Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - dedicated circuit for electric radiant heat?

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mchristo
10-12-09, 09:05 AM
do I really need to add a dedicated circuit for a small electric radiant heat area? I'm looking at nuheat just becuase I've used it before. That time I was able to add a dedicated circuit with relative ease. I'd like heat the floor in a bathroom now where it will be much more difficult to add a circuit and there is no room in my panel. is it a big deal if I have a few lights on the same circuit?

dun11
10-12-09, 09:53 AM
What is the amp draw of the system?
mchristo
10-12-09, 11:14 AM
From the nuheat website a 120 volt 3' x 6' mat draws 216 Watts, 1.8 amps 67 ohms.

the circuit I'd like to tap into is a 15 amp, with a couple of lights and one GFCI recepticle. (your basic small bathroom).

dun11
10-14-09, 05:28 AM
It seems like you would be fine provided your not plugging in hair driers etc. What do the installation instructions say?
mchristo
10-14-09, 09:08 AM
the instructions say it should be a dedicated circuit. I think its because the thermostat has a built in GFCI and they said they are very sensitive. They also have a thermostat with no GFCI built in. I would just add a GFCI protected breaker for the entire circuit in my electrical panel and use the basic 'stat. I have no hair to dry. anyone who uses a hair drier at a cottage deserves to be frustrated!

thx
dun11
10-15-09, 05:27 AM
I would probably give it a shot