Single Pole to Double Pole Thermostat

[atvkid4eva]

I have two natural gas overhead radiant heaters in my shop. There is one very old Dayton single pole thermostat that controls both units. It is an older unit with a dial range from low-comfort zone-high. I would like to replace this with a digital double pole thermostat so I have the option of turning the heat off when I am not in the shop and the temperature drops low in the winter time. Can I achieve this, and how? I have not removed the current thermostat to check, but I believe it has two wires coming from it.

 

[atvkid4eva]

Anyone?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Ill bite.

Why are you switching to a double pole thermostat if the single pole works currently?

 

[atvkid4eva]

Ill bite.

Why are you switching to a double pole thermostat if the single pole works currently?

Well the single pole thermostat I have only has a “low” not an “off” setting like a double pole would. This means the heaters will turn on automatically when the temp gets below that “low” temp setting. I don’t want the heaters to heat the shop when I am not in there when the temp drops below freezing this winter. I want to be able to shut the heaters “off”. I don’t believe I can achieve this with a single pole thermostat? Regardless I’d like to update to a digital display so I can have a more accurate set point.

 

[Yankeefarmer]

I’m not sure that you are using the terms single pole and double correctly. How many wires are connected to the thermostat?

 

[aandpdan]

How about just putting a simple single pole switch in line with one of the thermostat wires so you can turn it off and not have to adjust the setting?

 

[Bert_]

Well the single pole thermostat I have only has a “low” not an “off” setting like a double pole would. This means the heaters will turn on automatically when the temp gets below that “low” temp setting. I don’t want the heaters to heat the shop when I am not in there when the temp drops below freezing this winter. I want to be able to shut the heaters “off”. I don’t believe I can achieve this with a single pole thermostat? Regardless I’d like to update to a digital display so I can have a more accurate set point.

Most single pole thermostats turn off just like a double pole. They just don't label it OFF because it would leave one line hot to the appliance in a 240 volt circuit.

If it has a click when you turn it down all the way then it is off

 

[PCustoms]

I'm confused, can you post a pic of what you have, and a model # of what you want to use?

You have gas heaters. Not sure what a double pole thermostat is....

 

[Bert_]

I'm confused, can you post a pic of what you have, and a model # of what you want to use?

You have gas heaters. Not sure what a double pole thermostat is....

It's not unheard of to control a tube heater with a thermostat on the line voltage side. Many heaters list this as an option in the manual.

 

[PCustoms]

It's not unheard of to control a tube heater with a thermostat on the line voltage side. Many heaters list this as an option in the manual.

Ok, I assume the gas runs on 120v then. The 2nd pole will do nothing.

 

[atvkid4eva]

It is a 120v circuit. If I’m understanding single vs double pole thermostat means that a single pole has two wires attaching to the back while a double pole has 4 wires attaching to it. A single pole does not have a true “off” function but a double pole does. But I get what you guys are saying, with a 120V line running to the thermostat, how could I ever have 4 wires to make it double pole?

At the end of the day, I want to replace the old vintage thermostat I have (pic attached) with one that has a digital display so I can actually set accurate temp and has a way for me to turn it off completely when not in use. From what I’ve read a single pole thermostat will never turn off completely, it will only dial down to the lowest temperature setting. Maybe I’m off with what I’m trying to explain, which is my reason for posting here, for clarification.

 

[atvkid4eva]

For example, the thermostat linked below is a line voltage, 120v, single pole and has a digital display. But it does not have an “off” function. 40-85 degrees F range. When the temperature in my barn drops below 40F in the winter time and I’m not out working in the shop, how do I prevent the heat from turning on? Obviously I could flip the breaker in the panel, but I feel like there has to be a way to just turn it off from the thermostat. Maybe there isn’t...?

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Honeywe...nt1eSdp3K3udB6Ep9fPfx7yvcBzsp9IhoC038QAvD_BwE

 

[captaindiode]

Note sure if this would work with your heater but it is 120V (requires neutral), digital, and has off setting.
Home Depot has the install guide linked , give that a look.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Cadet-3...able-Electronic-Thermostat-TEN362DW/314010695

 

[The Cobbler]

most tstats don't completely shut off unless it has a separate switch .
I would just install another inline switch with whatever stat you want to use ( that is compatible)

 

[Bert_]

For example, the thermostat linked below is a line voltage, 120v, single pole and has a digital display. But it does not have an “off” function. 40-85 degrees F range. When the temperature in my barn drops below 40F in the winter time and I’m not out working in the shop, how do I prevent the heat from turning on? Obviously I could flip the breaker in the panel, but I feel like there has to be a way to just turn it off from the thermostat. Maybe there isn’t...?

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Honeywe...nt1eSdp3K3udB6Ep9fPfx7yvcBzsp9IhoC038QAvD_BwE

Most single pole stats have an off position even if they don't say it.

 

[atvkid4eva]

Most single pole stats have an off position even if they don't say it.

I don’t believe this is true.. see below:

Single pole thermostats only have a "low" setting and no true "off" setting, and break only one side of the heater's power line. They typically have two (2) connection wires.

 

[Bert_]

I don’t believe this is true.. see below:

Single pole thermostats only have a "low" setting and no true "off" setting, and break only one side of the heater's power line. They typically have two (2) connection wires.

The only reason they don't print off on a single pole stat is because it will only break one line in a 240 volt circuit, the other line stays hot. Printing off indicates it disconnects all power.

 

[atvkid4eva]

The only reason they don't print off on a single pole stat is because it will only break one line in a 240 volt circuit, the other line stays hot. Printing off indicates it disconnects all power.

Give this a quick read:

http://cadetheat.com/blog/single-pole-thermostats-reminder/

 

[7635tools]

As was said before, install a in line switch on the t-stat and your problem is solved. I have my gas heater in my barn hooked up this way just for this purpose and it works just fine.


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