Any Electricians?

[KevDen2005]

I need to talk to an electrician about hooking up a 240v garage heater to an existent 240v line. I usually do this stuff myself but I want to clarify a couple things before I do it.

[SideShow Bob]

Shut the power off at the circuit breaker can, verify power is off at connection point with a VMM. White to white, black to black and red to red.
Then, before everything is closed up, do a smoke test by turning power back on. If you let the smoke out of the heater, you did something wrong.

[Irving]

After you're done, make sure to call Bob and complain about what he charges for his expertise.

[SideShow Bob]

There are a few of electricians on the board that do it for a living.
If you post your questions, I am sure that you will have a proper and correct answer only after a pages of sophomoric crotch humor......

[KevDen2005]

I have a question about using an existing 240v plug in my garage to attach a heater to it. The wiring was done initially if I ever wanted to use a welder. It's never been used for a welder but I like having the option.. The plug is on 2 30 amp breakers. I am looking at potentially purchasing the heater I have attached or something similar. The wiring itself is not difficult to me but my question is, is my plug completely useless now and I have to get rid of it or can I tap into the line for the heater and still have access to my plug. I am guessing if it's the second, I will not be able to use the outlet anymore. I hope this makes sense.
gohttps://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200680243_200680243?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Heaters%20%26 %20Stoves%20%2B%20Fireplaces%20%3E%20Electric%20He aters&utm_campaign=King%20Electrical&utm_content=5 8592&gclid=CjwKCAiAiuTfBRAaEiwA4itUqFzSrU-K3a3qBVfmwt2P4LI5t6sl5I66Dy1qeE3uda4wsxJEce73ERoCY i4QAvD_BwE

[SideShow Bob]

Your link is not working for me, if the heater is rated for 30 amps or less at maximum load, you can run it on the existing circuit. But you will have to eliminate the plug or put a male cord end on the heater. This will prevent you from inadvertently runnining both a welder and the heater at the same time and having the breaker trip and or over current on the wires to the plug.

That will be $25, please......

Edit:
I don’t have access to my NEC manual, you will need to find out if a garage heater is considered a “continuous use devise”. If it is, you will have to up the load rating 125%.
Then see if the existing wiring size is rated for that load.

That will I’ll be another $25 please.

Edit 2:
Article 424, the section that deals with electrical heaters, considers a fixed electrical heater is a continuous use appliance. [424.3(B)]. So you will have to use the load calculation factor to determine the proper conductor size and over current protection.
Also, you cannot by code you will not be able to install a male cord end and use the existing plug.

That will be another $50.......... I had to actually use my brain, and a finger to turn pages....

[00tec]

Kev's heater...

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...0243_200680243

20 amps

[SideShow Bob]

Kev's heater...

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...0243_200680243

20 amps

Sorry Kev, you will have to increase wire size and over current devises for this circuit
If you want to run a welder and heater on the same branch circuit. And you will have to install a sub panel to service both.

You will be able to run either or, but not both.

[ray1970]

You pulling that stuff out of the NEC book, Bob?

[SideShow Bob]

You pulling that stuff out of the NEC book, Bob?

Like my iPad email signature says “Sent from my ass, using re-fried beans”.......



Yes, I have an older edition at home.
The article is correct, but the section may be moved slightly.