brother
Senior Member
where is this found in the NEC 2008 where 120volt heaters are limited by the electrical code to 1500 watts??
article said:
Heaters limited??
- Thread starter brother
- Start date
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210.21(B)(2) maybe?
There may be such a rule, but my guess is that it is more a "rule" of supply and demand. The space heaters are sold primarily as portable units to be "plugged into any household outlet" and 1500 watts is about the limit where that is possible.
Higher wattage units would normally require added circuitry which, for the wattage, is generally less expensive on higher voltages.
Higher wattage units would normally require added circuitry which, for the wattage, is generally less expensive on higher voltages.
brother
Senior Member
Is there a reason why a 120 single pole 30 amp breaker cannot be used for a single outlet for fixed electric space heater?? for example, a 2000watt heater at a 120 volts, comes to 16.66 amps X 1.25 =20.825 amps.
so Im still at a loss at what they mean a 120v heater is limited to 1500 watts. heres the article.
http://www.epinions.com/content_2567086212
- Location
- Massachusetts
Consider the source.
Ahh! You shouldn't be. This one relies solely on memory, and is a good test question on familiarity with the code book.well I'll be...............
I absolutely must buy me a copy of that book one day :grin:
and actually read it
how embarassing.........
Present the question or problem as VA or W limitation based on voltage and it stumps most, because the requirement is voltage limitation based on VA.
- Location
- Massachusetts
The code section you posted does not prohibit 2000 watt heaters in dwelling units or limit them to 120 volts.
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Agreed. It merely states that you are permitted to use a higher voltage with loads greater than 1440va if you wish.
when i made my post i went back to try and edit it to ask if it was cord and plug connected or hardwired units.
system said i had to ask the administrator even when the edit button was present.
funny how you know that sometimes you know the rules but can't remember the ref. or whys.
system said i had to ask the administrator even when the edit button was present.
funny how you know that sometimes you know the rules but can't remember the ref. or whys.
I did not say it did (or didn't). I simply quoted code ("rule") that was likely at the core of the issue.
More correctly, regarding cord-and-plug-connected loads, you must use a higher voltage with loads greater than 1440va. It makes no such limitation for hard-wired loads.
Volta
Senior Member
- Location
- Columbus, Ohio
You mean the 1500w 120v heater isn't allowed?:roll:
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
If you're talking about the blue text in Smart's quote of 210.6(A)(2), it only says that loads of 1440va or less cannot be supplied by more than 120v, not that greater loads must be.
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
I've seen 1850w hair blowers.
Volta
Senior Member
- Location
- Columbus, Ohio
And 2200w in a salon commercially too! ( Service call for an overheating circuit, go figure [Doesn't a duplex mean two hair dryers at once???] ).
And UPS units with L5-30's, of course.:roll:
brother
Senior Member
Thanks for the info, I wonder what hp the motor is in the heaters. there is a limitation on them as well.
there is a limitation on them as well.Yeah, that was my oops. Larry said what I thought I meant.
Copperclad
Member
- Location
- Merritt Island, FL USA
do what?
do what?
Please explain this further......
your saying that a 1500w heating element would be less expensive to operate on a higher voltage?
do what?
Please explain this further......
your saying that a 1500w heating element would be less expensive to operate on a higher voltage?
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