Electric baseboard heaters use their own circuit.
Electric baseboard heaters can be powered by either a 120-volt or 240-volt circuit.
Electricians generally install 240-volt heaters since they use lower amperage and are more energy-efficient than 120-volt heaters.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
How Much Does It Cost to Install Electric Baseboard Heaters?
Each baseboard heaterthe part onlycan be $50 to $250 apiece.
When a professional electrician installs it, expect to pay at least $75 to $175 per hour.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
On average, budget at least $500 per unit you have installed.
Baseboard heaters typically come in standard lengths, from 24 to 96 inches.
The BTU rating can be helpful when comparing electric heater size to other heaters or heating equipment types.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Building codes caution against or do not allow baseboard heaters to be installed beneath electrical wall outlets.
They also should have at least 12 inches of clearance from window coverings and furniture.
They are typically mounted slightly higher than the typical wall switch.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Some baseboard heaters have thermostat units built into the heaters and require no wall thermostat.
A standard “old work” (retrofit) switch box works well on finished walls.
(If this is new work, you will not cut drywall.)
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Tip
A 240-volt baseboard heater requires its own dedicated 20-amp or 30-amp 240-volt electrical circuit.
The standard circuit cable for 20-amp circuits is 12-gauge; 30-amp circuits need a 10-gauge cable.
Tighten the cable clamp onto the cable.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Use astud finderto locate wall studs behind the baseboard heater.
Fasten the heater to at least two wall studs using one 5/8-inch drywall screw.
Use a torpedo level to level the unit if it is a key in that is not floor-mounted.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Mark the white wire with a band of black electrical tape to indicate that it is a hot wire.
Connect the bare copper grounding wire to the green grounding screw in the heater connection box.
drop in the connection panel cover.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Connections vary considerably among manufacturers, so read the thermostat directions when making these connections.
This involves first shutting off the main breaker and opening up the panel.
Snap the circuit breaker into an empty slot in the service panel.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Finish by closing up the panel and turning on the main breaker.
Be sure to mark the panel index to identify the heater breaker.
You must also mark the white wire again with red or black tape to indicate that it is hot.
Working in the main service panel is risky if you are not experienced.
Never work inside a panel if you are unfamiliar with its parts and how to avoid shock.
Test the Heater
Turn on the circuit breaker controlling the heater circuit.
Then turn the thermostat off and verify the heater shuts off.
Baseboard heaters are often shipped with a protective coating on the heat fins.
The protective coating should dissipate after a few uses.
They also generate dry heat, usually requiring a supplemental humidifier to offset the dryness.
Yes, you’ve got the option to leave baseboard heaters on all the time.
Cold drafts assist in the convection process.
Fixed Electric Space Heating Equipment: 424.9.
National Electric Code 2020 of Illinois.
United States Consumer Safety Commission.
As Temperatures Go Down, The Chance for Injury from Heaters Goes Up.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Fire Prevention Month: Heating Safety.
City of Seattle Fire Department.
Energy Saver, Vermont Department of Public Service.
