Do electric fireplaces need a different type of electrical outlet?

We got one of those and it just plugs into the same outlet I plug the vacuum cleaner in when my mom makes me do the floor. Piff!

If you want to heat the room 240 V, 110 V are mostly displays of fake flames and give off little or no heat.

Not cheap to run for heat on 240 V! !

^^Aren’t the requirements either 110 or 220? I can’t just connect it to a 220 if I feel like it.

Are you saying electricity is more expensive than gas to heat a room? My gas bills were a FORTUNE in Tennessee in the winter.

In my area the cost of electricity is much higher than natural gas.

We run a “gas pack” heating system for the main floor in the winter for that reason.

The terms 220v & 240v are interchangeable in the US. Same thing.

Electric fireplaces are simply decorated space heaters. There are 240v versions, but mostly they are regular 120v and limited to 1500 watts like most every plug-in appliance.

The 220v fireplaces I’ve seen are built-in hard-wired pieces, not simply plugins.

^^That’s what I was thinking, that maybe the really nice ones are 220. Even if it gets hardwired, if I get the 220 outlet now they can convert it to a hardwire can’t they? Isn’t that better than doing the wiring after the build?

You’ll need to know the amperage require for the fireplace, before you wire the outlet.

^^Can I just put a 220 and a regular outlet and then it’s ready for whatever is needed?

Different wires and that include thickness ( power carrying capablity ) and the connection in the circuit breaker box. 110 / 120 is usually 15 amps or 20 and 220 / 240 can be 20, 30, 40 or 50 amps ! Each different amperage has a different outlet / plug shape.

It varies based on model. 220 outlets are only installed in houses for specific purposed like Ranges, Dryers, Hot Tubs, etc.
If you want to heat with one that is 120 it will only cover a spall space. You can’t get enough BTU’s out of a 120v – 20 amp unit for much more than a 10×10 room.

@Tropical_Willie That’s my point. I’m trying to pre-wire for whichever scenario.

Have your endgame (fireplace) picked out. Too many variables !

At least how much heat (BTU’s) you want and then how many amps would be required.

I don’t understand the problem. I have no idea if I’m going to put a fireplace in, I’m just trying to have the correct outlet on the wall no matter what I choose.

Need to know what you’ll have in the end !

What fireplace you’ll get !

“I have no idea if I’m going to put a fireplace in” that is the problem !

Are you ready to spend a $1000 if you don’t know what you want ? You may have to change it when you change your mind, that will cost you to change.

Why? Isn’t there only two types of wires? I guess that’s what I’m not understanding.

They have different uses;

Corvette – - fast two people.

Ford Maverick truck – - two people pick-up body.

Ram 5500 crew cab diesel – - seats six is diesel and can tow several tons.

Mercedes S550 – - 4 door for 4 people very fast !

What is you want ? ? ?

When wiring for 220 / 240; 20, 30, 40 or 50 amps, each is a different gauge wire, the difference in cost could be twice the price for just the wire. You cannot put in 50 amp service and try to hook it up to a 110 outlet on the wll.

the difference in cost could be twice the price for just the wire.

1) Right, but wouldn’t that be a small price for a short run? Probably the place will have 220 for the laundry room and/or kitchen. Why not run one more line to the living room (where 110 already exists) and both outlets can be on the wall.

2) On the other hand, my (small amount of) googling says the 220 models are built-ins. Wouldn’t it be best to decide now whether to install that while the trades are on site, or to place a 110 outlet for a stand-alone “fireplace”.

Yup figure out what you want before they start wiring the house.

Figure it out before the trades show up ! ! ! (Blueprints should include ALL electrical wiring).

Do know know what you want ? If not go to fireplace store that sells electric fireplaces.

I’m mostly thinking about putting it in for resale, because I’m not putting in a fireplace. I don’t know if I’ll ever bother to do it.

I didn’t understand there are different amp possibilities.