Replies

1. 
   John_D | Jan 31, 2006 06:31am | #1

   Don't use normal (Romex etc.) 10/2.  You should use the thicker, more flexible, more damage-resistant cable especially designed for power cords.  Any electrical supply will have it.

   How long it will take to heat your space depends, of course, on how cold it is when you start, and how warm you want it.  I have a comparable heater, and in my workshop I get a warm workspace in well under a half hour... but I live in the temperate Seattle area.

   My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.
1. 
   labatt50 | Jan 31, 2006 07:48am | #2

   Thanks for the reply. You don't see any problem with wiring it to a plug as opposed to hard wiring? what size is your workspace and do you find it expensive?

1. 
   John_D | Jan 31, 2006 08:37pm | #3

   I prefer it with a plug, as all five 220 circuits in my shop are the same configuration (amperage and plug).  I don't have a good handle on operational cost, as I've only been in this house through one previous winter, and my shop activities have been necessarily limited this past two months.  I think it's a good choice for me, though.My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.

2. 
   bones | Jan 31, 2006 08:39pm | #4

   You can use a recepticle and plug, just be sure the plug is rated at 30Amps.  You could use a twist lock type plug like a L630. Just be sure to match the wire to the plugs i.e.  30ams requires a 30Amp plug and receptile.  Hey, where did you get the heater, and how much.  My shop is about 20x20 (my part of a 3 car garage). I'm using a little 1500 watt portable, that can get the room to 65, but I would like better. 

1. 
   labatt50 | Jan 31, 2006 09:21pm | #5

   Lowes has the heater for $274. Wire will be $8 and recepticle $15. I just spoke with an electrician, he said it was safe. He said the 5000w heaters are rated for 30A. Another store in my town has a different model. Google "King Electric Heater" or Electric heater and you will find some online stores.

1. 
   bones | Feb 01, 2006 12:14am | #6

   Thanks, I'll go check out blue box.

1. 
   labatt50 | Feb 01, 2006 03:42am | #7

   I have it all hooked up and running. it is a nice little heater, very quiet, very hot. In total, it cost about $300, instalation, tax. the garage is at about 52 degrees now. i do forsee so problems if I wanted to heat the entire garage (19x44) to 60 degrees. It took 2 hours to go from 33 to 52. I am thinking about purchasing another one because they are so easy to install, but i think I better wait to see the electric bill. All in all I'm happy it's warm in there and i can work

1. 
   TKanzler | Feb 03, 2006 11:56pm | #8

   A typical 30A 240V circuit is good for 24A with a continuous load.  Heaters are considered a continuous load (3 hrs or more, per the NEC).  So you're good for up to a 5760W (total) unit. 

   As far as the electric costs, divide the wattage by 1000 (gives you kilowatts), then multiply by your per-kilowatt-hr rate, i.e. if you're paying $0.12/kW-hr, and the heater is 5700W, then 5.7kW x .12 = $0.68 per hr. 

   A final comment is that you not only have to heat the space, but all the stuff in it.  So if you have lots of heavy cast iron, tractors, mowers, snowmobiles, and a car in there, which act as heat sinks, it will take quite a bit longer to raise the temp by so many degrees than if it was empty.Be seeing you...

2. 
   Buster2000 | Feb 06, 2006 10:29pm | #9

   Regarding cost...

   I have a 4800W electric heater in my 20 x 20 shop (garage attached to the front of the house).  I keep the temperature at about 14 C (60 F).  During December, which had two really cold weeks in it -20 C (-4 F) my bill was up about $50 Cdn.  I also had the Christmas lights up...  January was very warm so I doubt I'll be getting a realistic heating cost this month.

   The garage is insulated, and one wall attaches to the house.  I still park my car on one half when the weather gets cold, so the large door isn't weather sealed (and is opened on the cold days).

   I picked up the heater at a bog box store, it's one of the portable job site heaters.  The cost was only $100 Cdn.   250V 30Amp, It of course has a plug on it...  I've been very happy with it so far.