derating electrical heater load to 80 percent
How safe is it to go beyond the max. 80% of the derated max load for electric heating. I can go 2880 watts of electric heat, derated 80% from 3600 watts using a 15 amp breaker (14/2 wire). After I reconfigure my baseboards, by removing some and adding others, I will end up with 3000 watts, or at 83.3% derated. I read in an electrical code handbook written by a former electrical inspector that the whole issue of derating can be dismissed and that you can actually use 100% of the wire and breaker load, essentially carrying the full 3600 watts of electric heating. I was taken aback at that, since my issue of his book didn't say that, but the latest issue essentially says that they are static loads and can safely predict how much power they draw out. I tried to confirm this with other sources out there, both in print and in person with experts, but could not corroborate this theory. Anyhow, back to my original question: is 3000 watts okay for a 15amp 14/2 wire for eletrical heater load?