Can I put 2 wall heaters both 1000 watt on the same 20 amp circuit?? If so these will be in 2 different rooms and what would be the correct way to wire these with thermostats in each room from the same breaker?? Can a junction box be used to split the power before the first thermostat or would it have to be split at the first thermostat? this is in a new addition and will require inspection.....Thanks for any info!!
Wireing Question
- Thread starter B7510HSD
- Start date
radioman
Super Member
Not enough info. Are you using 120 volt circuit or 240? using ohms law using 120 you come out to nearly 17 amps so you should be fine as long nothing else is added to that circuit. however I think 240 is more efficient as it comes out to less then 9 amps.
Also I have no idea what type of thermostat you have- but assuming its the kind I am thinking of- you would want the power to go to the first thermostat that is the closest to breaker box and branch off the power live IN that box to the second thermostat only if the first box for thermostat has enough room and the theremostat has a extra terminal to branch off power like a plug does. Junction box is the easiest thing to do, but putting it walls or area where there is no easy access is not a good idea. In today's houses, we are so power hungry and we keep adding junction boxes all over the place its becoming a hazard. I would try to stay away from junction boxes if you can so there is no way to add more devices to that circuit so its stays a dedicated circuit.
Also what size wiring are you going with? 12? 10? hope nothingg less.
Also I have no idea what type of thermostat you have- but assuming its the kind I am thinking of- you would want the power to go to the first thermostat that is the closest to breaker box and branch off the power live IN that box to the second thermostat only if the first box for thermostat has enough room and the theremostat has a extra terminal to branch off power like a plug does. Junction box is the easiest thing to do, but putting it walls or area where there is no easy access is not a good idea. In today's houses, we are so power hungry and we keep adding junction boxes all over the place its becoming a hazard. I would try to stay away from junction boxes if you can so there is no way to add more devices to that circuit so its stays a dedicated circuit.
Also what size wiring are you going with? 12? 10? hope nothingg less.
OP
B7510HSD
Veteran Member
It is a 120v system sorry forgot that part...and we are useing 12/2 I guess I could use the bigger double box and adapt it down to the single slot for the thermostat?? these are line voltage thermostat's by the way! thanks for the info someone told there were no junction boxes allowed I will have access to and attic for this if needed...
Really you should never put more then 80% load on a breaker. 80% of 20 is 16 Amps. I personally would run two circuit for these heaters. They both could be 15 Amp circuits. If you choose to put them on the same circuit, you can hit a junction box and then run two separate lines to each 120 volt thermostat then to the heater. Again, one circuit is not advised.
BobRip
Elite Member
That is correct. Use two separate circuits. The 80% is a real code requirement, not just a suggestion. Long term you will have issues if you violate it. The inspector might miss it if you are unlucky. Hopefully he will find it and make you correct it,
pat32rf
Veteran Member
Been away from the trade for a few years now, but the light and heater is an idea I used to use all the time, as long as its a 15 amp breaker. Otherwise you could wind up needing 3 circuits....