Can somebody recommend a thermostatically controlled heater?

jprinceLWG · Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Posts: 8

I am looking for a "space" heater that could adequately heat a 240 square foot canvas tent to around 120 degrees or more. This heater would need to be thermostatically controlled so it could be set to say, just run on low heat or fan when the desired temp is hit.

It would need to be 120v electric appliance.

Thanks!

havingfun2 · Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 237 Location: Ontario Canada

ampsXvoltsX3.4=btu's.
I come to learn this on research and within another forum.
I also come to learn.
Type of anything "burning electricity" does not matter.. just that fact that you are "burning electricity" generates btu's.

ie..an air mover motor burning 4 amps does not create or reduce btu's via a "electrical heater" at the same draw!!!

so.. the question becomes.
Within this area.. what is you heat gain required, (inside verse outside)(heat loss within a tent?)etc

if it's extreme temp variances . 120 volts at any practical amp setting might not do it dude.
a thermostate will and can only opperate IF it's reachs set temps!

if the temp differential is not that great..
light bulbs, air movers, dh's, resistors, you name it will produce btu's.
_________________
Mark Brisco
Ontario Canada
“With All Thy Getting Get Understanding”

Ken Horvath · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 138

I have built and field tested several electric heater systems with thermostatic controls that operate off 115v. I hope to have sellable units available at the Connections show in September. This unit would work perfect for your application.

Ken Horvath · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 138

Check out the Eliminator at www.driheat.com or Jon-Don.

Fully recirculating for the most efficiency possible.

Ken Horvath
602-723-2534

Sparrk · Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 8:00 am Post subject:

Your limitation is 115v. UL listings limit electric heaters to 15amps @ 115v resulting in 1500 watts. It doesn't matter if it's a $350 Amish fireplace heater or a $19 Walmart milkhouse heater, it's only going to put out 1500 watts.

1 watt = 3.41 BTU/hr

That's only 5,115 BTU/hr

Heat loss is your enemy. A very well insulated room of that size would eventually heat up using 1500w, but in a tent it isn't going to do much.

The only option I see other than increasing the voltage to 240v or 480v is a gas torpedo heater or LP heater. Most have thermostats, but you probably don't want to leave it to operate unattended.

Flood Dry · Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 218

The machine your talking about uses four separate circuits to generate its heat. Approximately 12 amps per circuit. Check your BTUs