FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WIRING
How do I wire my heater?
Click here to download Owner’s Guide.
Can I wire a 120 volt heater to a 240 volt circuit?
No, the heater will overheat and be destroyed! The heater will try to deliver four times its rated wattage, causing the element permanent damage.
Which wires should I use to install my heater if there are more than three?
Cadet 120 volt in-wall fan heaters and baseboards need 1 hot, 1 neutral and 1 ground wire. 240 volt in-wall fan heaters and baseboards need 2 hot and 1 ground wire. If you have more wires, a voltmeter must be used to determine the correct supply wires to use and the other must be capped at both ends and not used.
What do the colors mean on my heater wires?
Cadet uses colored wires to designate the voltage of each heater:
120 volt ONLY have one black and one white wire. The white wire on the heater is the neutral conductor. Be sure to use a separate ground for safety.
Always test with a voltmeter or call a qualified electrician if unsure of the heater or supply voltage.
What should I do with the extra wire in the 12/3 or 10/3 wiring?
12/2 or 10/2 wiring is commonly used in residential circuits. If you have 3 conductor supply with ground (total of 4 conductors), be aware that all of Cadet’s residential heaters require single-phase power to be supplied by two conductors (2 wires plus a ground). A voltmeter will be required to determine which two wires will supply the correct voltage for the heater. All “extra” wires should be capped off and unused. Always use the green ground lead provided in the heater connection box or wall can to connect to the supply ground conductor.
INSTALLATION
Can I install my fan heater in an insulated wall?
Yes, it is acceptable to install the heater in an insulated or a non-insulated wall.
If I use the surface mount can, do I need the wall can?
Yes, a wall can is required.
Why does Cadet recommend installing heaters on an inside wall?
Outside walls are insulated, so this would require a break in the insulation seal, possibly allowing cold air into the room.
What are the clearance requirements for my RBF heater?
The RBF series REQUIRES A MINIMUM distance of 6” from adjacent surfaces, 6” from the floor, and 3’ in front. However, Cadet RECOMMENDS 12” from all adjacent surfaces and 12” from the floor for longer and cleaner performance. Heaters must be spaced at least 3’ apart.
Should I install 120 volt or 240 volt heaters?
If your wiring already exists, you need to check the voltage of your electrical circuit and install the matching heaters. Both types of heater operate with the same output and use the same amount of electricity for any given amount of time. 240 volt heaters require double pole breakers, and 120 volt heaters require single pole breakers. See chart below:
| Volts AC | Size of Breaker or Fuse | Wire Size | Maximum Watts on Circuit |
| 120 | 20 Amp Single Pole | 12/2 with Ground | 1500 |
MISCELLANEOUS
I need a parts breakdown and schematic for my RBF heater.
At this time a parts breakdown guide is not available, however the Cadet Parts & Service Department will be happy to help you identify and locate a part for your Cadet heater.
What causes sooting?
Sooting is caused by items in the environment and is not directly caused by the heater. Burning candles, cooking, cleaning supplies, Presto logs, pets, and numerous plants are a few of the items that can cause sooting to occur. Airborne particles from these items get into the heater and partially burn to a carbon material adhering to walls, under pictures and on carpets or drapes.
Is it safe to let my drapes cover my heaters (fan or baseboard)?
No, see Owner's Guide for all safety requirements and recommendations.
When I replace my old heater, can I replace it with a different size (wattage)?
Click here for a ‘Rule of Thumb’ on wattage suggestions per square foot. Installing a lower wattage heater will not cause a problem on the circuit, but if it’s not enough wattage to heat the room, the heater may run continuously in an effort to bring the room temperature to the temperature set on the thermostat. However, increasing the wattage may cause a problem if your electrical panel board (circuit breaker or fuse box) and supply wiring is not equipped to handle a higher load. All electrical work and materials must comply with the National Electric Code (NEC), the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and all state and local codes.
If I know the BTU’s required, how do I calculate the watts required?
Watts = BTU/3.412 (1 watt = 3.41 BTU)
How do I choose the size of a fan forced heater when replacing my baseboard heater?
Match exactly the wattage and voltage of the baseboard heater you are replacing. Check the baseboard heater for the identification label to determine wattage and voltage. If label is missing, measure the length of the baseboard (most baseboards are approximately 200 – 250 watts per foot), then determine the voltage of the heater using information on the electrical panel board.
Which is more efficient, a 120 volt or a 240 volt heater?
Electricity is calculated on kilowatt hours, not by voltage. For example: a 1500, 120 volt heater will cost the same to run as a 1500 watt, 240 volt heater for the same amount of time. The difference is in the amperage. A 120 volt heater will draw twice as many amps as a 240 volt heater; so fewer 120 volt heaters can be run on the same circuit.
How do I determine my supply voltage?
A voltmeter must be used to determine your supply voltage. CAUTION: this test must be performed with the circuit panel or fuse box “on”. Please call a qualified technician or licensed electrician if unfamiliar or uncomfortable with electrical wiring.
How do I calculate the amps a heater will draw?
Watts divided by Volts equals Amps
Example: 2000 Watts/240 Volt = 8.33 Amps
Should I use an in-wall fan heater or a baseboard?
Each choice has its advantages. See comparisons below:
TIME TO HEAT
An in-wall fan heater produces heat while the fan forces the heat into the room very quickly.
A baseboard heater requires 30 to 60 minutes to heat the room, provided the heater has been properly sized (adequate wattage) for the room.
WALL SPACE REQUIRED
Baseboard heaters are longer, but not as tall as a fan heater. For example, a 1500 watt baseboard will require 6 feet along an outside wall and is about 7 inches tall. A Register Plus heater grill is 14 inches wide and 7 inches high.
NOISE
Baseboard heaters are virtually noise-free, making them a good choice for the bedroom.
In-wall fan heaters are generally quieter than a typical refrigerator.
TEMPERATURES
Baseboard heaters operate at lower temperatures, making the surface temperatures of baseboards cooler.
PRODUCT LIFE
The life of a typical in-wall fan heater is 8-12 years.
The life of a baseboard heater is often in excess of 20 years.
Can I paint my heater surface?
Cadet Manufacturing uses a powder coat paint system that is electrostatically applied and baked on the surface. All Cadet heaters and accessories are listed by UL and cannot be altered in any manner.
How can I heat my garage or shop?
We recommend the RCP or the CEH unit heaters. The RCP is a 240 volt portable (plug-in) heater and the CEH is a permanent mount heater. Both are rugged and use industrial grade components.
TROUBLESHOOTING
What should I do if my heater does not operate?
Several items can be checked:
Why is my heater blowing cold air?
If the fan motor is working, but no heat is being generated, the element may need a few moments to reach operating temperature. If it continues, verify the supply voltage matches the heater voltage rating. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to have your heater repaired or replaced.
Why does the heater run - then quit?
Check the set point on the thermostat first. If the room temperature has reached the set point, the heater will turn off. Test by turning the thermostat up. If heater still does not power on, the heater may have reached abnormal temperatures.
If your heater is clean and free from any obstructions, it may be wired to the wrong voltage. Check the voltage of your heater and your supply wires.
Why does my heater get hot enough to keep tripping the limit switch?
First be sure your heater is clean and free from all obstructions. Click here for maintenance instructions. If your heater is clean and free from all obstructions, it may be wired to the wrong voltage. Check the voltage of your heater and your supply wires.
Is my heater supposed to glow?
No, a glowing heater is an indication that your heater needs to be cleaned, the airflow has been blocked, the heater is wired to the wrong voltage, or it needs to be repaired or replaced. First, be sure your heater is clean and free from all obstructions. Click here for maintenance instructions. If your heater is clean and free from all obstructions, check the voltage of your heater and your supply wires. If the voltage of the heater matches the circuit voltage, have heater repaired or replaced.