Chapter 14

Electric Heating

Objectives
After completing the material in this chapter, the student should be able to:
Explain the principles of electric heat. Determine proper electric requirements for electric furnaces. Explain the function of electric heat elements in air handlers and duct systems. Install an electric furnace according to manufacturers specifications.

Objectives
After completing the material in this chapter, the student should be able to:
Install electric duct heaters. Follow all local electric codes and safety guidelines. Install control and power circuits for use on electric heaters and furnaces. Troubleshoot electrical mechanical problems with electric heating systems.

Theory of Electric Heat

Electric heating equipment utilizes resistive-type heating elements that convert electrical energy to heat energy. Resistive heating elements are high resistive components that do not conduct electricity well. The high resistance of these elements results in the generation of heat that can be transferred to the air in the occupied space. Nichrome wire is typically used to construct these heating elements.

Theory of Electric Heat

The Electric Furnace

No heat exchangers. Heating elements rated in kilowatts (kW) which is the power unit equal to 1,000 watts. 1 watt = 3.412 Btu

Heating Element Capacity Calculation

Electric heat requirement in watts:
(Calculated Load in Btus) (1 watt/3.413 Btu)

Electric heat requirement in watts:

(50,00 Btu) (1 watt/3.413 Btu)

Electric heat requirement:

14,650 watts 14.65 kW

Electric Furnace Wiring

Sail switch wired in series with the heating coil.

Thermostats
Wiring diagram of a low-voltage thermostat.

Sequencers
Designed to open and close the electrical contacts, which in turn will energize and de-energize the heating elements in the electric furnace. Can be designed to control a single heating element or multiple heating elements.

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Sequencers

(Photo by Bill Johnson)

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Electric Heating Safety Devices

Limit switches:
Normally closed devices Open contacts if excessive temperatures are sensed Automatically reset

Fusible links:
Normally closed, one-time devices Melt if excessive temperature sensed Set to melt at a higher temperature than the cut-out temperature of the limit switch

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Electric Heating Safety Devices

Single heating element sequencer circuit:
Notice contacts 3 and 4 are in a series with the heating element.

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Electric Heating Safety Devices

Three heating element sequencer circuit.

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Fan Operation
The fan speed relay permits high-speed fan operation in the cooling mode and lowspeed fan operation in the heating mode.

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Fan Operation
When the coil is energized, the fan operates at high speed.

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Fan Operation
The fan operates at a low speed when the relay coil is de-energized.

Electric Furnace Ladder Diagram

Line diagram of a typical electric furnace.

Installation of the Electric Furnace

Location Air distribution system Power supply

Electric Duct Heaters

Comprised of heating elements and safety controls. Can be installed to provide an additional heat source for fossil fuel or heat pump systems.

Electric Duct Heaters

Duct heater

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Installing Duct Heaters

Hole in duct must accommodate the duct heater.

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Troubleshooting Electric Heating Systems

Airflow Problems:
Defective blower motors Defective motor starting components Improper motor lubrication Broken belts Improper belt tension Dirty air filters Closed supply registers Blocked supply or return grills Loose duct insulation
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Troubleshooting Electric Heating Systems

Electrical Problems:
Fan motor and associated starting components Fan relay Sail or pressure switches Thermostat Limit switches Fusible links Heating elements

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Summary
Heating elements are high-resistance coils made of nichrome wire. Electric furnaces require no heat exchanger and the air passes directly over the heating elements. Heating elements are rated in kilowatts (kW) where each kW produces 3,413 Btu. Electric furnaces and heaters often use multiple heating elements as opposed to one larger heater.
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Summary
Electric furnaces are equipped with interlocks to prevent the heaters from being energized when there is no air movement through the duct system. Commonly used interlocking devices are the sail switch and the pressure switch. Sequencers are used to stagger the energizing of the heating elements when multiple stages are used.
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Summary
Limit switches and fusible links are safety devices used to de-energize the heaters if unsafe temperatures are reached in the furnace. The fan in the furnace must be energized before the heaters can be energized. The fan must operate at the end of the heating cycle to dissipate the heat in the furnace. The fan in the electric furnace is energized by a timed fan control and de-energized by a temperature-sensing switch.
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Summary
Electric duct heaters typically come equipped with all safeties and controls. Airflow problems can result from defective motors or associated controls and drive mechanisms, blocked return ducts (including dirty air filters), or blockages in the supply duct. Electrical problems can result from defective motors, thermostats, controls, safety devices, or heating elements.
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