Heater Wiring Guide — Saint Paul & Twin Cities
Adding or replacing electric heat? This quick guide covers safe, code-compliant wiring for electric baseboard, in-wall, and garage/unit heaters. If you’re ready to book, jump to our service page below.
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Heater Types We See Often
- Electric baseboard: 120V or 240V, wall-mounted, quiet zone heating
- In-wall heaters: Fan-forced units for bathrooms, entries, workshops
- Garage/unit heaters: Ceiling or wall mount with dedicated circuits
Wiring Basics & Safety
- Dedicated circuits: Most heaters require their own breaker; many are 240V
- Conductor sizing: Match wire gauge and breaker to the heater nameplate amperage
- Boxes & support: Use properly sized boxes and listed mounting hardware
- Thermostats: Line-voltage (in-unit or wall) or low-voltage with relays, as specified
- Clearances: Maintain manufacturer-specified distances from furniture and drapes
FAQ
Do I need a permit?
New circuits, panel work, or adding heaters typically requires a permit and inspection. Like-for-like swaps at existing rated circuits may not—ask us and we’ll advise.
120V vs 240V—what’s better?
240V systems draw lower current for the same wattage and often offer smoother performance on dedicated circuits.
Can I add multiple baseboards to one thermostat?
Often yes—if the thermostat and circuit are rated for the combined load. We’ll size wiring, breakers, and controls correctly.
How long does installation take?
Simple replacements can be under a half-day; new circuits or garage heaters may take longer depending on routing and panel capacity.
Next Steps
Want clean, safe, code-compliant heat? We size the circuit, install the heater and control, and handle permits when required.