water heater connection

[fishingmaniac]

If adding a 220v water heater in the typical unfinished basement utility area for a single family residential occupancy with a two pole 30a with romex 10/2 with gnd run from panel to heater,

is it a violation to run that romex directly into the water heater, or must you use a box and change over to greenfield, or is it up to the inspector?

 

[infinity]

The NEC doesn't care how you wire the water heater unless the wiring method is subject to physical damage which is a judgement call for the AHJ. Maybe someone from Mass will have a more concise answer.

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[augie47]

It's always up to the inspector
In our area we do not allow the NM to extend from the ceiling/wall all the way to the water heater as we do not consider that following the surface of the building and at times it may be subject to damage. Commonly the NM is sleeved in some type of flex.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

If the panel is not within sight then you need a disconnect at the heater. We use a typical non-fused a/c pullout then we use carflex into the heater. I agree with the others- it is an authority having jurisdiction call but imo the flex makes for a neater job and then there is no issue with protection.