How To Wire The Thermastat On An Base Board Heater

In order to control a baseboard heater, you will need to learn how to wire the thermostat on a base board heater.  The thermostat not only allows the heater to be turned on and off, but also can be set at a specific temperature to save operating costs.  Read on to learn how to wire the thermostat on a baseboard heater.

To wire the thermostat on a baseboard heater, you will need:

• Installed baseboard heater
• Baseboard heater thermostat
• Screwdriver
• Wire stripper
• Wire connectors

Process to wire the thermostat on a baseboard heater:

1. Make sure you have the correct thermostat for your baseboard heater.  Most baseboard heaters use 240 volts, however some use 120 volts.  Be sure the thermostat is the correct type for your heater.  Similarly, thermostats that mount on the heater are available as are thermostats that mount on the wall and control more than one heater.  Choose the best option to meet your needs.
2. Turn off all electrical power to the baseboard heater by disconnecting the fuse going to the heater or turning off the breaker.  This is essential for safety.
3. Prepare the wires to connect the baseboard heater to the thermostat.  Use the screwdriver to remove the access panel on the baseboard heater and locate the wires.  There should be three, black (hot), white (neutral) and green (ground).  Separate the wires and strip about 3/4-inch insulation from each using the wire strippers.
4. Connect the wires from the baseboard heater to the thermostat.  Refer to the wiring diagram that came with the thermostat to connect the wires from the baseboard heater to the thermostat.  Connect the black (hot) wire to the line side of the thermostat, the white (neutral) wire to the load neutral side of the thermostat and the green (ground) wire to both the ground on the thermostat and the heater.  Connect each using the wire connectors.
5. Install the thermostat.  If you're using a thermostat that mounts on the heater itself, use the screwdriver to mount the thermostat on the heater.  If you are using a wall thermostat, mount it on the wall in your desired space using the hardware provided.
6. Turn on the electrical power and test the baseboard heater thermostat.  Once power is restored to the unit, use the thermostat to turn the baseboard heater on.  Test to make sure you hear the click of the heater powering on and wait about 30 minutes to make sure the heater is giving off heat.  Turn the thermostat completely off to make sure the heater stops giving off heat.