Tech Tip #4

Control of Resistive Heat
(Baseboard, radiant, cable, slab, cove, etc.)

Most resistive heating circuits are fed from a 20A, 240V breaker, with different circuits for different areas of the house. While these breakers may be labeled by location, it is very important to verify this so that they can be connected to the controller in the proper priority (see example).

To verify loads, turn down all of the thermostats except the one under test. Turn this thermostat up all the way. Now use your amprobe to locate the breaker that is carrying a load. Turn this thermostat up and down a few times, if necessary, to verify. Repeat as necessary until all loads are properly identified. Be aware that a circuit breaker may have more than one heating circuit on it. This is especially true of bedrooms and bathrooms. This should be done by a licensed electrician.  Not recommended for homeowners.


Click on image for a close-up view

Hook-up

1. Turn the heating circuit's circuit breaker OFF.

2. Disconnect one wire from the heating circuit breaker.

3. Extend the wire just disconnected to one side of the proper controller relay, using a #12 AWG solid copper wire and appropriately-sized wire nut.

4. Add another #12 AWG wire from the now-empty breaker terminal of the breaker to the other terminal of the normally closed relay position in step 3. Remember, if you are using double-pole relays, do not confuse the wiring between poles.

5. After completing the other controller wiring, turn the circuit breaker ON.


Note

  • If any loads connected to the Energy Sentry demand control system are wired with aluminum wiring, insure that connections between existing aluminum conductors and copper conductors of the Energy Sentry are properly done using a Copair tool, anti-oxident paste or anti-oxident impregnated wire-nuts.

Quick Test

1. Clip an amprobe onto one of the heat circuit wires in question in the breaker panel.

2. Turn up the thermostat.

3. Check the amperage going to the load.

4. Lower demand limit to minimum setting. Turn on range until all loads are shed. This may take a few minutes. When all loads connected to the Energy Sentry shed, the amperes should go to ZERO.

5. Turn the thermostat OFF while checking other circuits. Turn the thermostat to NORMAL if the test are complete.

 

Control of Resistive Heat:
Examples of Priority Hook-ups


 

3-Relay Models

 

Last Shed

24-hour control

First Shed

Relay 1

rotate (optional) 2

rotate (optional) 3
Load A Dryer Water heater Heat
Load B

­

Heat

Heat



 

4-Relay Models

Last Shed

24-hour control

First Shed
Relay

1

2

rotate (optional)
 3

rotate (optional)
 4

Load A

Dryer

Water Heater

Bedroom Heat

Bedroom Heat

Load B

Living Heat

Dining Heat

Kitchen Heat

Family Heat

 


 

6-Relay Models

Last
Shed

24-hour control

First Shed 

Relay

1

2

rotate
(optional)
3

rotate
(optional)
4

rotate
(optional)
5

rotate
(optional)
6

Load A

Dryer

Water
Heater

Living
Heat

Kitchen
Heat

Bedroom
Heat

Basement
Heat

Load B

Bathroom
Heat

Family
Heat

Dining
Heat

Den
Heat

Bedroom
Heat

Bedroom Heat

Note: Dryer and water heater should have own individual relays whenever possible.

 


8-Relay Models

Use same scheme as 6-Relay Models except with extra heating circuits. Since heat rises, try to place lowest heaters (especially on open or multi-level houses) on a higher priority level than those heaters lower in the house.

 


Common Room Priorities for Heat
High

Average

Low

Family Room

Kitchen

Basement

Living Room

Den

Bedrooms

Baby's Bedroom

Bathroom

Spare Rooms

Dining Room

Entry

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