Dryer cord on a water heater

[jmmyers]

Can anyone think of any reason why you could not or should not use a dryer cord on a water heater instead of a direct wire?

This should prove to be a very interesting thread!

Joe Myers

 

[iwire]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

As I have never seen a hot water heater set up for "frequent interchange" 400.7(6)

I would have to go with 400.8(1) uses not permitted, As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

Joe,
We had a thread about a cord connection to a forced air furnace in the old forum. I think that the issues are the same and a cord is not permitted for this application.
Don

 

[scott moran]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

How often do you "frequent interchange" a dryer??

 

[russ]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

I just did an inspection where there were three water heaters. The two largest ones had fan motors for the exhaust, wired direct with a disconnect switch. The third water heater fan was pluged in. I red tagged it sighting 400.8.

Russ

 

[iwire]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

I try not to perform "frequent interchange" of my dryer

422.16(A) seems to cover Dryers

[ March 21, 2003, 07:00 PM: Message edited by: iwire ]

 

[racraft]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

My water is a gas fired unit. It reqiures 120 volts for the ignitor and the vent fan (it is a direct vent unit). When it was installed, the installer cut off the plug on the end of the supplied cord and hardwired that into an octagonal box containing a switch and fuse. The box is directly connected to a 15 amp circuit breaker.

I am not familiar with codes, but can only imagine that there was some requirement that the unit be direct connected, and not plugged in.

 

[roger]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

Racraft, in this case, I don't agree with the installer altering the manufacturers intended connecton.

I don't really see a problem electically, except that the connector in to the box should be approved for the type cable used by the manufacturer.

Roger

 

[mikeackley]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

In the case of racraft?s gas fired water heater (above), here we have a different situation, one in which the unit was originally supplied with a flexible cord. In my mind, this should be permitted. 422.16(A) permits flexible cords provding ??the appliance is intended or identified for flexible cord connection.?

Oops. Just after posting this reply I see Roger beat me to the punch. Fast typer, that guy.

[ March 21, 2003, 07:55 PM: Message edited by: mikeackley ]

 

[tom baker]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

(A) General. Flexible cord shall be permitted (1) for the connection of appliances to facilitate their frequent interchange or to prevent the transmission of noise or vibration or (2) to facilitate the removal or disconnection of appliances that are fastened in place, where the fastening means and mechanical connections are specifically designed to permit ready removal for maintenance or repair and the appliance is intended or identified for flexible cord connection.

It would seem to be allowed if the water heater is intended or identifed. but water heaters do not have to have frequent service. One reason why not is cord and plug would be more expensive than AC flex whip with 10AWG thhn conductors. I suspect in my area the AHJ would turn down a water heater with a cord connection.

 

[tom baker]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

Originally posted by tom baker:
422(A) General. Flexible cord shall be permitted (1) for the connection of appliances to facilitate their frequent interchange or to prevent the transmission of noise or vibration or (2) to facilitate the removal or disconnection of appliances that are fastened in place, where the fastening means and mechanical connections are specifically designed to permit ready removal for maintenance or repair and the appliance is intended or identified for flexible cord connection.

It would seem to be allowed if the water heater is intended or identifed. but water heaters do not have to have frequent service. One reason why not is cord and plug would be more expensive than AC flex whip with 10AWG thhn conductors. I suspect in my area the AHJ would turn down a water heater with a cord connection.

 

[tom baker]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

Originally posted by tom baker:

Originally posted by tom baker:
422.16(A) General. Flexible cord shall be permitted (1) for the connection of appliances to facilitate their frequent interchange or to prevent the transmission of noise or vibration or (2) to facilitate the removal or disconnection of appliances that are fastened in place, where the fastening means and mechanical connections are specifically designed to permit ready removal for maintenance or repair and the appliance is intended or identified for flexible cord connection.

It would seem to be allowed if the water heater is intended or identifed. but water heaters do not have to have frequent service. One reason why not is cord and plug would be more expensive than AC flex whip with 10AWG thhn conductors. I suspect in my area the AHJ would turn down a water heater with a cord connection.

 

[charlie b]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

I don't "interchange" my dryer. But I do like to move it from time-to-time, in order to evict that family of dust bunnies residing behind and under it. Thank goodness the code allows for a plug and cord connection.

 

[mikeackley]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

Tom Baker:
Respectively considering your talking points above and those of others here as well, I can't help but wonder - What's really different between this plug-equipped gas water heater case and other flexible cord installations which are permitted like disposals, dishwashers, trash compactors, wall mounted ovens, or counter-mounted cooktops?

 

[tom baker]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

I beleive this is the answer, per the UL white book, under Household Storage Tank (KSDT)
"they are intended for household use in ordinary locations and permanent connection to the supply source in accordance with the NEC"
110.3(B) states equipment must be installed according to its listing and labeling instructions.
I looked at the listing information for ranges and dryers and no mention was made of the type of power connection intended, so the water heater would seem to be restricted to a permanent connection.

 

[mikeackley]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

Tom B.: Thanks for taking the time looking that up (Household Storage Tanks) in the UL white book. Continuing to learn something new every day.

 

[tom baker]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

I once call a water heater a hot water heater and was corrected. If its hot why heat it, was the comment. Another favorite is we microwave a meal, but we don't oven a meal.

 

[jxofaltrds]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

Joe

No. Violation. Table 400.4 PP70-234 2002NEC right column "use".

Russ

Did you redtag the two or the plug-in?

Racraft

Cutting the cord is a violation. 400.8(1)

Tom

I agree that a electric water heater wiring is permanent.

I view the plug-in must be plugged-in. Would you cut the plug on the fan and hot wire it?

Tom

My dictionary (1985)lists microwave as a noun. I believe it can be used as a verb. What is microwavable? Able to be microwaved? It is not in my dictionary. Guess I need a new one. Oven is a noun.

Mike P.

Pet peeve: grammatical error.

 

[Glennwith2ns]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

My water heater heats the water when it falls below 130 degrees, isn't that hot


Glenn

 

[russ]

Re: Dryer cord on a water heater

Mike P:

The red tag was on the one with the cord.

Russ