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Adding a digital thermostat

Adding a digital thermostat (post #145611)

GregV on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 23:34

Workshop

For my new shop I installed a 5kw 220v unit heater (CUH05B31T-Electric Garage Utility Heater by Dimplex)hung from the ceiling. From a previous discussion I found that several of you folks have installed one of these. It does a great job in heating and but I am finding it difficult to maintain a steady temperature with the small dial thermostat/hi/low indicator. Have anyone with this unit wired in a 220v digital/programable thermostat? If so do I use a 220v 4 pole, 2 pole type or a 120v, or ???
Thanks in advance.
Greg Alexander

Well, it doesn't look like (post #145611, reply #1 of 3)

by Tinkerer3 in reply to GregV [original] on Thu, 01/28/2010 - 20:39

Well, it doesn't look like you are getting much help so here goes. I have used quite a few line voltage thermostats in my house and also in apartments. I have yet to wire a programable thermostat.

First off, if you are wiring for a 220 volt heater, you should use a 220 volt two pole thermostat (I have used single pole but think the two pole is a better bet with little extra cost)or relay that will handle 220 volts. A five kilowatt heater should have a 30 amp supply with appropriate wiring and breaker. that is 10 gauge wire and 30 amp breaker. All the programable thermostats that I have seen are low voltage so they would have to operate from a transformer and a two pole relay. From there, I'd have to look at the schematic that comes with the programable digital thermostat.

If you don't get more help here, you may want to get an electrician to help you. Sorry, I can't give you more help.

Thanks for the reply, I was (post #145611, reply #2 of 3)

by GregV in reply to Tinkerer3 [original] on Thu, 01/28/2010 - 23:41

Thanks for the reply, I was begining to think my post didn't make it to the board. I was at HD yesterday and they do have a programmable digital 220v 5kw 4 wire unit that the pkg says for baseboard...etc. In my mind it should be possible, but I'd hate to burn up the unit. I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and get ahold of my electrician. Thanks again for your reply.
GregV

Greg, that thermostat you (post #145611, reply #3 of 3)

by Tinkerer3 in reply to GregV [original] on Mon, 02/01/2010 - 23:25

Greg, that thermostat you describe should work. I don't see how you could damage your heater with it. I still can't see it being digital - either LCD or LED with 220 volts. It must transform and rectify or just use resisters to get the voltage down to a usable amount. It might still be a good idea to at least talk to an electrician.