240v line on/off switch, guys help this gal again please

[foodie]

Hi Guys,
So I narrowed down the electric heater that I want. Now the electrician tells me that the reason for the delay is they are trying to engineer a wall switch for the unit. I was under the impression that I could have on/off switch for the heater unit so it would be easier for my rather than climbing on a step stool to reach it. Is this NOT possible to do? Is it because it is a 240v line and it would need a breaker instead of an on/off switch?? Please help with this dilemma. I sure wish some of you guys lived in Michigan Thanks in advance for you help..

 

[maxpat82]

just put a thermostat as a switch?

Is it a hardwire or plug in model.

I doubt it's code to have a 240v outlet controlled by a switch.(But switch exist for compressor(Leviton MS302-ds)

 

[nsula_country]

2 pole toggle switch? Can find them at almost any Electrical Supply house or Home Improvement store.

Depending on amperage of the heater, a manual motor starter could be used. Or an unfused disconnect switch.

I can think of several ways to set this up...

CT

 

[The Cobbler]

a line voltage thermostat for a baseboard board heater would be fine

 

[foodie]

Gosh, I wish ALL of you guys lived near me!!! I just spoke with the electrician. He stated he could not do an on/off switch, I would have to turn it off at the breaker down in the basement. UGH!,...I wanted to order a Dayton, ProFusion, Qmark MUH35 or Fahrenheit heater . He recommended the Thermosphere Workshop Heater 25,589 BTU 240v Model #HA24-75E, it comes with a remote. I wanted to purchase something made in the USA, but...this is what he suggested so that is the one I just purchased. Thanks for all of you time and responses. ALL of YOU GUYS are really awesome, big hugs to all of you!!!!!

 

[guyerst]

Where in MI are you?

I can’t speak to if this meets code or not, but I used a switch that was labeled for hot tub use. It’s more or less a 2nd circuit breaker with a box in the line. Maybe 20 - 30 bucks at Home Depot.

I only run the heater occasionally, so cheap and easy was what I was looking for. A thermostat is another option.

 

[nadogail]

I used a 24 volt transformer that plugs directly into a 120 volt wall receptacle. It came from a sprinkler timer.

I used an Intermatic 30 minute twist timer to drive a 24 volt coil definite purpose contactor, and the contactor controls the 240 volt circuit to the heater.

The twist timer ensures that the person wanting the warm garage does not forget to turn it off.

The contactor relay is mounted in a enclosed metal box near the heater.

 

[LXCam]

Here's the issue. No one makes a standard style switch like you're thinking that's rated for more then 30amps. That heater set at 7500watts draws 31.5. So what can be done is he can install a 2 pole 60 amp rated knife switch below it. That way you can leave the unit "on" and set the thermostat to whatever setting you want, then use the knife switch for on/off.

Oops I made a mistake. Your first choice is only rated at 5000watts. So you can use a two pole 30amp switch to control it like we previously discussed. But anything greater then 5000 watts and my above answer applies. However if you do the other unit with the remote why bother.

Oh and one last thing. Any unit that hardwired requires a disconnecting means at the unit. So if it were me, I'd go with the Dayton unit and switch, easy, simple and done.

This switch right here would be fine for the Dayton unit: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...ble-Pole-Switch-White-R62-03032-2WS/100356941

 

[greenskeeper]

"traditional" 120v switch to energize 240v contactor for heater control

 

[foodie]

Thanks so much guys. I did not get the Thermosphere with the remote. I did not like the fact that the fan runs continuously unless you manually turn it off, who makes something like that, kind of makes the remote a mute item. Not only that it only has a 1 year warranty. Also it had to be hardwired. I did not like that option in the event for some reason I had to switch it out I just wanted to unplug it
I purchased the Qmark MUH35 that another member suggested. 5 year warranty and made in the USA. It comes with a plug, sold separately, I did purchase that. Also it has the option to run the fan without the heat on, this is good if I just want some air flow in the spring or summer.
Thanks to all of you, you guys are the best!

 

[foodie]

Where in MI are you?

I can’t speak to if this meets code or not, but I used a switch that was labeled for hot tub use. It’s more or less a 2nd circuit breaker with a box in the line. Maybe 20 - 30 bucks at Home Depot.

I only run the heater occasionally, so cheap and easy was what I was looking for. A thermostat is another option.

I am located in southeast Michigan.

 

[foodie]

Here's the issue. No one makes a standard style switch like you're thinking that's rated for more then 30amps. That heater set at 7500watts draws 31.5. So what can be done is he can install a 2 pole 60 amp rated knife switch below it. That way you can leave the unit "on" and set the thermostat to whatever setting you want, then use the knife switch for on/off.

Oops I made a mistake. Your first choice is only rated at 5000watts. So you can use a two pole 30amp switch to control it like we previously discussed. But anything greater then 5000 watts and my above answer applies. However if you do the other unit with the remote why bother.

Oh and one last thing. Any unit that hardwired requires a disconnecting means at the unit. So if it were me, I'd go with the Dayton unit and switch, easy, simple and done.

This switch right here would be fine for the Dayton unit: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...ble-Pole-Switch-White-R62-03032-2WS/100356941

Thanks LXCam, Occupant RJ also recommended that also, Great Minds think alike

 

[foodie]

I am going to show the electrican all of your options that you have posted and see what he says. It supposed to maybe be installed next week after Christmas.

 

[TractorJeff]

Is there an update on this yet?

 

[foodie]

Hi Jeff, no update yet. The electrician comes next week to install the heater. I will see what he says regarding everyone’s suggestions.

 

[bubinga]

Thanks so much guys. I did not get the Thermosphere with the remote. I did not like the fact that the fan runs continuously unless you manually turn it off, who makes something like that, kind of makes the remote a mute item. Not only that it only has a 1 year warranty. Also it had to be hardwired. I did not like that option in the event for some reason I had to switch it out I just wanted to unplug it
I purchased the Qmark MUH35 that another member suggested. 5 year warranty and made in the USA. It comes with a plug, sold separately, I did purchase that. Also it has the option to run the fan without the heat on, this is good if I just want some air flow in the spring or summer.
Thanks to all of you, you guys are the best!

It Sure Does................Seems dumb to me too!

 

[bubinga]

She'll be showing us her craftsman block grinder next.
And her Garage Cat!
Sounds like my Kind Of Girl....................LOL

 

[foodie]

She'll be showing us her craftsman block grinder next.
And her Garage Cat!
Sounds like my Kind Of Girl....................LOL

LOL, Bubinga,...as soon as I can figure out and learn how to post photos, you guys will see my new tiled floor (initial new concrete floor advice thanks to LLWillysfan) then a beautiful created tiled floor courtesy of the advice and patience of Dakota, my new diamond life pegboard, and an assortment of my garden and work shop tools, and a newly installed collapsible additional work bench . I plan on learning woodworking and becoming more DIY in this new year. All thanks to the awesome advice of the wonderful members on this board,...and yes a garage cat or my preference garage dog

 

[OccupantRJ]

For LXCam

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...VygOGCh2oKgdvEAQYAyABEgIRVvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[bubinga]

LOL, Bubinga,...as soon as I can figure out and learn how to post photos, you guys will see my new tiled floor (initial new concrete floor advice thanks to LLWillysfan) then a beautiful created tiled floor courtesy of the advice and patience of Dakota, my new diamond life pegboard, and an assortment of my garden and work shop tools, and a newly installed collapsible additional work bench . I plan on learning woodworking and becoming more DIY in this new year. All thanks to the awesome advice of the wonderful members on this board,...and yes a garage cat or my preference garage dog

You're doing well!
My Shop Cat

 

[foodie]

Bubinga...beautiful cat...

 

[HotrodHR]

Where in MI are you?

I can’t speak to if this meets code or not, but I used a switch that was labeled for hot tub use. It’s more or less a 2nd circuit breaker with a box in the line. Maybe 20 - 30 bucks at Home Depot.

I only run the heater occasionally, so cheap and easy was what I was looking for. A thermostat is another option.

What brand make/model is that wall mounted vacuum? Any good?

 

[LXCam]

For LXCam

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...VygOGCh2oKgdvEAQYAyABEgIRVvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Well that's good to know. Thanks RJ.

 

[nsula_country]

For LXCam

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...VygOGCh2oKgdvEAQYAyABEgIRVvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I knew they had 30 amp switches. Most swiches that I've seen in 60 amp class have been 3P. Good to know 1P exist too!

CT

 

[bubinga]

Bubinga...beautiful cat...

Thank You!

 

[guyerst]

What brand make/model is that wall mounted vacuum? Any good?

Vacumaid Garage Vac.

Works great as a vac, even with the long hose (30’ I think). Only thing I’m not thrilled about is how loud it is. Loudest vac I’ve ever heard... but also ***** better than any I’ve had before too.

Dry only and requires bags, which I prefer over using a canister filter.