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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / Plug-In Wire a Baseboard Heater?
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spencerin
Member
# Posted: 18 Oct 2022 23:55 - Edited by: spencerin
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I'm not an electrician.....but, I'm thinking I can buy a 1,000W *120V* hardwire electric baseboard heater and wire in a plug through a knock-out on the side and plug it into an outlet. I *think* code is okay with a baseboard heater on a general circuit as long as the draw is 50% or less than the circuit's rated ampacity, which in this case it is. Any reason why I otherwise wouldn't be able to do this?

Nate R
Member
# Posted: 19 Oct 2022 08:25
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I would think this is OK.
I mean, Cadet sells their same baseboard heaters with plugs and feet for portable use. https://www.cadet.glendimplexamericas.com/en-us/electric-heating-solutions/baseboard- heaters/portable-baseboards

In theory, you could go higher than 1000w, depending on what else is on the circuit... depends on whether you want to call it a "fixed" or "attached" appliance.... But if you do call it fixed.... you have 900w available on a 15A circuit, or 1200 on a 20A.

Tim_Ohio
Member
# Posted: 19 Oct 2022 08:48
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The most important thing is to assure you use sufficient wire for the chord, based on the wattage.
If I were doing it, I would use a stranded 10 AWG. Don't think Romex is suitable. It needs to be braded, since it will get moved around and not fixed. Also, on that knock out, find a suitable strain relief type of clamp, or over time, moving it about will cause damage to the wire.

Tim_Ohio
Member
# Posted: 19 Oct 2022 08:51 - Edited by: Tim_Ohio
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Oh, also what will control the unit? A plug in style would usually have a thermostat or high low switch of some sort. When I wired two of the non-corded ones into a bathroom, I installed a "line" thermostat. The live wire goes directly into the wall "line" thermostat and then when the circuit closes due to the set point of dial thermostat, the power was sent to the unit.

Tim

Brettny
Member
# Posted: 19 Oct 2022 10:12
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I dont believe code will like you putting a plug on a hardwire style heater...neither will your insurance.

1kw is prety small. Why not just buy a cheap portable one? Generaly there 1.5kw. A few weeks ago I bought one that has a built in digital thermostat for $33 on amazon.

gcrank1
Member
# Posted: 19 Oct 2022 10:13
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Hope you are going to power it from the grid or a gen, it will suck a battery bank dry pretty quick.

spencerin
Member
# Posted: 19 Oct 2022 10:58 - Edited by: spencerin
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I'll add a double-pole thermostat. The plan is to buy a Cadet heater, add the thermostat, and add the plug.

The intent is to use it as supplemental heat next to a bed. I want something permanently attached to the wall but not hardwired. I have seen the plug-in versions, but those take up more floor space and they're all 1,500W, which takes up more amperage on the circuit than I would like.....

Brettny
Member
# Posted: 20 Oct 2022 08:56
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That dosnt sound safe. Why does it need to plug in to begin with? If you are confident enough to wire in a thermostat why not just hard wire it if its going to be permanently mounted?

DaveBell
Moderator
# Posted: 20 Oct 2022 13:29
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What about one of these oil heaters? I love mine.
https://www.amazon.com/DeLonghi-Comfort-Thermostat-Settings-Features/dp/B000TGDGLU/re f=asc_df_B000TGDGLU/?tag=smacab-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167116234959&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&h vrand=4919117834534944414&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy =9008161&hvtargid=pla-276712688777&psc=1

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