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This is not recommended. The heater will operate at more than its given specified wattage. A 208 volt heater run off 220 volts will have an output increase by 11.87 percent. Similarly, a 220 volt heater can be run off of 208 but the wattage will be reduced by 10.61%. The calculations, using Ohms' Law, are shown below.

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Watts = volts x amps (W = V x I) and I = W / V so, if we take a 2000 watts heater designed to run on 208 volts, I = 2000 / 208 = 9.6 amps

Resistance = volts / amps (R = V / I) so the heater's resistance is 208 / 9.6 = 21.632 ohms

Amps = volts / resistance (I = V / R) so, running on 220 volts, I = 220 / 21.632 = 10.17 amps

W = 220 x 10.17 = 2237 watts, which is an increase of 2237/2000 = 11.87%.

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W = V x I and I = W / V so, if we take a 2000 watts heater designed to run on 220 volts, I = 2000 / 220 = 9.09 amps

R = V / I so the heater's resistance is 220 / 9.09 = 24.2 ohms

I = V / R so, running on 208 volts, I = 208 / 24.2 = 8.595 amps

W = 208 x 8.595 = 1787.76 watts, which is a decrease of ( 2000-1787.76 ) / 2000 = 10.61%.

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15y ago

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More answers

It is not recommended to use 240 volts for a heater that requires 208 volts because this can potentially damage the heater or cause a safety hazard due to overvoltage. It's best to use the voltage specified by the manufacturer for the heater to ensure safe and proper operation.

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9mo ago
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Yes

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The heater will operate over its given specified wattage. A 208 volt heater run off of 240 volt will have an output increase. Ohms law stated that current is directly proportional to the applied voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance of the circuit. A 240 volt heater can be run off of 208 but the wattage will be reduced.

For example if the heater is 5000 watts at 208 volts, the current is I =W/E 5000/208 = 24 amps. The resistance of the heater is R = W/I (squared) =5000/24 x 24 (576) = 8.68 ohms. Applying 240 volts on the same heater whose resistance is 8.68 ohms results in this new heater wattage rating. W = E (squared)/R = 240 x 240 (57600)/8.68 = 6636 watts. This is 1636 watts higher than the manufacturer's safety rating.

W = watts, I = amperage, R= resistance in ohms and E = voltage.

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12y ago
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The voltage range that the heater can handle should be marked on the case. The supply voltage must be within that range. Do not run on excessive voltage because the amount of heat produced could be dangerous.

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208 volt heater on 240 volts

The heater will operate over its given specified wattage. A 208 volt heater run off of 240 volt will have an output increase. Ohms law stated that current is directly proportional to the applied voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance of the circuit. A 240 volt heater can be run off of 208 but the wattage will be reduced.

For example if the heater is 5000 watts at 208 volts, the current is I =W/E 5000/208 = 24 amps. The resistance of the heater is R = W/I (squared) =5000/24 x 24 (576) = 8.68 ohms. Applying 240 volts on the same heater whose resistance is 8.68 ohms results in this new heater wattage rating. W = E (squared)/R = 240 x 240 (57600)/8.68 = 6636 watts. This is 1636 watts higher than the manufacturer's safety rating.

W = watts, I = amperage, R= resistance in ohms and E = voltage.

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11y ago
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Q: Can you use 240 volts for a 208 volt heater?
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