Heater

What is a Heater Component?

The Heater component represents an electric heating element or appliance in your electrical plan. This includes electric baseboard heaters, wall heaters, portable space heaters, radiant heating panels, or any electric heating device. In Elecplanner, heaters automatically show an animated heat wave effect when they receive proper power, providing visual feedback about circuit operation. Heaters are passive devices that consume electrical power and convert it to heat.

Adding a Heater to Your Canvas

Step 1: Open the Component Library

1. Click the Components button in the sidebar
2. Open the Loads or Appliances category
3. Find the Heater component

Step 2: Place on Canvas

1. Click and hold the Heater icon
2. Drag it onto your canvas
3. Release to place it at the desired location
4. The heater will appear as multiple heating coils until it receives power

💡 Tip: Place heaters where they would actually be installed - along walls for baseboard heaters, on walls for wall-mounted units, or in specific locations for portable heaters.

Moving and Positioning Heaters

Moving a Heater

1. Click and hold on the heater
2. Drag it to a new location on your canvas
3. Release to place it
4. Connected wires will automatically adjust to follow the heater

Planning Heater Placement

• Along exterior walls for baseboard heaters (where heat loss is greatest)
• Under windows to counteract cold air
• In centralized locations for wall heaters
• Away from furniture and curtains (fire safety)
• Consider room layout and furniture placement

Understanding Heater Terminals

The heater has 3 terminals following standard electrical conventions:

Line Terminal (Hot)

• L (Red terminal) - Line, phase, or “hot” connection
• Connects to the powered side of your circuit
• Carries the electrical current to the heating element
• Typically comes from a circuit breaker or thermostat

Neutral Terminal

• N (Blue terminal) - Neutral connection
• Completes the electrical circuit
• Returns current to the panel
• Connects to neutral bus in your panel

Ground Terminal

• Ground (Green terminal) - Protective earth connection
• Provides safety grounding for the heater chassis
• Connects to ground bus in your panel
• Essential for metal-framed heaters

How It Works Electrically

Heater ON conditions:

• Line (L) terminal = HIGH
• Neutral (N) terminal = LOW
• This creates a potential difference, allowing current to flow
• The heater operates and shows animated heat waves

Heater OFF conditions:

• Line = LOW, or
• Neutral = HIGH, or
• Both are the same state (no potential difference), or
• Wires are disconnected (FLOATING state)

The heater only operates when there’s proper voltage across L and N terminals!

Using Heaters in Simulation Mode

Starting the Simulation

1. Click the Simulate button in the toolbar (or press S)
2. Your circuit becomes live
3. Heaters that are receiving proper power will show animated heat waves

Visual Feedback

Heater ON:

• Animated heat wave effect emanating from the coils
• Indicates L terminal is HIGH and N terminal is LOW
• Shows that power is flowing and heat is being generated

Heater OFF:

• Static appearance, no animation
• Indicates no power or incorrect wiring
• Check your switches, thermostats, and circuit breakers

Testing Your Heating Circuit

1. Toggle switches or thermostats to see heaters respond
2. Turn circuit breakers off to see heaters stop operating
3. Test different heater circuits independently
4. Verify all heaters in your plan work as expected

💡 Tip: If a heater doesn’t animate in simulation, check: Is the circuit breaker on? Is the thermostat/switch in the on position? Are all wires connected?

Wiring a Heater

Basic Heater Connection

The simplest wiring from a circuit breaker:

Step-by-step wiring:

1. Line Connection:

   • Connect circuit breaker’s L-OUT to heater’s L terminal
   • This brings power to the heater

2. Neutral Connection:

   • Connect electrical panel’s neutral bus to heater’s N terminal
   • This completes the circuit

3. Ground Connection:

   • Connect electrical panel’s ground bus to heater’s Ground terminal
   • This provides safety grounding

Result: The heater is now powered and will operate continuously when the breaker is on.

Heater with Thermostat Control

For automatic temperature control:

Step-by-step wiring:

1. Power to Thermostat:

   • Connect circuit breaker’s L-OUT to thermostat input
   • Connect panel neutral bus to thermostat neutral
   • Thermostat receives power

2. Thermostat to Heater:

   • Connect thermostat’s controlled output to heater’s L terminal
   • This is the “switched hot” wire
   • Thermostat controls when heater receives power

3. Complete Circuit:

   • Connect heater’s N terminal to panel neutral bus
   • Connect heater’s Ground terminal to panel ground bus

Result: Thermostat automatically turns heater on/off to maintain desired temperature.

Heater with Manual Switch

For manual on/off control:

Step-by-step wiring:

1. Power to Switch:

   • Connect circuit breaker to switch L terminals
   • Switch receives power

2. Switch to Heater:

   • Connect switch Position 1 output to heater L terminal
   • This creates manual control

3. Complete Circuit:

   • Connect heater N to panel neutral
   • Connect heater Ground to panel ground

Result: Switch Position 1 = heater on, Position 2 = heater off.

Multiple Heaters on One Circuit

When using multiple heaters on one circuit:

⚠️ Critical: Calculate total wattage! Don’t exceed circuit capacity.

Series Wiring:

1. Wire from circuit breaker (or thermostat) to first heater’s L
2. From first heater’s L, wire to second heater’s L
3. Continue to additional heaters if capacity allows
4. Connect all N terminals together in a chain
5. Connect all Ground terminals together

Important: Ensure total wattage doesn’t exceed 80% of circuit breaker capacity!

Example Calculation:

20A Circuit at 120V = 2400W maximum
80% safe continuous load = 1920W

If using 1000W heaters:
- Max heaters: 1 (1000W < 1920W) ✓
- Cannot add a 2nd heater (2000W > 1920W) ✗

Recommendation: Use dedicated circuits for each heater!

Heater Circuit Sizing

Calculating Heater Load

Power Formula:

• Watts = Volts × Amps
• Amps = Watts ÷ Volts

Common Heater Sizes:

Small Heaters (500-1500W):

• Portable space heaters
• Bathroom wall heaters
• Small room supplemental heat
• Circuit: 15A or 20A

Medium Heaters (1500-3000W):

• Baseboard heaters (6-8 feet)
• Wall-mounted panel heaters
• Small room primary heat
• Circuit: 20A dedicated

Large Heaters (3000-5000W):

• Large baseboard heaters (8-12 feet)
• Whole room heating systems
• Workshop/garage heaters
• Circuit: 20-30A dedicated

Very Large Heaters (5000W+):

• Multiple room heating
• Industrial applications
• May require 240V circuits
• Circuit: 30-50A dedicated, possibly 240V

Recommended Circuit Breaker Sizing

General Rule: Heater wattage should not exceed 80% of circuit capacity

15A Circuit (120V):

• Maximum capacity: 1800W
• Safe continuous load: 1440W
• Recommended heater size: Up to 1200W
• Typical use: Small portable heaters

20A Circuit (120V):

• Maximum capacity: 2400W
• Safe continuous load: 1920W
• Recommended heater size: Up to 1500W
• Typical use: Medium heaters, most common

30A Circuit (120V):

• Maximum capacity: 3600W
• Safe continuous load: 2880W
• Recommended heater size: Up to 2500W
• Typical use: Large baseboard heaters

20A Circuit (240V):

• Maximum capacity: 4800W
• Safe continuous load: 3840W
• Recommended heater size: Up to 3500W
• Typical use: Large electric heaters

30A Circuit (240V):

• Maximum capacity: 7200W
• Safe continuous load: 5760W
• Recommended heater size: Up to 5000W
• Typical use: Multiple heaters or large systems

💡 Best Practice: Use dedicated circuits for each heater or room. This prevents overloading and allows independent control.

Common Heater Wiring Patterns

Pattern 1: Simple Heater Circuit

Circuit Breaker (20A) → Heater (1500W)
Neutral Bus → Heater N terminal
Ground Bus → Heater Ground terminal

Result: Basic heater operation, always on when breaker is on

Pattern 2: Heater with Thermostat

Circuit Breaker → Thermostat → Heater
Neutral and Ground to all components

Result: Automatic temperature control, thermostat cycles heater on/off

Pattern 3: Multiple Heaters with Individual Control

Circuit Breaker A → Thermostat A → Heater A (Bedroom)
Circuit Breaker B → Thermostat B → Heater B (Living Room)
Circuit Breaker C → Thermostat C → Heater C (Bathroom)

Result: Independent zone control, each room controlled separately

Pattern 4: Multiple Heaters on One Thermostat

Circuit Breaker → Thermostat → Junction Box
                              ├→ Heater 1
                              ├→ Heater 2
                              └→ Heater 3

Result: All heaters controlled by one thermostat (ensure total wattage is safe!)

Pattern 5: Heater with Safety Switch

Circuit Breaker → Switch (safety cutoff) → Thermostat → Heater

Result: Manual override switch for safety, thermostat for automatic control

Practical Applications

Room-by-Room Heating

Bathroom:

• Small wall heater (1000-1500W)
• Dedicated 20A circuit
• Timer or manual switch recommended
• Keep away from water sources
• GFCI protection may be required

Bedroom:

• Baseboard heater (1000-2000W per room)
• Individual thermostat per room
• Dedicated 20A circuit
• Quiet operation important

Living Room:

• Multiple baseboard units or wall heaters
• Total 2000-4000W depending on room size
• May require multiple circuits
• Zone control for efficiency

Basement:

• Wall or ceiling-mounted heaters
• 1500-3000W depending on size
• Dedicated circuit
• Consider moisture resistance

Garage/Workshop:

• High-wattage wall heaters (3000-5000W)
• 240V circuit often required
• Manual control common
• Adequate ventilation important

Office/Study:

• Small heater (750-1500W)
• Can share circuit with lights if sized properly
• Personal comfort control

Special Heating Applications

Radiant Floor Heating:

• Large wattage, distributed heating
• Multiple dedicated circuits
• Thermostat control essential
• Professional design required

Outdoor Heaters:

• Patio heaters (1500-4500W)
• Weather-resistant circuits required
• GFCI protection may be required
• Dedicated circuits recommended

Industrial/Commercial:

• High-wattage units (5000W+)
• 240V or 3-phase circuits
• Professional installation required
• Special safety considerations

Thermostat Integration

Types of Thermostats

Line Voltage Thermostats:

• Direct control of heater power
• Rated for heater wattage
• Simple wiring (in series with heater)
• Common for electric baseboard heaters

Low Voltage Thermostats:

• Control via relay or contactor
• Not typically used with electric heaters
• More complex wiring

Programmable Thermostats:

• Set schedules for heating
• Energy savings through automation
• More expensive but efficient

Smart Thermostats:

• Remote control via phone/internet
• Learning capabilities
• Maximum efficiency and convenience

Wiring with Thermostats

Basic Line Voltage Thermostat:

1. Hot wire from breaker → Thermostat input
2. Thermostat output → Heater L terminal
3. Neutral directly to heater N terminal
4. Ground directly to heater Ground terminal

The thermostat acts as a switch in the hot wire path!

Best Practices

Circuit Planning

1. Dedicated circuits: One circuit per heater or heating zone
2. Proper sizing: Never exceed 80% of circuit capacity
3. Wire gauge: Use appropriate wire size (12 AWG for 20A minimum)
4. Independent control: Separate circuits allow zone control
5. Future capacity: Plan for potential additions

Safety Considerations

1. Clearances: Maintain proper clearance from combustibles
   • 12 inches minimum from curtains
   • 3 feet minimum from furniture
   • Follow manufacturer specifications
2. Grounding: Always connect ground wire
3. GFCI: May be required in bathrooms or wet areas
4. Overcurrent protection: Proper circuit breaker sizing
5. Thermostat location: Away from heat sources, drafts, direct sunlight

Energy Efficiency

1. Thermostatic control: Don’t run heaters continuously
2. Zone heating: Heat only occupied rooms
3. Proper sizing: Don’t oversize heaters for the space
4. Insulation: Good insulation reduces heating needs
5. Programmable controls: Automatic temperature setback when away

Heater Selection

1. Calculate heat loss: BTU requirements for the space
2. Wattage conversion: 1 watt ≈ 3.41 BTU/hour
3. Room size: Typical 10 watts per square foot
4. Insulation quality: Better insulation = less wattage needed
5. Ceiling height: Higher ceilings need more heat

Troubleshooting

Heater Not Operating in Simulation

Check Power Source:

• Is the circuit breaker ON?
• Is power reaching the heater?
• Are wires connected from panel to heater?

Check Control Devices:

• Is the thermostat set to call for heat?
• Is the manual switch in Position 1 (on)?
• Are control devices properly wired?

Check Heater Wiring:

• Is Line (L) terminal connected to power source?
• Is Neutral (N) terminal connected to panel neutral?
• Is Ground terminal connected?

Check Circuit Continuity:

• Is there a complete path: breaker → control → heater → neutral → panel?
• Are there any breaks in the wire chain?

Heater Stays On Continuously

Thermostat Issue:

• Thermostat may be wired incorrectly
• Thermostat may be stuck or faulty
• Set point may be too high

Wiring Issue:

• Heater may be wired directly to breaker (bypassing controls)
• Check that controls are in the circuit path

Circuit Breaker Trips

Overload:

• Total heater wattage exceeds circuit capacity
• Solution: Reduce load or increase circuit size

Short Circuit:

• Wiring fault or damaged heater
• Solution: Inspect wiring, test heater

Ground Fault:

• Current leaking to ground
• Solution: Check GFCI if present, inspect for damaged wires

Multiple Heaters, Only Some Work

Individual Circuit Issues:

• Each heater may be on a separate circuit
• Check each circuit breaker
• Verify each heater’s wiring

Series Wiring Break:

• If wired in series, break affects downstream heaters
• Check connections between working and non-working heaters

Safety Considerations

Real-World Installation

⚠️ Important: This documentation is for planning in Elecplanner. For actual electrical installations:

• Always hire a licensed electrician
• Follow all local electrical codes
• Obtain proper permits and inspections
• Use properly rated heaters and circuits
• Never work on live electrical circuits
• Follow manufacturer installation instructions

Heater Safety

• Fire hazard: Keep combustibles away from heaters
• Burn hazard: Heater surfaces can be extremely hot
• Electrical safety: Proper grounding prevents shock
• Overheating: Don’t cover heaters or block airflow
• Child safety: Keep children away from hot heaters

Installation Safety

• Wire sizing: Must match or exceed circuit amperage
• Circuit protection: Breaker must be properly sized
• Grounding: Essential for metal-framed heaters
• Clearances: Follow code requirements for spacing
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation for combustion heaters

Code Compliance

• NEC requirements: Follow National Electrical Code
• Local codes: May have additional requirements
• Manufacturer specs: Must follow installation instructions
• Permits: Often required for heater installation
• Inspections: May be required before use

Related Topics

• Circuit Breaker - Protecting heater circuits
• Switch - Manual heater control
• Outlet - For portable heaters
• Junction Box - Organizing heater connections
• Wiring Basics - General wiring techniques

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💡 Quick Tip: Electric heaters are high-load devices! Always calculate total wattage carefully and use dedicated circuits. A 1500W heater on a 15A circuit is at 83% capacity - close to the limit. It’s safer to use a 20A circuit for any permanent heater installation!