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#121456 07/17/05 08:54 PM
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,294
Member
Quote
Is it OK to place receptacles over baseboard heaters?


renosteinke


[Linked Image]

#121457 07/19/05 05:38 AM
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 8,443
Likes: 3
Member
Good question John,
The question I'd be asking is,can a cord running over the top of a heater like that, handle the vertical heat coming off of a heater?.
What would the temperature be?. [Linked Image]

#121458 07/19/05 06:12 AM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 394
B
Member
One of those outlets looks to be a 240 volt one, likely for the "window" A/C unit in the picture. That should make nice fireworks when the cord melts.

#121459 07/19/05 07:46 AM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 197
L
Member
Looks like this installation is 20 years old. No such rule/regulation existed back then.

#121460 07/19/05 08:39 AM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 7,520
P
Member
I wouldn't have thought having that A/C unit right above the heater was a good idea either, if only because it will restrict the convection from the latter.

On a serious note though, why are the grounds down on the left-hand receptacle and up on the 120 and 240V right-hand ones?

(Ducks and runs for cover......) [Linked Image]

#121461 07/19/05 06:16 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 73
W
Member
When do you have the heat and A/C running the same time?

#121462 07/19/05 09:18 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,445
Likes: 2
Cat Servant
Member
OK, guys, time for me to tell "the reat of the story."

This pic is from a hotel near the "downtown" of Reno. It will soon be demolished to make room for a new bus station.

The rule "no receptacles over heaters" is alluded to in 210.52. As this hotel is well over thirty years old, it is very possible that the code did not address the issue. As Trumpy suggested, there is a concern that the heat coming out of the unit might damage cords.

One of the receptacles- the one nearest the air conditioner- is a 'normal' convenience receptacle. The receptacle to the right, however, is another story.

THAT receptacle will look funny to those with good eyes. That is because this receptacle has a standard 120 pattern on the botton, and a 220 v. pattern above.
This receptacle is on the same circuit as the heater. The 220 part is to plug in the air conditioner.
The only problem with this set-up is that the 220 circuit comes from a different panel, and has no neutral. The 120 part, where active (not every room is) is powered from one leg of the heater circuit, and uses the conduit as a "neutral."
In many cases, this is accomplished by using a piece of wire to connect the ground screw on the device to the neutral screw. The return current than flows through the ground strap, mounting screws, and into the metal box. Since the device strap almos never sits snug against the box, the screws get hot enough to scorch/char the cover plate.

#121463 07/19/05 09:33 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,391
I
Moderator
Quote
THAT receptacle will look funny to those with good eyes. That is because this receptacle has a standard 120 pattern on the botton, and a 220 v. pattern above.

Those combo receptacles are still available.

[Linked Image from hubbellcatalog.com]

But I would not suggest using it like this.

Quote
The 120 part, where active (not every room is) is powered from one leg of the heater circuit, and uses the conduit as a "neutral."


Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts
#121464 07/23/05 03:33 PM
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 812
Member
Saw one of those on eBay recently.


Is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?
#121465 01/13/06 11:28 PM
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 812
Member
Also if my eyes are good, all of those receptacles seem w little scorched.


Ian A.


Is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?
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