water heater conductor sizing

[droopy]

I recently took a master electrican exam and they asked what was the minimum size 2 wire romex allowed for a 4400 watt water heater. Would this fall under any specific code under than non motor continues load.
4400/240 = 18.33 amps 18 amps. Do u multiply by 1.25 or are you allowed 100%.

 

[Haji]

I do not think applying 1.25 instead of 1.00 has any relevance whether there is any motor load or not. It relates to cable sizing.

 

[iwire]

See 422.13 and see if that applies to the type of water heater you are thinking of.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

My assumption is 125% but as stated above if the water heater is tankless then 125% does not get used. Another bad question

 

[droopy]

I chose 10/2 because I multiplied by 1.25 and it exceed ed 20amps. I was just curious on your opinions and if they was any thing set in stone. I know some local codes state <4500 uses 12/2 >4500 uses 10/2.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I chose 10/2 because I multiplied by 1.25 and it exceed ed 20amps. I was just curious on your opinions and if they was any thing set in stone. I know some local codes state <4500 uses 12/2 >4500 uses 10/2.

That would be my answer - 10 awg with a dp 30 or dp 25 overcurrent protective device.

 

[droopy]

Thanks for your help. I didn't mention it was 60 gal. Sorry my bad.