Electrical & Power Requirements
https://support.focalheat.co/electrical-power/
On this page
- Overview
- System basics
- Rail configurations
- Outlet and circuit by plug type
- Notes for electricians
- Placement
Overview
Each Focal rail ships with a factory-installed plug — either 15A or 20A depending on how many heaters it carries. For each rail, make sure to provide a matching outdoor-rated, GFCI-protected outlet on its own dedicated circuit.
Give every rail its own dedicated branch circuit with a correctly sized breaker.
Share a circuit with other appliances or loads.
System basics
Each Focal heater is rated 600W (two 300W heating spots) at 120V, 60Hz. A rail’s total load depends on how many heaters it carries.
Focal heaters conform to UL 2021 and are certified by TÜV Rheinland.
Rail configurations
Each rail is limited to a maximum number of heaters. The rail model determines the plug and the circuit you need to provide.
| Rail | Actual length | Max heaters | Max current | Receptacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 ft | 53.5” | 2 | 15A | NEMA 5-15R |
| 6 ft | 80.5” | 3 | 20A | NEMA 5-20R |
| 8 ft | 98.5” | 3 | 20A | NEMA 5-20R |
Never load a rail with more heaters than its row allows. If more heat is needed, add another rail on its own circuit.
Outlet and circuit by plug type
Match the outlet and circuit to whichever plug the rail arrived with.
| Factory plug | Required outlet | Required circuit |
|---|---|---|
| NEMA 5-15P | NEMA 5-15R, outdoor-rated, GFCI protected | Dedicated 15A circuit, appropriately sized breaker |
| NEMA 5-20P | NEMA 5-20R, outdoor-rated, GFCI protected | Dedicated 20A circuit, appropriately sized breaker |
Notes for electricians
All cabling connected to a rail should be 12AWG rated for 20A.
Verify at every outlet:
- Outdoor-rated receptacle with an in-use weatherproof cover
- GFCI protection
- Proper grounding
- No exposed conductors or loose connections
- Dedicated branch circuit, breaker sized to the plug
Placement
Position outlets in line with the cord-exit end of each rail, where the rail’s 8-foot built-in cable exits, so no extension cord is needed. Account for parklet features like pillars when siting the outlet.
Site the outlet in line with the cord-exit end of the rail, within reach of its 8-foot cable.
Site the outlet where the rail's cable can't reach without an extension cord.
The Focal Hub also needs a standard outlet at the Hub Location marked on the site plan. Don’t use an outlet on a light switch.
Do not energize the outlet or operate a heater until mounting and clearance checks are complete.
For anything not covered here, contact Focal.