Can I install conduit underneath a baeboard heater

[farmfresh]

I need to install 2 baseboard heaters on a brick wall in a very dry basement. I will also need to install some outlets between the baseboard heaters(the outlets will be about 4 feet to the side of the heaters). I'll run the 240v for the baseboards in conduit, but I can't seem to find any information about the legality/safety of running additional conduit for the 120 V outlets below the heaters. Seems like no problem to me, the building inspector didn't seem to have a problem with it, but also didn't seem to fully understand what I meant. Any thoughts?

[jar546]

I would only allow it if the wire was properly rated for the heat and you also provided derating calculations for the circuit.

[Lakee911]

That's true, jar, but how much heat radiates downwards from those?

[Billy_Bob]

That's true, jar, but how much heat radiates downwards from those?

Interesting question!

I have no idea where you would find that data (for a baseboard heater), however I do know that when installing a wood stove, the installation instructions will require a certain R-Value (insulation) hearth/pad if installing the wood stove on a combustible material like a wood floor.

Also there are 3 types of heat transfer... Radiation, conduction and convection. More...

Heat...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat

Thermal radiation...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_radiation

Conduction (heat)...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_conduction

Convection...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convection

[hj]

It would partly depend on whether the baseboard heats strictly by radiation, or if also uses convection currents through it. If so, then anything underneath it that could obstruct the air flow would not be permitted.

[Speedy Petey]

I would only allow it if the wire was properly rated for the heat and you also provided derating calculations for the circuit.

You would seriously ask for a "derating calculation"????

I will also ask: How much heat is actually directed down from an electric baseboard heater? Not much in my opinion.

[jar546]

You would seriously ask for a "derating calculation"????

I will also ask: How much heat is actually directed down from an electric baseboard heater? Not much in my opinion.

Correct, your opinion. I need facts

[Speedy Petey]

OK then. I'll let you know when I get them.