baseboard heater

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kbrandt

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Is there anything in the code book that does not allow a wall mounted baseboard heater to be plugged into a outlet. Or does it have to be hardwired? I looked and couldn't find anything.

The one I'am looking to install is 240 volt and 4.2 amp. I may add the outlet, not sure if there is an existing outlet that can handle the extra load, as this was an addition (10' x 15') and the wall is brick, which use to be the outside wall.

I'am in AZ so I don't do alot of baseboard heaters.

Thanks in advance.

Happy Easter!
 
I don't know of any rule against it. Does it come out of the box with a cord and plug attached? If so, I would say it is OK to install an appropriate outlet. The ones in my house are hard wired, and came with no equipment or instructions for converting to plug and cord.
 
I've never seen a permanently-mounted baseboard heater that's on a cord.

If you do, check regarding receptacles above the heater. 210.52 & 424.9 FPN.
 
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What do the instructions say about the wiring method? start there and if that doesnt give you your answer then ask your self "have I ever seen this anywere else?" personally what ever your reason for this type of instalation is it sounds kind of screwy.
 
As with any eqipment you have to use the directions as a guide line. UL approves equipment acording to how the directions say to install it. Therfore if you use it other then the UL's approoved method then it is not code. I am pretty sure all base board heaters are hard wired. No disconnect is required. Just hard wire it, it will be easier and cheaper.
 
Which section of 400.7 specifically allows connecting a baseboard heater with cord?

IMO none of the sections of 400.7 allow it and 400.8(1) prohibits it.
 
iwire said:
Not exactly accurate, electric baseboard heaters do require a disconnecting means.

Check out 424.19(B)(1), and 424.20 is also worth a read.
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Oh , yes I knew that the heater needed a breaker. Thanks for the read. I learned 08 does now require a lockout for base board heaters, or a double pole thermostat.
Did I miss it or did they (NEC) not specify if the thermostat (used as a disconnect) can be installed on as part of the heater. Or if it has to be wall mounted. Seems like it would defeat the purpose if it was installed on the heater. Since the thermostat is ussually what needs changing if the heater is not working.

Sounds like they are going to start making breaker lockouts better now. Which is a good thing. I know I have put epoxy on them so they wouldn't fall off .
 
buckofdurham said:
Thanks for the read. I learned 08 does now require a lockout for base board heaters, or a double pole thermostat.
Click to expand...

It is not new to the 2008, looking in 2002 424.19(A)(1) required a disconnecting means in sight of the heater or a lockable disconect.

It may well go back further then that.
 
iwire said:
It is not new to the 2008, looking in 2002 424.19(A)(1) required a disconnecting means in sight of the heater or a lockable disconect.]

Hmmm, that's cool . I ussually am replace existing ones. But it's good to know.
Click to expand...
 
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