how is this safer?

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docluv

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fort comptins' wess side
while studing to brighten my future.I came across a question in a study guide that I can't understand,how the code rule makes it safer for the un-electricaly inclined.The question reads,"Is a 1200 watt,240-volt heater,on a cord plug-in legal in a dwelling unit." the anwser is no. "The load must be greater that 1440watts for voltages higher than 120. "210.6(a)(2). I repeat WHAT?
 
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celtic

celtic

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Location
NJ
docluv said:
"The load most be greater that 1440watts for voltages higher than 120. "210.6(a)(2). I repeat WHAT?
Click to expand...
TYPO?

210.6
(A) (2)Cord-and-plug-connected loads 1440 volt-amperes, nominal, or less or less than 1⁄4 hp
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The commentary from the NECH on this states:
Small loads, such as those of 1440 volt-amperes or less and motors of less than 1/4 horsepower, are limited to 120-volt circuits. High-wattage cord-and-plug-connected loads, such as electric ranges, clothes dryers, and some window air conditioners, may be connected to a 208-volt or 240-volt circuit.
Click to expand...


What study guide is this from?
 
George Stolz

George Stolz

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Well, they guy appears to make a respectable living despite having an easily picked-on name, so I suppose we could give him a little slack. :)

docluv said:
The question reads,"Is a 1200 watt,240-volt heater,on a cord plug-in legal in a dwelling unit." the anwser is no. "The load must be greater that 1440watts for voltages higher than 120. "210.6(a)(2). I repeat WHAT?
Click to expand...
Well, the study guide is correct as applied to the NEC. The 1200W heater would have to be 120V to be legally plugged into a dwelling unit.

I'm not sure why 120V is safer than 240V in this case. It would seem to me to be a convenience to be 120V, I'm not sure why it would be a safety consideration... :confused:
 
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realolman

Senior Member
About the only places you could use a 240 v plug in heater would be around the range and the clothes dryer. You could hurt your back plugging it in, or get the cord in your Rice-a-Roni. :)
 
Dennis Alwon

Dennis Alwon

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The code says that the voltage beteen conductors shall not exceed 120 volts, nominal, between conductors that supply the TERMINALS of the following... Cord & plug connected loads, 1440VA nominal or less.

Unless we are wiring an individual circuit for this heater and it is in place how are we to know what is plugged into the receptacle. We do not wire heaters that plug in we wire receptacles TERMINALS. What they are used for is usually not our decision.

Almost every blow dryer and wall heater I have seen are marked 1500 watts. If the above were the case why would UL list these products?
 
Dennis Alwon

Dennis Alwon

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georgestolz said:
The section doesn't say a 120V load can't be larger than 1440W; it says a 240V can't be smaller.
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I read that 4 times. Good thing I went to college. I learned how to not read there.
 
jaylectricity

jaylectricity

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Location
Massachusetts
Occupation
licensed journeyman electrician
docluv said:
while studing to brighten my future.I came across a question in a study guide that I can't understand,how the code rule makes it safer for the un-electricaly inclined.The question reads,"Is a 1200 watt,240-volt heater,on a cord plug-in legal in a dwelling unit." the anwser is no. "The load must be greater that 1440watts for voltages higher than 120. "210.6(a)(2). I repeat WHAT?
Click to expand...

I don't get what you guys were talking about. Where is the typo?
It's 1200 watts(less than 1440) so the heater can not be 240 volts. So no, it's not legal.

Please enlighten my misguided brain.
 
celtic

celtic

Senior Member
Location
NJ
Q: Is a 1200 watt,240-volt heater,on a cord plug-in legal in a dwelling unit.
A: No, 210.6(a)(2)
Y: The section doesn't say a 120V load can't be larger than 1440W; it says a 240V can't be smaller.

210.6 Branch-Circuit Voltage Limitations.
The nominal voltage of branch circuits shall not exceed the values permitted by 210.6(A) through 210.6(E).

(A) Occupancy Limitation.
In dwelling units and guestrooms or guest suites of hotels, motels, and similar occupancies, the voltage shall not exceed 120 volts, nominal, between conductors that supply the terminals of the following:

(2) Cord-and-plug-connected loads 1440 volt-amperes, nominal, or less or less than 1⁄4 hp
Click to expand...
 
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bphgravity

Senior Member
Location
Florida
I sat right next to Larry Bobo at Mike Holt's Instructors Conference a couple years ago. He is a very intelligent and interesting person. I am glad to see he is doing well... Sometimes the world seems to be so small...
 
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