Understanding Electrical Requirements of the Xtrem Heaters 

When choosing an Xtreme Heater for your boat, RV / camper, living space, or industrial application, it's essential to understand the electrical requirements for different heater sizes. This knowledge ensures safe installation, optimal performance, and reliable operation. Let's explore the key electrical considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Breaker (Fuse) Requirements:

For optimal protection, a slow blow breaker specifically designed to handle the initial inrush current of the heater without tripping prematurely. 

  • 400W and 600W heaters require a 15A breaker
  • 800W heaters need a 20A breaker  

Inrush Current:

Your electrical system and protective devices must be sized appropriately to safely handle this brief inrush current. All heaters draw a higher current when first powered on compared to their continuous operating current. This inrush current varies by heater size but is consistent across applications:

  • 400W: 12A for 1 second
  • 600W: 13A for 1 second
  • 800W: 15A for 1 second 

Steady-State Current Draw:
After the initial inrush, the current draw of Xtreme Heaters settles into a steady-state level for normal operation. This continuous current draw is lower than the inrush current, ensuring safe and efficient performance over extended periods. Properly sizing your electrical system to handle this steady-state current is essential for avoiding unnecessary strain on your circuits and ensuring consistent heater operation:

  • 400W Heater: Draws approximately 3.5A during continuous operation.
  • 600W Heater: Draws approximately 5A during continuous operation.
  • 800W Heater: Draws approximately 7A during continuous operation.

By understanding both the inrush and steady-state current draw, you can ensure that your electrical system is adequately equipped to support your Xtreme Heater, leading to a safer and more reliable installation.

Dynamic Performance with PTC Elements:
Xtreme Heaters are designed with advanced PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heating elements, offering a significant advantage in terms of energy efficiency and safety. As the heater warms up and the surrounding environment reaches a higher temperature, the PTC element naturally reduces its current draw. This adaptive behavior means that the heater uses less power when it is most effective, helping to lower energy consumption while maintaining consistent performance. The PTC element makes Xtreme Heaters dynamic, adjusting their output to match real-world conditions, which ensures optimal heating without the risk of overheating or excessive energy use. This smart design means you get reliable freeze protection while minimizing the strain on your electrical system.

Wire Size Guide:

Using the correct wire gauge is crucial for safety and efficient operation. Properly sized wiring prevents overheating and ensures your heater receives adequate power. Consult the provided wire size chart to determine the appropriate wire gauge based on your heater's current draw:

  • 400W (4-5A continuous): 16AWG minimum
  • 600W (5-6A continuous): 14AWG minimum
  • 800W (6-8A continuous): 14AWG minimum 

Special Considerations for Boats:

If you have an older boat, be aware that the existing wiring may be smaller in gauge or more brittle compared to modern marine wiring standards. Before installing your heater, carefully inspect the boat's wiring and consider upgrading to larger, marine-grade wire if necessary. When in doubt, consult a qualified marine electrician.

Why Understanding Electrical Requirements Matters:

Knowing your Xtreme Heater's electrical requirements is crucial for selecting the right model for your specific application and ensuring safe, dependable operation. Using an undersized breaker can lead to nuisance tripping, while insufficient wiring can overheat and pose a fire hazard. Taking the time to match your heater's requirements to your electrical system's capacity will provide trouble-free comfort for years to come.

Across all applications – boats, RVs / campers, living spaces, and industrial settings – properly integrating your Xtreme Heater into the electrical system is paramount. By adhering to the guidelines for breaker sizing, wire gauge, and inrush current handling, you'll enjoy optimal heater performance and peace of mind knowing your installation is safe and compliant.