How to Replace a Single Pole Thermostat for Baseboard Heaters

Line voltage thermostats come in two types: single pole or double pole. While both types of thermostats turn the heater on and off depending on the temperature set point, each has a different method. Single pole thermostats do not turn the heating system off completely; there is no "Off" setting on the thermostat. With single pole thermostats, power is always present at the heater. With double pole thermostats, you can break the power connection at the thermostat, which allows you to turn off the heating system; when off, power is not present at the heater. Replacing a single pole thermostat is simpler as only two wires connect to it.

Screwdriver
Wire nuts

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off power to the electric baseboard heater. Accomplish this by turning off the corresponding circuit breaker in the circuit breaker panel.
- 2
  Remove the cover of the existing line voltage thermostat by grasping and pulling it straight off.
- 3
  Unscrew the thermostat's base from the electrical box. Untwist the wire nuts that connect the wires within the electrical box to the wires on the thermostat's base.
- 4
  Twist the black (hot) wire to the wire coming from the "L1" terminal on the new thermostat's base. Screw on a wire nut. Twist the other wire to the wire coming from the "T1" terminal and screw on a wire nut.
- 5
  Grasp the cover and pull it off the thermostat's base. Gently fold the wires into the electrical box.
- 6
  Screw the thermostat's base to the electrical box with the provided screws. Tighten until the base is secure against the wall.
- 7
  Push the cover onto the thermostat's base until it snaps into place.
- 8
  Turn the power back on to the electric heater and test your thermostat. Rotate the dial clockwise all the way. Wait a few minutes to see if the heater begins putting out heat. Then rotate the dial to your desired setting.

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