Can Multiple Therma Heat Heater Pads be Wired to Single Switch

Updated 12/28/2017 | Published 12/27/2017

Products Featured in This Question

ThermaHeat RV Holding Tank or Step Heater Pad w/ Thermostat - 25" Long x 7-1/4" Wide

(154)

$39.43

ThermaHeat RV Dump Valve Pipe and Elbow Heating Pad - 8" Long x 3" Wide

(49)

$32.15

Universal-Design Rocker Switch - SPST - On-Off - 12 Volt - 20 Amp - 4-Blade - Red Pilot Light

(19)

$14.44

Question:

How many of the tank heater pads can you run off of one switch. I am running two 25inch x 7 1/4inch inch and one 8inch x 3inch elbow pad through a 20 amp rocker switch and I am getting a reading of only 0.9-1 volt at the connections to the pads. Any help you can provide would be appreciated. Thanks

asked by: Joey S

Expert Reply:

Multiple heating pads like the Therma Heat 25 Inch x 7-1/4 Inch # 277-000163 and the Elbow Heater Pad # 277-000162 that you have can be wired to a single switch. If you are not getting enough voltage with your current setup, it's possible that the switch you are using cannot handle the total amperage of the heating pads.

The larger pads draw 5.8 amps (each) and the elbow pad draws 0.3 amps. A higher rated switch like the Pollak # PK34310 might be a better option if your existing switch is not suitable. This switch is rated for 20 amps.

expert reply by: Chris R