GFCI For Water Heater In Bathroom

Status
Not open for further replies.
I

imp22b

Member
Location
Columbus, IN
I recently relocated a water heater from a storage room into the restroom for the company I work for. The water heater is to the back of a shower and with in arms reach (2-3') of the urinals. I am wondering if a GFCI breaker would be required in this location. I couldn't find any defanent answer in the NEC.

P.S. I just found this site and it is full of useful information. While I am not a licened electricain, I am an Inustrial Maintenace Tech. I work mainly with machine controls, PLC's, motors, etc...

Thanks for all your help
 
I see no requirement for it, But if it is not in a closet and you feel it is a potential hazard then I would put it on a GFCI breaker. I don't know why someone would be reaching over to touch the water heater while using the urinal but I am sure stranger things have happened. JMO
 
Your fine assuming its hard wired.I do hope you made good connections on the ground.I would rather see some kind of wall to protect the users from being stupid and touching it.
 
I don't believe that there a requirement for a gfci in this situation, however, someone who is in there to use the urinal shood keep his hands on the task that he is in there to perform and not touch the water heater. But then again there is always that 10% who will touch it (the water heater) because it is there.
 
Its possible the GFCImay trip due to leakage current from the element. I've never heard of this application before. At least make sure the water heater and water piping are well bonded.
 
hockeyoligist2 said:
If it was in a bar there wouldn't be a problem........ Beer drinkers have to use both hands, one for control and the other to hold themselves off the wall.... :)
Click to expand...

For some of us sometimes it takes 2 hands for control, but that nice cool wall feels good on the forehead. ;) :grin:
 
My response needs clarification, I used the dirty word (assumed) it was hardwired, If not then yes gfci is required if the cord cap is 15 or 20amp 125volt, I don't know of any exceptions in a bathroom similar to the exceptions for garages and basements for not readily accessible or appliances located within a dedicated space.
 
Is there a grounding conductor run with the electrical circuit and bonded to the water heater? If not, there needs to be (read 250.110, 250.118, 250.120 and 250.122). If the plumbing is metal, it needs to be bonded to the grounded service conductor (250.104). It may already be bonded, follow the metal plumbing back to the source and look for a bonding conductor attached to the plumbing.
steve
 
Sorry I wasnt very clear in my post when I said the plumbing is well insulated. What I mean by this is from the water heat to the false ceiling it has foam pipe wrap around it. It is a copper pipe and I will have to check on the gounding. I dont delieve I've seen anywhere that it was bonded. The pluming shoud be grounded where the city water enters the building, right? Does it matter if its a Factory / Industrial Building?

The water heater is properly gounded.

Edit: The piping is mounted with metal clamps to the building frame which is bonded.
 
Last edited:
wireman3736 said:
doesn't need gfci if it's 277 volt.
Click to expand...

The code panel didn't want to deprive anybody of the joys of contact with anything energized with 277 volts.

But we need to be protected against the big bad 120 volts.

David
 
hockeyoligist2 said:
If it was in a bar there wouldn't be a problem........ Beer drinkers have to use both hands, one for control and the other to hold themselves off the wall.... :)
Click to expand...

I'm seeing the beginnings of a code change proposal.
210.8(B)(1)Exception: Establishments that serve alcohol.
 
jwelectric said:
Just change it out and install a gas heater and forget all this GFCI stuff.
Click to expand...

The International Fuel Gas Code will not allow a gas water heater in the bathroom unless it is a direct vent water heater, or is installed in its own enclosure and all combustion air is taken from the outside. Keep the electric water heater and forget all this fuel burning appliance in a bathroom stuff :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top