Electric Heaters and Circuit Safety
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How to Safely Dealing with Increased Electrical Loads – To avoid circuit overload and creating a potentially dangerous condition circuit breakers or fuses should never be removed and replaced with one that is a different type and or has a higher rating.
© By: Dave Rongey
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Adding Electric Heaters May Require Additional Circuits
[ad#block] I need to run electrical heaters to keep the area warm and comfortable, one in the bedroom overloads and trips the breaker.
- My home is a 20 year old 1300 sq ft bungalow with a walk out basement.
- The family room, bed room, utility room and workshop are in the basement and are quite cold in the winter.
- I need to run electrical heaters in the basement to keep the area warm and comfortable with out over heating the upstairs.
- Running a heater in the family room and one in the bedroom overloads and trips the breaker.
- Trouble is the whole basement is on one 15 amp breaker and the 100 amp breaker box is full.
- This was probably ok 20 years ago but now there are quite a few electrical items running, eg tv’s, computer systems, games, fridge and freezer, etc.
- I do not want to rewire or run another sub box. I had this estimated and was way too expensive.
The main electrical question is this:
- Can I change out the 15 amp breaker to a 20 amp to satisfy the extra load?
Thanks, Tom J
This electrical wiring question came from: Tom Jenkins, a Property Manager from Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Tom Jenkins.
How to Safely Dealing with Increased Electrical Loads
- To avoid circuit overload and creating a potentially dangerous condition circuit breakers or fuses should never be removed and replaced with one that is a different type and or has a higher rating, this is extremely unsafe and could lead to a house fire!
- A 100 amp panel is marginal for a 1300 sq. ft. home, but this would need to be carefully evaluated by a qualified electrician.
- From what has been described, it does appear that some electrical circuit work will indeed be required.
- If electrical heating units are to be used, you may want to consider permanently installing 240 volt baseboard heating units and having dedicated circuits installed.
The Following will assist you with your Electrical Circuits
Circuit breaker
Electrical Wiring Protection using Circuit Breakers
A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.
Electrical wire
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
How to Install Basement Electrical Wiring
Basement Electrical Wiring
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Basement Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.
The following may also be helpful for you:
A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring
Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right
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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets
UL Listed
Light indicates if wiring is incorrect
Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..
The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.
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Electrical Parts to Help You Wire it Right
Residential Electrical Parts and Accessories
Light Switches
120volt Outlets
Circuit Breakers
Electrician Tools
Voltage Testers
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