a baseboard electric heater under wall outlets?

Debra Bish

Community Answer

Yes, you can. Be careful not to use screws that are too long, and do put the screws into studs. Also, follow all the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines.

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