Outlets above baseboard heat

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iwirehouses

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Whats the deal with this? The baseboard heat is gas and there are existing outlets about 3 inches above them. I don't see this being good. I think the outlet and romex would be fine, but the cord plugged into the outlet might have a good chance of melting. We can go up say three feet above the heater. Problem is, there's a huge window above it, and if we went to the sides of the heater, we would be breaking the 7ft rule. What do we do? I searched the NEC and all I could find seemed to say, in exterior walls just follow the wiring methods in 300 and in interior walls derate the circuit to 40 degrees celcius. Any advice?
 
iwirehouses,

" the baseboard heat is gas" Is this true? Or is it hot water or hot air that

is heated by a gas furnace.

424.9 has info on electric baseboard heat ,and recpts. above but hot water

or hot air is not mentioned.

If you feel that a hazard will exist than DO NOT install a recpt. above it.
 
The restrictions on receps over baseboard heat applies to electric baseboard heat. If you have baseboard heat and gas as the fuel, then you are working with hydronic baseboard heat which is not a problem.
 
Just because it's allowed doesn't always mean it's a good idea. Many times we exceed the NEC requirements in order to do a good job. So, how about installing a floor receptacle in front of the heater? Just a thought.

Bob on the left coast.
 
iwirehouses said:
Any advice?
Click to expand...

It's possible that you are not spacing your outlets correctly. From what you said, I don't think you understand 210.52

Just curious, are you laying this out, or is your journeyman or master/contractor electrician?
 
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bkludecke said:
Just because it's allowed doesn't always mean it's a good idea. Many times we exceed the NEC requirements in order to do a good job.
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That is a very good point and many of the members here do exceed the NEC. :cool:

In New England forced hot water baseboard is very common it is no problem whatsoever to place receptacles above it. The baseboard does not get hot enough to damage the cords. Even drapes can touch them unlike electric baseboard.

Often the plumbers install the baseboard wall to wall on all exterior walls, if your in a corner room you have two entire walls lined with baseboard heat (actually some of it may just be covering plain pipe)

This leaves only two choices, above the heater or in the floor. (more on that later;))

With Electric baseboard heat there are more choices, it does not usually run wall to wall or longer than 12' so place an outlet at each end and you have met the requirements.

Or you can get an outlet kit that installs in the electric baseboard.

So, how about installing a floor receptacle in front of the heater?
Click to expand...

My personal opinion is that your not doing anyone a favor installing a flush floor outlet. It will fill with junk, it will break, it will require replacement.

Unless the customer specifically requests a floor outlet for a specific use I would really try to avoid installing a flush floor receptacle.

JMO.
 
Just curious. Does this rule apply to electrically operated baseboard heat that is "hydronic" (i.e. the element does not actually heat up and glow but rather heats up a liquid inside a pipe similar in effect to h/w baseboard heat)?
 
goldstar said:
Just curious. Does this rule apply to electrically operated baseboard heat that is "hydronic" (i.e. the element does not actually heat up and glow but rather heats up a liquid inside a pipe similar in effect to h/w baseboard heat)?
Click to expand...

There is no rule. Just a fine print note, 210.52FPN
All you have to do is check the listing.

And if you find that the listing allows the heater under the plugs, give the inspector a call and let him know that he'll be seeing electric heaters below some plugs and find out if he wants to see a copy of the heater listing.

If I was the inspector, I would say yes, I need to see the listing.

David
 
"Just curious. Does this rule apply to electrically operated baseboard heat that is "hydronic" (i.e. the element does not actually heat up and glow but rather heats up a liquid inside a pipe similar in effect to h/w baseboard heat)?"




If I'm not mistaken, most electric baseboard heaters are liquid filled tubes, are they not?

Incidentally, how do I select text options such as quoting, color, etc? I don't see these options when I create or reply to a post.

Bob
 
bthielen said:
If I'm not mistaken, most electric baseboard heaters are liquid filled tubes, are they not?
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Not that I know of most are simple electric elements inside a metal tube.

They get hot but not 'glowing' like a stove top.
 
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bthielen said:
Incidentally, how do I select text options such as quoting, color, etc? I don't see these options when I create or reply to a post.
Click to expand...

Click "My Profile" on this page just under "Mike Holt's Code Forum > NEC > Outlets above baseboard heat"

Click on "Edit Options"

Down at the bottom of the page under Misc. is a pull-down tab. You want "Enhanced Interface".

Aren't new forums fun?!?:cool:

[Edited once to correct my goof!]
 
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I love this stuff. Especially when some of you guys look for fly poop in the pepper shaker. Keep it up.

Bob on the left coast.
 
hardworkingstiff said:
I'm curious, what's the 7' rule?
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The 7' rule is the one that says you have to bring a tape measure that's at least 7' long so that you can measure out 6' from each doorway and 6' 7" from floor to top breaker :rolleyes:
 
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