Can I Use a Double Pole Thermostat as a Single Pole
If you are shopping for a thermostat for your baseboard heater (or for any line voltage based heating system), you lot may have heard the terms – Single Pole Thermostat and Double Pole Thermostat. If you are a bit dislocated looking for differences betwixt the ii, you are not alone! In this commodity, we assist you understand the verbal divergence between a Single Pole Thermostat and Double Pole Thermostat.
The very basic deviation between a Single pole and a Double pole thermostat is that a Single pole thermostat cannot be turned "OFF" completely. Hence a single pole thermostat never turns the electric heater OFF by cutting the power supply line from the heater. A double pole thermostat has an "OFF" setting and a double pole model can be turned "OFF" completely by isolating the electric heater from the power supply line. A double pole thermostat (when set in the OFF position) completely turns OFF the electric heater from the power supply line.
Take a wait at the pictures given beneath: You tin can see the single-pole thermostat has no "OFF" position, while a double pole thermostat has an OFF position.
What happens in a Single Pole Thermostat?
We saw that a Single pole thermostat has no "OFF" setting in the device. You might be thinking what is the left-nearly position (the minimal setting) in a Single pole thermostat. Well, that'due south actually a low setting (usually set at 45 degrees Fahrenheit). The heater volition be turned "ON" when the temperature dips below the set point (45 degrees or any set value is minimal setting). So in the case of a unmarried pole thermostat, the power line is always connected to the thermostat and to the baseboard heater.
Unlike a Single pole thermostat, the leftmost position in a Double pole thermostat (plow the knob all the style in counter-clockwise direction) is marked "OFF". In this position, the thermostat and the heater will exist isolated from the electric line. The thermostat will not measure/sense the surrounding temperature also when kept in the OFF position. Then in this position, the heater will non turn "ON" fifty-fifty if the temperature dips below a sure value. The heater will be kept "OFF" until the thermostat is turned "ON" and set to a certain temperature value.
What'south the takeaway ?
We now know the departure between a single pole and double pole thermostat. So what'south the takeaway from what nosotros have learned? Well, the almost important one is that a single pole thermostat throws some safe concerns owing to the fact that the electrical heater is always connected to the power line (even at the depression setting).
Electric heaters are usually required only during the cold season. In near homes, electric heaters are not used during summertime. Consider a scenario in which you have a unmarried-pole thermostat controlling your heater. During summer you fix the thermostat to its low signal and go away on vacation. Since the heater is not in utilize, y'all might have placed many items carelessly near your heater (worst instance: directly in front of your heater). At present, what if in that location is a sudden climatic change and temperature dips unexpectedly? Your unmarried pole thermostat will plough the heater "ON" when the temperature falls below its minimal setting. Since y'all are abroad, you don't become a chance to movement things kept near your heater. The potential fire risk is very high in such a scenario.
Note: All kinds of heaters have certain minimal clearance requirements. Read about baseboard heater condom tips in our guide.
It'southward always safe to plow your electric heater OFF (completely isolated from the power line) when you lot are away. Withal if y'all don't take long vacations (staying abroad from your habitation) and if you e'er continue a bank check on things placed well-nigh your heater, you can go with the unmarried pole thermostat option.
Identifying a Single Pole Thermostat and Double Pole Thermostat
Now as you know the basic deviation betwixt a Single pole and a Double pole thermostat, allow's see how to identify betwixt the two. The about uncomplicated method to identify betwixt a Unmarried pole & a Double pole thermostat is to expect at the backside of the thermostat. 
If you see 2 wires coming out of the dorsum of your thermostat, you have a Single pole thermostat in your paw. And if you run into four wires coming out of the back, you have a Double pole thermostat in mitt. Easy & simple identification – correct ?
Note 1: If you are checking a connected thermostat (thermostat connected to electric heater line), get-go turn OFF the main power line or turn OFF the power at the billow that powers your electrical heater. At present take off the thermostat from the wall (or the attachment) and inspect the backside.
Annotation ii: If you lot accept more than than four wires coming out of the dorsum of your thermostat, you might have a low voltage thermostat in your manus. Please annotation low voltage thermostats can not be used to control electric heaters (baseboard heaters). Low voltage models are used to regulate other types of heating systems like a heat pump, boilers, gas furnaces etc.
Source: https://thermostatguide.com/single-pole-double-pole-thermostat/
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