Line Voltage Thermostat

A Line Voltage Thermostat is a type of thermostat used to control heating systems that operate on high voltage, typically between 120 to 240 volts, such as baseboard heaters, radiant heaters, and fan-forced heaters. Line voltage thermostats are directly connected to and handle the power load of the heating device. These thermostats are typically wired into the main power line, meaning they can handle the high current necessary for electric heaters. Line voltage thermostats can come in single-pole (no true "off" position, with only "on" and "low" settings) or double-pole designs (true "off" position available). They allow you to set a target temperature, and the thermostat will turn the heater on or off to maintain that level.

One benefit of having line voltage wiring is that there's no need for extra hardware like a transformer. Electric heating thermostats use 120V-240V of electricity and are commonly known as high voltage thermostats or ‘line voltage thermostats’ and control electric heating systems like baseboard heaters. They can control resistance heaters, radiant heaters, and convection heaters.

Since line voltage thermostats deliver electricity directly to heaters they handle more power than low voltage thermostats that control central HVAC systems like a gas furnace. The thermostat will turn your heater on or off, depending on how close it is to your set threshold. If the temperature in a room goes below the threshold temperature setting it will turn your heater on. Once the desired setting is reached, your heating system will be turned off.