Water Heater...

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Re: Water Heater...

Originally posted by hurk27:
Could you imagine a HVAC man not being able to repair a furance if a electric heating element went out?
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No I can't imagine that and if you take a look at one of my previous posts you will see that I said that they can.

My point with jbwhite is that the NECs jurisdiction does not have anything to do with licensing requirements.
 
Re: Water Heater...

you are right iwire..
the nec is not a licencing law...

now we agree on something.. :)

merry christmas
 
Re: Water Heater...

Originally posted by jbwhite:
jwelectric, what do signs have to do with water heaters?

and when did wiring internal to equipment become part of the national code?
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I do believe that if you will read the post and follow the link that I provided you will find that this restricted electrical license is for plumbing and heating and the one for electric signs is a SP-ES.

The NEC has no bearing on the requirements of any state and the license they require.
We started mandating these special licenses when the plumbers and heat men were doing work that would not comply with the NEC.
I have strong feelings that any one that took on the job of changing an incandescent light bulb for profit should be required to obtain a license.

In our state the people who install low voltage systems are required to be licensed. This would be a SP-LV license.

Go Tar Heels
:)

Edited to add the link to the NC licensing board.

http://www.ncbeec.org/licensing.htm

:)

[ December 21, 2005, 08:08 PM: Message edited by: jwelectric ]
 
Re: Water Heater...

i agree jwelectric, but when the guy comes to fix my computer he does not need an electric licence. he needs a licence for his business...

my point is that a water heater is the same as any other appliance.. not requiring a electrician licance. but the appropriate licence for that equipment. a plumber may very well have one.
 
Re: Water Heater...

I've been meaning to stay out of this, for fear of offending anyone. So please do not take offense at this. But would I not be right in guessing that the replacement of water heater elements is high on the list of common DIY repairs? I have done it myself at least twice. If needed, I would do it again, and I wouldn't come to this Forum (or to DIY.com) to ask how. Do you guys often get calls for this task? Is this a sensitive issue between plumbers and electricians? :confused:
 
Re: Water Heater...

I was called the other day by a customer who said they had run out of hot water during shower. The HO,I can only assume that since they ran out of hot water and it is electric, feels it would fall under electrical.

I posted the question to see how others dealt with this issue. I have replaced elements in my own heater before and it is not hard to do. I had no idea that there would be such a discussion about this. I'm pleased with all of the replies I've seen.

As mentioned before in a reply heater elements are not usually found at the Electric Supply House.

Thanks for all who posted and I look forward to even more.

Norb
 
Re: Water Heater...

Originally posted by charlie b:
I've been meaning to stay out of this, for fear of offending anyone. So please do not take offense at this. But would I not be right in guessing that the replacement of water heater elements is high on the list of common DIY repairs? I have done it myself at least twice. If needed, I would do it again, and I wouldn't come to this Forum (or to DIY.com) to ask how. Do you guys often get calls for this task? Is this a sensitive issue between plumbers and electricians? :)
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Re: Water Heater...

since I'm one of those whos been around not only since they invented water heaters, but almost since they invented water; i've seen my share of water heater repairs and replacements. In our area, although not rigidly enfoced, the "exact replacement ruling" would probably apply. If the component replaced was an "exact replacement" licensed personnel are not required, if it's not exact, then the installion must be performed by licensed electrician.
having given it thought, I personally agree with that concept. I've done my fair of service calls where the DIY had replaced thermostats with one of different configuration and had problems. Although I've not seen it, I imagine there have been instances where repairs were made resulting in the elements not being thermostatically controlled.
I might add that I see far more problems with whole heater replacements and the power supply reconnected without a connector and/or the conductors spliced in open air outside the wiring compartment.
Not that folks will comply, but the rule should be, if its electrical, call a licensed electrician.
 
Re: Water Heater...

Originally posted by jwelectric:

There is an easy way to change these elements that I will not go into here as it will just lead to a bigger debate, but having done many I know that my method works.
:)
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Probably the same way I do it! I loose less than a cup of water.
When I was in business in NC, I carried elements and t-stats. I also had the large socket to take the elements out. Can't find that rascal anymore :confused:

Now when we get the WH call, we ask "Did you call a plumber?" Then we tell the caller that plumbers usually have the elements on their truck. We refer those jobs to plumbers. People feel more comfortable having plumbers work on water heaters.
 
Re: Water Heater...

I would think that the responsibility we have toward the water heater is making sure we have the correct voltage and means of disconnect, I believe in fact that is why we put a means of disconnect near the appliance so it can be serviced by someone other than an electrician.

Bryan
 
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