Outlet above a baseboard heater.

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Pimp-Juice88

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My house was built in the early 70's and there is a baseboard heater mounted under an outlet and today it would be a code violation but if I don't plug anything in that outlet while I am using the heater can it melt the outlet if the temp is hot? The outlet is about 3 inches above the heater. :confused:
 
Re: Outlet above a baseboard heater.

It depends. The manufacturer may or may not allow receptacles to be mounted above the heater. I suspect it may be impossible to find out if this heater is as old as the house and the documentation is missing.

I am guessing that the "no outlet" restriction comes with high-density heaters, which have a higher heat output per foot than standard baseboard heaters.
 
Re: Outlet above a baseboard heater.

I dunno about that. I'm pretty sure I get the cheapest BB heaters available, and they mention "no outlets" in the instruction sheet. If I remember right.
 
Re: Outlet above a baseboard heater.

But this would depend on the code and/or instructions at the time of the installation. If it was proper and inspected at the time, it doesn't have to be changed unless the entire house must be brought to current standards, like during a greater-than-50% renovation.
 
Re: Outlet above a baseboard heater.

Well I am guessing that the heater is as old is the house and well the heat shouldn't melt or scorch the outlet would it? Did the NEC allow or not specify if outlets are allowed above heaters back then? No, by the looks of the rest of the wiring, I am guessing the house was never inspected. In my town we are not required to have permits, but the city in my county that is close to my town requires that you have a permit.

[ September 29, 2005, 09:11 PM: Message edited by: Pimp-Juice88 ]
 
Re: Outlet above a baseboard heater.

Originally posted by Pimp-Juice88:
My house was built in the early 70's and there is a baseboard heater mounted under an outlet and today it would be a code violation but if I don't plug anything in that outlet while I am using the heater can it melt the outlet if the temp is hot? The outlet is about 3 inches above the heater. :confused:
Click to expand...
The receptacle should be just fine if you don't plug anything into it while the bbh is on.

There's no specific NEC prohibition against having a receptacle above a bbh other than 110-3(b).

BTW, every set of instructions I've ever seen for a bbh says that the heater mustn't be installed below a receptacle outlet.

- Jim K
 
Re: Outlet above a baseboard heater.

My house, 1972, also has the outlets above the heaters. I use some of them, but I'm not too crazy about the installation. This year I should be okay, cus I'm using a pellet stove to heat the place up. Doggone less-tricity is too expensive to heat with anymore in these parts. :mad:
 
Re: Outlet above a baseboard heater.

Since when does meeting code equate to safety or much less quality??
Code is bare minimum.

IF you don't like the outlet there don't use it
OR put in those kid proof caps
OR take it out wire nut the conductors (and I tape em) and install a blank plate
OR move it to one end of the outlet or other or both (to meet 6' rule) (my choice also keeps that cheapXXXX zip cord away from heaters)

Dan Bentler
 
Re: Outlet above a baseboard heater.

I am also wanting to install another heater and is a single pole thermostat safe for use?since it does not have an off control? I know the red lead goes to the wire coming from the panel and the black lead goes to the heater. There are 2 black wires on the heater and does it matter which black wire I connect to the thermostat? :confused:
 
Re: Outlet above a baseboard heater.

Yes. Ask your supervisor.

Edit to say: Pimp, welcome to the forum. :)

Be careful about asking too many "how-to" questions. You should be working under supervision, that's what I mean by my answer. No disrespect is intended. :)

[ October 02, 2005, 02:02 AM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
 
Re: Outlet above a baseboard heater.

Pimp-Juice88,

Something to consider. There is another rather large post here discussing work ethics, trade knowledge, job vs. career, etc. titled, "Is The Skill and Training Really Going Down Hill?"

Your profile indicates you are an electrical student. Whether this outlet was installed before it was a violation or not, would you not now prefer to make it right? Research has shown this to be a risky situation and therefore the code.

I don't believe the reason for the code has as much to do with the outlet itself as it does with the potential fixture cord that would be layed over the heater if something was plugged in. If the heater is radiating enough heat to melt the outlet cover or any other compenents, I would think the wall itself is at high risk of ignition and this heater should be removed.

Bob
 
Re: Outlet above a baseboard heater.

The heater is only a 750 watt and it is mounted on drywall. By the way I have been working with residential wiring for 6 years now.
 
Re: Outlet above a baseboard heater.

I am also wanting to install another heater and is a single pole thermostat safe for use since it does not have an off control? I know the red lead goes to the wire coming from the panel and the black lead goes to the heater. There are 2 black wires on the heater and does it matter which black wire I connect to the thermostat?
Click to expand...
6 years?...perhaps its time for some electrical theory classes
 
Re: Outlet above a baseboard heater.

If a baseboard heater got hot enough to melt an electrical device mounted 3" above it they would be very hazardous. Can you imagine the number of fires causes by curtains and other furniture that came into contact with such heaters, not to mention children and pets that were burned by touching them? The restriction is to minimize the possibility of an electrical cord drooping down and coming in contact with the heater. Your solution of not using the heater is perfectly sound, or you want to route and support any cords so that they do not contact the heater. This goes for curtains, furniture, carpet, and bed covers also.
 
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