How big a CB for block heater?

   / How big a CB for block heater? #1  

Haywire

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2010
Messages
1,025
Location
Central Kentucky
Tractor
Tractorless :(
My BX complained this morning when I started it at 19 deg. It cranked right up, but knocked and smoked for a minute. I think I am going to get a block heater for it and need to run some AC out to the wood shed. Need some lights out there anyway. How much current do those heaters pull? Is 12/2 and a 20 amp breaker plenty?

Ian
 
   / How big a CB for block heater? #2  
My BX complained this morning when I started it at 19 deg. It cranked right up, but knocked and smoked for a minute. I think I am going to get a block heater for it and need to run some AC out to the wood shed. Need some lights out there anyway. How much current do those heaters pull? Is 12/2 and a 20 amp breaker plenty?

Ian

Plenty. That will give you a circuit for other, high draw tools as well.

I assume you glowed your plugs? In 3 series of 8 Mississippis?:D
 
   / How big a CB for block heater? #3  
My BX complained this morning when I started it at 19 deg. It cranked right up, but knocked and smoked for a minute. I think I am going to get a block heater for it and need to run some AC out to the wood shed. Need some lights out there anyway. How much current do those heaters pull? Is 12/2 and a 20 amp breaker plenty?

Ian

Your question cannot be answered properly without knowing how far the wood shed is from the service panel.
 
   / How big a CB for block heater? #4  
The block heater plugs into a standard 15 amp receptacle. the distance from house ( source ) is important. Voltage drop !!!!
If you are going to trench, then a conduit may work for you, extra wiring for maybe switching lights @ house and shed. A 8 circuit panel in the shed ?
Consider another building in the future? Workshop ?
If you are trenching maybe a 1/2" or 3/4" poly pipe for water ?
 
   / How big a CB for block heater?
  • Thread Starter
#5  
I'll be running it from the barn, which has a 120A panel in it that someone contributed when I wired it (upgraded from a small 6 or 8 circuit panel). The outlet will be about 60 feet from that panel. The barn panel is fed from a 100A 220v breaker in the house panel via 4ga copper. House is about 50yds from the barn. I know, probably not code, but the barn was fed like that when I bought the house.

Ian
 
   / How big a CB for block heater? #7  
The block heater in my B7610 draws 400 Watts (3.3A). It is likely the same for the BX.
 
   / How big a CB for block heater? #8  
The heaters that are fit in a radiator hose will draw a bit more, as will the typical magnetic type oil pan heaters. Those that screw directly into a freeze plug type fitting generally draw a bit less. YMMV.
 
   / How big a CB for block heater? #9  
Hope that barn sub-panel ground is run properly-most are not. Should not be bonded to the main panel and have it's own ground rod as should the shed.
 
   / How big a CB for block heater?
  • Thread Starter
#10  
Both. The 3 conductor feed cable is tied to the house panel ground and there is an additional solid copper grounding cable going to a rod at the barn.

Ian
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

2016 CATERPILLAR 259D SKID STEER (A50458)
2016 CATERPILLAR...
1999 John Deere 566 Round Baler  Net & Twine, Reliable Performance (A50397)
1999 John Deere...
2009 Kaufman Gooseneck Trailer and 10K Hydro-Blast (A50860)
2009 Kaufman...
2013 Fiat 500c Lounge Hatchback (A48082)
2013 Fiat 500c...
(1) HD 24ft Free Standing Corral Panel with 7ft Gate (A48837)
(1) HD 24ft Free...
KNOW BEFORE YOU BID - DO YOUR HOMEWORK AND BE HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE (A50458)
KNOW BEFORE YOU...
 
Top