Igniter for Instant HW heater

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sfav8r

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On a job I am on, we wired a duplex plug next to the location for the instant HW heater, the purpose of which is for the igniter on this gas unit.

The inspector is requiring us to remove the duplex receptacle, install a disco and hard wire the unit.

I'm not sure why the igniter on this unit would be any different than the igniter on a cook top or a stove, both of which can be plugged in.

Any code reference on this.

thanks
 
Re: Igniter for Instant HW heater

I can't remember. Maybe if you ask the inspector he could show it to you. If he does please post it here so we all can see it.
If he can't then leave it like it is.
 
Re: Igniter for Instant HW heater

Any chance the heater is in an unfinished basement? Maybe he thinks the receptacle would have to be GFCI.

Steve
 
Re: Igniter for Instant HW heater

I've been looking into these for personal use. The Bosch Aquastar appears (by the wiring diagrams and exploded view) to come with a cord from the factory. Since it's got an AGA label on it, as an inspector I would accept the receptacle next to the unit.
Bosch Aquastar
 
Re: Igniter for Instant HW heater

I should have mentioned in my original post...The inspector states that since it is a permanantly installed appliance it is required to be hardwired with a disconnect.

I guess my opinion is that it isn't an ELECTRIC appliance. It's a GAS appliance with an electric igniter and therefore there should be no problem with the cord. However, I don't know of an NEC section that clarifies this.

I'll probably just swap it out as it isn't a big deal. I'm mostly curious for future installations.
 
Re: Igniter for Instant HW heater

I am not clear on what exactly you did here. :confused:

Where is the appliance?
Did it come with a cord?
What is the manufacturer name and model number?
 
Re: Igniter for Instant HW heater

Originally posted by jwelectric:
DO NOT CUT THE CORD.
If you are wanting to make the inspector happy then install a switch for the receptacle.
Click to expand...
The inspector's problem is WITH the cord. He wants it hard wired.
 
Re: Igniter for Instant HW heater

A good inspector would recognize that a listed product is not to be modified in the field and is required to be installed with the installation instructions 110.3(B)
If the instructions allow for wiring at your option (cord or conduit), then regrettably that is the quickest way out of the mess. I'm without a codebook at the moment so I can't suggest a section to allow it to be cord wired. I remember 422 has provisions for cord connected appliances and to allow the cord to be used as a disconnecting means.
If the instructions do not allow for hard wiring then, show him the instructions and section 110.3(B) in the Code. Be tactful, polite and diplomatic.
You may need to go over his head.
 
Re: Igniter for Instant HW heater

AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH the plot thickens, you added a cord, it did not come with one. You need a disconnect and hard wire it.

Jim
 
Re: Igniter for Instant HW heater

Originally posted by jmd445:
AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH the plot thickens, you added a cord, it did not come with one. You need a disconnect and hard wire it.

Jim
Click to expand...
So how about a disposal then. We all add cords to them on a regular basis.

It seems to me that 422.16 would allow this. The problem is the definitions are so vauge. For example, who decides if the appliance is *intended* to be corded. According to Takagi, it is intended to be used either way. Unfortunately, their documentation does not mention it one way or the other.

I don't mind changing it over, what I don't like is that on the last one we were told NOT to direct wire, on this one we're being told we must direct wire.

I'll do it either way, I just need to know AHEAD of time what the requirement is

422.16 Flexible Cords.
(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. :D

[ December 02, 2005, 01:39 PM: Message edited by: sfav8r ]
 
Re: Igniter for Instant HW heater

I was going to go with 422.16, but 422.20 may excite the AHJ.

As for the garbage disposal see 422.16(B)(1). Did the appliance manufacture approve the cord used? Was the cord approved for use on a disposal?
 
Re: Igniter for Instant HW heater

Originally posted by sfav8r
On a job I am on, we wired a duplex plug next to the location for the instant HW heater, the purpose of which is for the igniter on this gas unit.
Click to expand...
Based on this statement I assumed that the unit came with a cord already inatalled

Originally posted by sfav8r
I should have mentioned in my original post...The inspector states that since it is a permanantly installed appliance it is required to be hardwired with a disconnect.

I guess my opinion is that it isn't an ELECTRIC appliance. It's a GAS appliance with an electric igniter and therefore there should be no problem with the cord. However, I don't know of an NEC section that clarifies this.

I'll probably just swap it out as it isn't a big deal. I'm mostly curious for future installations.
Click to expand...
At this point I am still assuming that the cord came with the appliance

Originally posted by sfav8r
It is actually a very simnple installation. We installed a duplex receptacle next to the new Takagi TK-D20 tankless hot water heater. We installed a grounded cord on the unit (as we have done before) and plugged it into the outlet. Its only purpose is to supply power to the igniter...just like a stove or cooktop.

Takagi does not specify in the instructions whether the unit should be hard wired or corded, but on a previous installation we called them and were advised that most installations are done with a cord.

For some reason, this inspector wants it hard wired with a disconnect.

I'm not saying he'w wrong, I'm just saying I can't find any reference that says he's right
Click to expand...
Now I see that this cord is being installed in the field and would be a violation of 422.16

422.16 Flexible Cords.
(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.
Click to expand...
Part (B) allows certain appliances to be cord and plug attached such as disposals, dishwashers, trash compactors, gas ranges and hood fans.
This water heater is connected by plumbing pipes and would require a plumber to disconnect the connections before removal therefore a cord and plug connection is not allowed.
A switch and hard wire to the unit will pass.
:)
 
Re: Igniter for Instant HW heater

I thought garbage disposals were connected by plumbing, so why are they allowed to be cord connected and water heaters are not. As far as frequency, I have replaced 3 water heaters in my home and only 1 disposal.

Manufacturers instructions do not and can not cover every possible installation. If the situation is specifically addressed by the manufacturer then 110.3(B) applies, if not then 110.3(A) is important. For example, what if the manufacturer simply said "install and wire per current NEC".
 
Re: Igniter for Instant HW heater

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.
Click to expand...
This is the part of 422.16(A) that the inspector may be referring to.

Is the appliance designed to permit removal or repair?

Is it intended or identified for flexible cord connection?

You cannot simply compare this to a disposal or another appliance that is specifically listed in 422.16(B). Since your appliance is not listed in 422.16(B)(1)-(4) you would have to revert back to 422.16(A) which IMO would not allow it unless it came with the cord and plug from the manufacturer. I would agree with the inspector, hardwired with a disconnect switch.
 
Re: Igniter for Instant HW heater

how about
422.31 Disconnection of Permanently Connected Appliances.
(A) Rated at Not Over 300 Volt-Amperes or Horsepower. For permanently connected appliances rated at not over 300 volt-amperes or hp, the
branch-circuit overcurrent device shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means.
(B) Appliances Rated Over 300 Volt-Amperes or Horsepower. For permanently connected appliances rated over 300 volt-amperes or hp, the
branch-circuit switch or circuit breaker shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means where the switch or circuit breaker is within sight from the
appliance or is capable of being locked in the open position.
 
Re: Igniter for Instant HW heater

I see nothing wrong in the use of the plug and cord.I say he needs to site the number and then we go from there.It's not your job to show where it says you can,it's his job to say why you can't.Personally i see no need for dedicated circuit.Giving in to him is a mistake.Either he sites the code number or he passes it.Perhaps get the mfg to e mail you a letter saying it is ok.I can not see viewing this any differant than a gas dryer,microwave,disposa,dish washer,etc.Where exactly is this water heater located ?
 
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