Water Heater Connections

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vinnyrpb

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I am in a debate with someone regarding conneceting water heaters. He is telling me that all water heaters are supposed to be "hard wired" per the code. I dis-agree. I belive a cord/plug connection is also acceptable. Can anyone help?
The location is south Florida if that matters.

Thank you
 
Re: Water Heater Connections

I would check to make sure that the manufacturer alllows for a cord/plug connection in its listing than I would make sure that the cord is properly listed for the application. Article 422.16 indicates that the appliance must be intended or identified for flexible cord connection.
 
Re: Water Heater Connections

I would think he is trying to satisfy the disconnecting means required by 422.31b.
 
Re: Water Heater Connections

I would be a little hesitant to support a cord/plug as a disconnecting means for a water heater. Unplugging a 19A, 240v (4500W) load while energized may not be the safest thing to do. Would it not be better to install a disconnect?

Bob
 
Re: Water Heater Connections

In Naples FL several years ago it was a must to use that 30 amp cord and plug.Then they got smart and seen it as a hazard and went to direct wire.
Really why would anyone rather use a cord and plug ? Carflex sleeving #10-2 with 1 connector and no box is cheap fast and easy,add lockout at breaker and your done
 
Re: Water Heater Connections

If the water heater comes with cord and plug then it must be approved for that type of installation. If it does not, then you would not be able to add the plug without possibly voiding the UL listing.

Cord and plug is not a bad idea (if it is factory available). The plumbing and electrical contractors are not always on the job at the same time. With a cord and plug type installation, the electrical can rough-in and finish his installation. The plumber comes in after him and installs the water heater. He plugs it in and everyone is done.

Or if a new heater needs to be installed, now you don't need to call an electrician to disconnect and re-connect the water heaters.

There are good and bad points to all types of installations.
 
Re: Water Heater Connections

I would go with the theory that unless the heater instructions state you can not wire it with a cord that it would be fine to do so.
 
Re: Water Heater Connections

Maybe these folks change the water heater frequently. :D

Insta Hots plug in.

I like to hard wire water heaters, really my point was more about the UL listing.
 
Re: Water Heater Connections

All to many times the wiring to a water heater becomes a clothes line for mrs/mr mom.NO MORE WIRE HANGERS :D .Legal but is it safer to hard wire or cord connect?I like the carflex method.
 
Re: Water Heater Connections

Just who will be putting that cord on it.We just read that one about the 18 year old plugging in a dryer.I have seen dryers and ranges delivered to new homes while i am on job site.That same guy that drives the truck brings in the cord and attaches it.If he goofs then what ? no inspection,no permit,no license,insurance maybe but i dought it would cover them doing electrical.So now the plumber orders a water heater with cord ,factory installed ? i dought that.And if it has a cord the home owner might be unpluging often to use his welder.How many times can this be plugged in and pulled out without losing good contact ?
 
Re: Water Heater Connections

Inspector 102 hit the nail on the head. You cannot connect a water heater using cord unless the water heater is intended or identified for flexible cord connection. 422.16 also requires that this water heater be plumbed for easy removal as well (fastening means and mechanical connections).
 
Re: Water Heater Connections

We can't have that !!!!! now your putting both the plumber and electrician out of a job.
Can just see this coming--------honey on way home from work stop at big orange and buy one of them plug it in yourself water heaters
 
Re: Water Heater Connections

Earl I certainly agree about 422.16 requirements.

I would like to see something from the NEC or UL that tells us the water heater must say it is OK for use with cord before I accept that is the code.

The NEC a permissive one if it does not say you can not, usually you can. :)

Along these lines does the water heater have to say that NM, MC, BX, FMC etc is OK? :confused:

I believe Jim D. asked about this same thing in relation to industrial machinery.
 
Re: Water Heater Connections

In this area the AHJ's will site 422.16 and require that a single recept. and cord be used for this application. Stating a reason that if the appliance (disposal, Insta hot , DW , hot water heater ect. ect.)is hard wired and a plumber or DIY'er replace the unit the grounding wire does'nt always get replaced, creating a potential hazard. :eek:


Mike - Detroit ,MI
 
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