What You Need to Know About Heaters and Thermostats: Installation and Wiring Configuration

In this segment we’ll discuss installation and wiring configuration with heaters and thermostats.

Since we determined the voltage, wattage, circuit capacity, and potential relays or transformers, we can now purchase and install the heater.

After determining the right heater for you, measure the space you plan to install the heater and account for the heater taking up additional space. Depending on the model, heater installation may call for slightly more wall or ceiling space than the length of the unit.

Typically, thermostats install in a central location, away from windows or vents that may interfere with the thermostat’s readings. This will affect wiring setups of heater installation, depending on the heater’s placement relative to the thermostat. Heaters install at three main points: wall, baseboard, or ceiling.

Heaters and thermostats can pair, regardless of brand, if the voltages, wattages, and wires match for the installation process.

Normally, the heater wires directly to the line voltage. The thermostat, on a separate circuit, connects to the breaker with another wire connected directly from the heating unit. If the thermostat is low voltage, relays or transformers may be required. Wire relays and transformers between thermostats and heaters or thermostats and breakers.

The difference between single pole and double pole thermostats is circuit capacity and capability.

A single pole thermostat requires one circuit on the breaker. Because of this, it cannot fully turn off and can only signal for the heater to go into a low setting.

A double pole thermostat requires two circuits and can completely turn off a heater.

For a more in-depth guide on the wiring process, this blog provides instruction on installing a single or double pole thermostat to a 240V baseboard heater.

There are thermostats specific to air conditioning, heating, or entire HVAC systems. Thermostat wiring must be done properly for heater installation.

Configurations may vary within the thermostat wiring, depending on the number of devices controlled by the thermostat and the capabilities of the thermostat. Verify thermostat wiring configurations with the wiring manual.

Thermostats usually follow a general wiring color code.

• Blue/Black- Common wire
• Red- Power
• Green- Fan
• White- Heat
• Yellow- Air conditioner

Heaters and thermostats typically require 10- or 12-gauge wiring. We offer multiple wiring options in our electrical supply.

We recommend hiring a certified electrician for installation. We hope you enjoyed the heater and thermostat series. If you have questions about pairing a heater with your thermostat, be sure to contact us!