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I have a switch that toggles between a baseboard heater and

 
Mike G.'s Avatar
  • Answered by:Mike G.
  • Master Electrician
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Customer Question

I have a switch that toggles between a baseboard heater and an outlet for a window air conditioner. It is a Square D Model HCX24-15/20. I would like to replace it or eliminate it and just wire both the heater and outlet so they will work. Any suggestions?

 

Optional Information:
Make: Square D
Model: HCX 24-15/20

Submitted: 339 days and 7 hours ago.
Category: Electrical
Value: $35
Status: CLOSED
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Expert:  Mike G. replied 339 days and 7 hours ago.

Hi, I'm Mike and I'll be glad to assist you. What Voltage is it?

Customer replied 339 days and 7 hours ago.

Not sure about this, but the plug for the AC looks like 220V.

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Expert:  Mike G. replied 339 days and 7 hours ago.

Just needed to be sure. Any DPDT Switch would do. I would replace the switch to keep from having the possibility of both loads on at the same time which would more than likely trip the breaker. It also acts as a disconnect. See the link below for one online.

Leviton Brown DPDT Double Pole Double Throw Center-Off Switch 20A 1286 078477168288 | eBay

Customer replied 339 days and 7 hours ago.

Thanks Mike,

The switch is a different type than the one you sent (clips into a metal plate, not a wall box). Is there another version like that?

Also how would I wire it to power just the AC until I get the switch in?

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Expert:  Mike G. replied 339 days and 7 hours ago.

The wiring should be in a box and the switch I gave you would be the right one for the purpose. If the one you have is a chasis mount type, I sugget getting the one in the link for durability and length of service.

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Expert:  Mike G. replied 339 days and 7 hours ago.

If the link below is the switch that you're replacing, you'll note that it is only good for 10 Amps. The first one given is a 20A switch.

Amazon.com: 10 Leviton Double Pole Double Throw DPDT Heavy Duty Toggle Switches ON-ON 15A-125V 10A-250V 3/4HP 125/250VAC 5743: Home Improvement

Customer replied 339 days and 6 hours ago.

The wiring is inside part of the baseboard heater, so the chassis mount is the only type that would work without some major rewiring?

How about the temporary option to get the AC going?

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Expert:  Mike G. replied 339 days and 6 hours ago.

Use anothe switch to match if the load isn't more that the rating of the switch. To get the A/C going on a temp basis disconnect the heater completely and use the a?C.

Customer replied 339 days and 6 hours ago.

That is not very helpful for me.

There are 6 wires coming in:

2 from the Outlet (green)
2 from the fuse box (black)
2 from the heater (also black)

So which wires should be connected to power the AC?

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Expert:  Mike G. replied 339 days and 6 hours ago.

The center pair are the Line and the 2 outside pairs are the loads to the heater and A/C. If it's mounted in the heater, it should be evident which are the baseboard heater leads and those would be the ones disconnected.

Customer replied 339 days and 6 hours ago.



OK I can do that, but the switch is broken so I can't move it to the AC position. So I need to connect the wires directly.

I am guessing that each of the Line wires should be connected to one of the green wires?

Accepted Answer

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Expert:  Mike G. replied 339 days and 6 hours ago.

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Expert TypeMaster Electrician
Category: Electrical
Pos. Feedback: 96.8 %
Accepts: 4662
Answered: 5/5/2012

Experience: Proven Professional 44 years Experience

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