240V Electric Heat Wall Mounted Thermostat

[Jimmy7]

I have to troubleshoot some electric heat for a customer tomorrow. One of my guys replaced some electric heat baseboards and a couple of 240 volt wall mounted electric heat thermostats at this house. Out of curiosity what would happen if he reversed the line and load on an 240v thermostat? I’m not saying that’s the problem, but I was just wondering if I should check.

 

[CoolWill]

If it is a mechanical type, probably not much of a problem. But if there are electronics involved, it might not work at all.

 

[Jimmy7]

If it is a mechanical type, probably not much of a problem. But if there are electronics involved, it might not work at all.

It’s just the type where you twist the knob.

 

[CoolWill]

It’s just the type where you twist the knob.

It will probably work just fine. But as usual, it should probably be checked.

 

[Greentagger]

Probably would run all the time.

 

[LarryFine]

With four wires/terminals, like a 4-way switch, it's easy to mis-wire one.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I would check the connection in the heater.

 

[ActionDave]

I have to troubleshoot some electric heat for a customer tomorrow. One of my guys replaced some electric heat baseboards and a couple of 240 volt wall mounted electric heat thermostats at this house. Out of curiosity what would happen if he reversed the line and load on an 240v thermostat? I’m not saying that’s the problem, but I was just wondering if I should check.

 

[electrofelon]

Ok but seriously, I have always wondered this. Why do all the mechanical type thermostats designate line and load? Why would it matter?

 

[retirede]

Ok but seriously, I have always wondered this. Why do all the mechanical type thermostats designate line and load? Why would it matter?

If it contains an integral element used as an “anticipator”, it would need to be on the load side.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Probably would run all the time.

Why would it do that? It is a mechanical switch with physical contacts that open and close.