I was recently looking for one of these, and ran across some documentation
that by most code, these types of heaters are supposed to be on their own
circuit. Why would a 500-Watt / 120 Volt (rated at just over 3 Amps)
electric baseboard heater need to be on its own circuit? Can anyone shed
some light on this?

Thanks,

Scott

Scot wrote:
I was recently looking for one of these, and ran across some documentation
that by most code, these types of heaters are supposed to be on their own
circuit. Why would a 500-Watt / 120 Volt (rated at just over 3 Amps)
electric baseboard heater need to be on its own circuit? Can anyone shed
some light on this?


The code is designe to increase safety. It needs to be on it's own
circuit because it is a large appliance. if that is the only one you
have then you should be able to put it on a shared circuit. However,
unless you have an intimate knowledge of all your circuits it will be
better and easier to run a dedicated line. it is easier and simpler to
run a new line that it is to make an inventory of all your circuits,
safer too.