Garage Heater Power

[Lance101]

Planning on putting up a natural gas unit most likely the Big Maxx or such. 45000 btu heater and was wondering how I can go about wiring it. My panel is currently full because the builder obviously cheaped out on the panel and was wondering if it would be a no no to just tap into one of the outlets in the garage. I have a gfi about 8 foot away on the wall. Not sure if a sub panel would be viable in my predicament. I'll post a picture of my box and then you can be the judge on what my best option would be. Trying to keep this the cheapest way possible. Thanks!

 

[Jlbc212]

You could replace the panel with one with more breaker slots. Panels are not that expensive.

The cheap way would be to run a separate line from the heater back to the panel and piggy back onto one of the breakers. Gas heaters don't draw much electricity. Use 14/2 wire and piggy back onto a 15 amp breaker.

 

[CoopVA]

Do not piggy back a breaker... Replace the panel.


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[CNGsaves]

+1 to Replace Panel with larger subpanel as looks like you just have bare studs with insulation only (ie no sheetrock or wall covering yet).

You do know that GJers have lots of goodies in garage . . .
. . . 240v compressor, 240v welder, and maybe a 240v tablesaw or two . . . . . . . .
. . . . you WILL need a bigger box !!!

 

[Jarcese]

How much power does it use? I can't find any electrical specs on Big Maxx or Modine. They just say 115v. I'm about to buy a Modine(which I've heard is the only way to go) and I had pretty much the same question. Will that size run on a 15 amp circuit? If so then you shouldn't bother with the panel unless you want to. The GFCI should be enough, but where are the electrical specs on these things? I'd like to know what kind of work I'm in for before I order one.

 

[CoopVA]

A gas fueled unit probably only needs 15a for startup and control. They may even be able to plug into an existing outlet.


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[Stuart in MN]

Gas unit heaters generally have pretty low electrical requirements (maybe 3 amps or so, depending on make, model and size) so you should be able to use the receptacle circuit for power.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Most breakers arent rated for 2 wires so u would either have to splice 2 wires into one to connect upto an existing breaker or tap off one of the existing outlets!

 

[nomonkeybus]

Better safe than sorry, replaced the panel and you will have room for latter power needs as well.

 

[RickP]

Gas unit heaters generally have pretty low electrical requirements (maybe 3 amps or so, depending on make, model and size) so you should be able to use the receptacle circuit for power.

You might be able to wire the heater with a 6' power cord (depending on the heater model) and just plug it into a receptacle. That would be your easiest option.

 

[Kevin C]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Square-D-Homeline-2-20-Amp-Single-Pole-1-20-Amp-Two-Pole-Quad-Tandem-Circuit-Breaker-HOMT2020220CP/100186179?N=5yc1vZbm0f

Another option is to add a breaker like this... You keep your 20A - 220V duplex and get two more 20 amp circuits. That assumes your box is rated for another duplex and that you want / need a dedicated circuit for your heater.

 

[CoopVA]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Square-D...-Breaker-HOMT2020220CP/100186179?N=5yc1vZbm0f

Another option is to add a breaker like this... You keep your 20A - 220V duplex and get two more 20 amp circuits. That assumes your box is rated for another duplex.

Now, that is interesting...


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[Algoma56]

We used some mini's to get 2 breakers in one slot similar to picture above. Can't remember the actual name for them, but my electrician friend supplied and installed them. That way you can get a dedicated breaker for your heating system, which is required here.

 

[Jlbc212]

How much power does it use? I can't find any electrical specs on Big Maxx or Modine. They just say 115v. I'm about to buy a Modine(which I've heard is the only way to go) and I had pretty much the same question. Will that size run on a 15 amp circuit? If so then you shouldn't bother with the panel unless you want to. The GFCI should be enough, but where are the electrical specs on these things? I'd like to know what kind of work I'm in for before I order one.

Modine HD45 heater draws 3.7 amps according to their installation specs.

 

[D45]

I would just buy dual breaker, like shown above

No need to buy a new larger panel and rewire everything

 

[CoopVA]

I would just buy dual breaker, like shown above



No need to buy a new larger panel and rewire everything

I agree. I deal in commercial work, and didn't even know these were available...

Learn something new everyday...


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[Lance101]

Thanks for the replies! That additional breaker may be my best bet unless I can get away using a wall receptacle. I'm going to be building my garage at my house that I buy next year so I don't want to replace the whole box. I just need heat now for my winter garage hobbies and to keep it at around 50 when I'm not in there.

 

[Jarcese]

Modine HD45 heater draws 3.7 amps according to their installation specs.

Thank you.. Figured it was pretty low, but didn't want to be in for any surprises on install.