Will this breaker work for garage heater??

[rawfish]

Hi there

I have an existing GFCI 50 amp breaker that I use for my hot tub in the summer [its not used in the winter] and I just bought a 7 kw electric heater for may garage, is there any harm in using the existing 50 amp breaker or do I need to use a 40 amp breaker for this heater??

I "think" I am ok to use the 50 amp breaker but not completely sure.

Thanks

 

[larry_g]

Kinda depends on whether the heater is fused at the heater and if the wire from the heater to the fuse is rated for 50a or better. The breaker is there to prevent the WIRE from being overloaded. What does the heater manual say?

lg
no neat sig line

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

Unless that 7kw load has its own internal built in protection (breaker fuse), then you will certainly need the minimal size available breaker (40a) or fuse at the source to protect it. Because it is wired to a 50a protected source unless you protect that appliance as stated, the appliance will be damaged if an overload occurs ant the 50a protection will not open.

 

[rawfish]

Its actually a 6KW heater . Sorry my mistake saying it was 7 kw.

Sooo this is a 6 KW pro point shop heater. I looked thru the manual and don't see and y reference to a fuse in the heater it self.
Is says " Adjustable thermostat, Hi/Low switch and auto reset overheat protection. Adjustable tilt and louvers to direct heat where you need it most. "

Do I require a 40 amp breaker then or something else??

This is the unit I have:
http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/Unit/6000W-Shop-Heater/8553521.p

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

According to the math a 220v /6kw load should be protected by a source a providing protection device of 27a minimal and 33a recommended.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

I come up with 25a at 240v,Id try a 30a 2pole breaker unless you can find a 35a 2p someplace.

 

[larry_g]

From the manual "The heater must be connected to individual branch circuit protected by
35 Amp circuit breaker only." So there is your answer.

manual http://images.palcdn.com/hlr-system/Documents/85/855/8553/8553521_manual.pdf

lg
no neat sig line

 

[rawfish]

got it. Do I need a GFCI breaker? The wire if running from my house to my garage underground.

 

[John T]

Winter is the BEST time for a hotub.

IMO

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

Winter is the BEST time for a hotub.

IMO

Wrong! only if your 30 something. After 50 it anytime your muscles are hurting bad.

 

[Cmreschke]

No gfi breaker