Buy, Wire and Install Your Own Line Voltage Baseboard Heater Thermostat

Most home heat and cooling thermostats are of the low voltage variety, but baseboard heaters and many other totally electric heaters use a line voltage thermostat. That is, the same voltage that operates the heater (or occasionally the air conditioner) is used in the thermostat.

Common applications include wall heaters, ceiling heat (heating wires buried in the ceiling) and baseboard heat. Most such heaters operate on 240 volts, but some operate on the more normal 120 volts found in household outlets.

Some baseboard heaters utilize a built-in thermostat; this article is not directed towards these thermostats but the more common wall mount style of thermostats. If your thermostat is of the built-in style it is still possible to easily replace it, but a thermostat very similar to what is already in the baseboard heater will have to be utilized as space limitations and physical mounting becomes much more important. The actual wiring is very similar to that found in a wall mount thermostat, however, and is explained later in this article.

The cheapest of the line voltage thermostats, these thermostats operate on mechanical principles rather than digitally. They are not as accurate in maintaining a set temperature, usually allowing a variation of 2 to 3 degrees each way from the temperature setting they have been set at. None are programmable.

Nevertheless the mechanical thermostat can be a very viable option for many homeowners; the new thermostat being installed in the instructions below is of this type. It is being installed in a remodeled room that does not see a great deal of use; the temperature is normally set at 55º unless the room is to be used. In such a case the more advanced digital and especially programmable line voltage thermostats are of little value, simply adding cost for no actual return.

Similarly to their more advanced brothers, mechanical line voltage thermostats are available as either a single pole or double pole configuration. A double pole is preferable, but before purchasing one the old thermostat must be checked. While it is possible to replace a single pole thermostat with a double pole, the wall box must have the needed wiring already available. Four wires, usually in two separate cables, must be present in the wall box. Double pole thermostats should always be replaced with another double pole thermostat.

Many simple mechanical baseboard heater thermostats include a thermometer in the thermostat and indicate the temperature being set on the dial. Others may or may not have the thermometer (not particularly accurate, but at least an indication of what temperature the room is at) and may have only an indication of which way to turn the dial for a higher temperature setting. Most people prefer to have the desired temperature setting stamped on the dial instead of arbitrary letters or nothing but a arrow indicating higher temperature settings.

Digital line voltage thermostats are a little more expensive that the cheaper mechanical style, but will normally maintain the temperature of the room closer to the set temperature.  Common variances allowed is plus or minus 1 degree instead of plus or minus 2 or 3 degrees.  Realize that plus or minus 3 degrees can result in a swing of 6 degrees in the temperature of the room; this is unacceptable to many people and a digital thermostat should be used instead.

Some digital thermostats require batteries to operate; if you are not prepared to have batteries on hand, make sure that the thermostat chosen is not of this type.

Digital thermostats will usually have a display, although the size of that display can vary widely.  A thermostat with a display and lighting of that display should be chosen that is usable by the owner.  If you wear glasses a small display may be contra-indicated as it might be unreadable with glasses.

Digital thermostats are again available in both single (SPST designation) and double pole configurations.

Programmable thermostats are the ultimate in comfort and energy savings.  Electric heat is not noted for much in the way of energy savings and these thermostats will help with their ability to automatically raise and lower the temperature by the time of day and day of the week.  Although more costly they can pay for themselves in less than a winter in cost savings.

Programmable thermostats are available in several programming styles.  A 5-2 listing indicates that one setting is for the weekdays while the other is reserved for Saturday and Sunday.  Occasionally this setting will allow the 5 weekdays to be individually programmed.  Make sure that at least 4 settings are available in each weekday.  A common setting might be 70 degrees from 5AM to 7 AM (wake up and have breakfast), 65 degrees from 7AM to 4PM (gone to work), 70 degrees from 4PM to 10PM (evening at home) and 65 degrees from 10PM to 5AM (sleep).  Four different settings, all adjustable for time of day as well as temperature.  This type of programming could result in a higher temperature setting only 8 hours of the day; the rest of each day the temperature is reduced (by 5º in the example) which results in energy savings.

A 7 day programmable thermostat typically has different settings for each day, ideal for people with different work schedules than the more common weekday/weekend schedule.

Some of these high quality thermostats can operate either a single or double pole system, making a buying decision that much easier.

As always with any electrical work, TURN OFF THE POWER.  You will most likely be working on circuits that carry 240 volts; a shock from this voltage can be deadly and even a simple shorted wire near fingers will produce a nasty burn.  TURN OFF THE POWER!

Remove the old thermostat.  Most are connected via wire nuts to wires coming from inside the new thermostat, but some can have screw terminals to attach wires to.  If possible, make note which wires are "line" and which are "load".  A single pole thermostat will have 2 wires going to it while a double pole thermostat will have four wires.  Make sure the new thermostat is compatible.

With the old thermostat removed from the wall box but not disconnected check that the power is indeed turned off; one of the most valuable (and inexpensive) tools to use here is a non-contact voltage detector.  These tools will find voltage even through insulation so there is no need to strip the wire; just touch the tool to the wire.  If you were able to determine which wires are the "line" side wires, mark them with tape or other method.

If you were not able to determine which are the "line" side wires, it must be determined by testing for voltage.  With the thermostat turned off and removed from the wall but still connected to the wires carefully separate each wire as far as possible from each other wire.  turn the power back on.  Make absolutely sure that neither children nor anyone else can reach these exposed wires!  Use an assistant if necessary, just to keep curious fingers away.  Again using the voltage detector, carefully touch each wire with the tool; if there are only 2 wires one will indicate voltage while if there are four wires (double pole) then two of them will indicate voltage.  If the thermostat is turned on at this point all wires will indicate voltage; if this happens either turn the thermostat off or to a very low setting. 

In the unlikely event that the thermostat is broken and stuck in the on position, TURN THE POWER BACK OFF, remove the wires from the thermostat and securely cap the exposed end of each wire with a wire nut.  Turn the power back on and repeat the test, mark the powered wires and TURN THE POWER OFF.  Use the detector to verify it is off.  Never forget that you are dealing with 240 volts - do not take any risk of shock.

The wires you have marked as powered are the "line" side of the thermostat and go the fuse panel; the other one (or two if a double pole thermostat) are the "load" side and go to the heater.  With the wires identified connect them to the thermostat according to the directions from the manufacturer.  It won't matter which wire goes where, except that the "line" side wires go to the "line" or perhaps "power" side of the thermostat and the "load" side wires go to the "load" or perhaps "heater" side of the thermostat.  Many thermostats use wires that must be connected to the existing wires with wire nuts; twist the nuts on firmly and then give each one a firm tug to see if it will come back out of the wire nut.  Once all terminations are made, fold the wires back into the wall box and, attach the new thermostat to the box.  Use a level, if one is available, to make sure the thermostat is level and plumb - if not the screw holes in the new thermostat will be slotted so that it can be tipped slightly one way or the other.  Turn the power back on and set the temperature to the desired level or program (if applicable) your new thermostat.

Congratulations!  You have installed a new thermostat to replace the old one, and it wasn't that difficult, was it?  If you only remember to TURN OFF THE POWER you will have no trouble with this simple installation, but if the concept of doing your own work bothers you, a good read is an article written for someone just learning to do their own repairs and improvements.  Don't be afraid to try something new; the next thing you know you will be replacing your own lighting fixtures, with perhaps a new light switch and electrical outlets.  None of these are beyond the average homeowner; why should they be beyond you?