This type of issue usually leaves some sort of visual evidence, such as a burnt wire terminal. When a circuit breaker trips instantly, part of the electric circuit contains a short. The Baseboard Heater's Circuit Breaker Trips Instantly If a 240-volt baseboard heater uses a single-pole thermostat, the entire circuit remains live at all times.Ī home's electric-service panel contains the baseboard heater's circuit breaker. A single-pole thermostat has one set of contact points and a solid buss bar between the second leg's wire terminals. A double-pole thermostat has two sets of contact points one set for each leg. The actual voltage at the home depends on the electric company's output, transmission resistance and the home's distance from the electric plant. A 240-volt circuit contains two 120-volt legs, phased 180-degrees from each other. Most baseboard heaters operate on a dedicated 240-volt circuit and utilize a double-pole thermostat. Electric current then energizes the element, creating heat. As long as the baseboard heater's temperature remains within tolerance, the high-limit switch remains closed, allowing continuity between the limit switch's wire terminals. A high-limit switch protects the system from overheating. This allows the electricity to pass on to the high-limit switch, mounted inside the baseboard heater's electrical connection compartment.

When the thermostat detects a heating demand, its contacts close. A set of wires run from the circuit breaker to either a wall-mounted or a built-in thermostat. The system starts inside the home's electric service panel with a circuit breaker. Before a technician can troubleshoot an electric baseboard heater, he must understand it.

Install electric baseboard heater