water heater disconnect code

2021/05/21

sorry for the typo, I ment I don't see why an AC pull type disconnect wouldn't meet code, not why it would work. The provisions for locking shall remain in place with or without the lock installed. For permanently connected appliances rated over 300 volt-amperes or 1/8 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. // Leaf Group, International Association of Certified Home Inspectors; Electric Water Heater Disconnect; August 7, 2010, "National Electrical Code 2011 (National Fire Protection Association National Electrical Code)"; National Fire Protection Association; 2010. As already stated, the same rule that applies to disconnects at furnaces, AC condensers, dishwashers applies to water heaters. ricardolevinsmorales pv rheem induction It clearly states that the service panel breaker can serve as the disconnect device. heaters heater The provision for locking or adding a lock to the disconnecting means shall be installed on or at the switch or circuit breaker used as the disconnecting means and shall remain in place with or without the lock installed. For appliances rated over 300va or 1/8 hp, a switch or circuit breaker located within sight from the appliance can serve as the appliance disconnecting means. Most electric water heaters are intended to be hard wired. When I get a respose from a so called electrician (who is more likely a handyman), I like Mr. Evans response: When someone gives one of my clients a line like that, I suggest that they request that the electrician write it down on their company letterhead and sign it with their name and license number because they want to double check with the department of licencing and regulation. I'd just rip it out and install a gas water heater. My response is " yes, it is required, there is just not any enforcement in the unincorporated areas". Potential causes of the beep include; Electric water heater disconnecting means is it required at the unit or within sight (visible and not more that 50 feet away or must the circuit breaker be. It would be reasonable to assume that the electricians that argued with the report did not choose to apply this particular part of the code to the heaters in question. Rest in peace Black4Truck..B4T.Bob. I have builders tell me that is not required in the county for any number of things. In future I may just use a switch as you guys suggested. You re-read it. water heater valve pressure relief line goodyear heaters arizona installed installing properly sav correctly protect yourself expansion (A) Rated at Not Over 300 Volt-Amperes or 1/8 Horsepower. they make a 30A pull out that is a few cents cheaper:thumbsup: The inspector asked for a disconnect at the unit. Exception No. 422.30 General. Particular requirements for storage water heaters. mallard gc6aa atwood Either way the unit must have a disconnecting means or a breaker lockout. I am not a lic electrian but I do a lot electrical wiring nothing over 240V thou. Ken S. I did (reread) and **I **believe you to be right. I only see the shutoff by the unit in new construction. If an appliance is supplied by more than one source, the disconnecting means shall be grouped and identified. Why not use a double pole 30 Amp rated switch? The provision for locking or adding a lock to the disconnecting means shall be installed on or at the switch or circuit breaker used as the disconnecting means and shall remain in place with or without the lock installed. Potential causes of the beep include; Particular requirements for storage water heaters. But why? Amendments are sometimes made by localities. I calculated that it needs 10awg wire as well, I don't know if that's what he has used I have only seen a picture she sent me of the install. For permanently connected appliances rated at not over 300 volt-amperes or 1/8 hp, the branch-circuit overcurrent device shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means. Tools for electricians, installers, maintenance & service technicians: In this case, the supply circuit is 240 volts. The provision for locking or adding a lock to the disconnecting means shall be installed on or at the switch or circuit breaker and shall remain in place with or without the lock installed. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I write it up on 80% of all water heaters. It is not optional. You talking code now? Thanks for the help! Code requirements must be met when installing electric water heaters. They would be covered under 440.14: 440.14 Location. Dennis I know you mention 20 amp snap switch but due the water heater circuit rating IMO it pretty much contionous* so therefore it cost little more to get proper 30 amp switch instead of useing 20 amp switch it will become crispy. For permanently connected appliances rated at not over 300 volt-amperes or 1/8 hp, the branch-circuit overcurrent device shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means. The National Electric Code addresses disconnection requirements for appliances. Second question can it be mounted above the water heater between the hoses going in and out of the water heater? The guys at hd really didn't know much about typical code requirements for a. ** It would be incorrect to imply that all water heaters needed a disconnect. The provision for locking or adding a lock to the disconnecting. Appliances that fall under this description can be disconnected by an over-current device, such as a circuit breaker or a fuse, without any additional means of disconnection required. In fact all i found was a means of way of disconnecting the unit has to be within line of site of the water heater. Electric water heater disconnecting means is it required at the unit or within sight (visible and not more that 50 feet originally posted by: There must be a disconnecting means to disconnect the ungrounded conductors from the appliance. You are using an out of date browser. The National Electric Code stipulates disconnect requirements for water heaters. I wanted to use that section for a hot tub once but for that it says readily accessible, in sight of, and the 5 foot rule. Either way the unit must have a disconnecting means or a breaker lockout. Start date dec 3, 2003; Even if 424.19 did apply, you're feeding this equipment from more than one source and all disconnects are required to be grouped. That is they have to have a disconnect if they are not within light of sight of the panel (unless the breaker is lockable). 422.31 Disconnection of Permanently Connected Appliances. "If the doors of perception were cleansed everything would appear to man as it is, Infinite. You should charge them double..:laughing: It depends on the inspector, if the inspector feels that disconnect switch is likely to require service or testing while energized than 110.26 applies and you would have to have it out in the open. If an appliance is supplied by more than one source, the disconnecting means shall be grouped and identified. A permanently connected appliance is one without a cord plugged into an outlet. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. In this case, the supply circuit is 240 volts. That could be in another room. It doesnt say if, or when, or maybe, or sometimes. Below is a preview of the nec. Where a disconnecting means is required to be lockable, it shall be capable of being locked in the open position. He has written self help and how to articles on photography for numerous photography websites. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Electric water heater disconnecting means is it required at the unit or within sight (visible and not more that 50 feet originally posted by: I placed a call to the inspector for her and he has not called back and it's been 3 days. So are we all agreed? Disconnection of permanently connected appliances. They are not required by any code that I am familiar with. Just one other thought, the locked in the open position provision of 422.31(B) does not apply to most dwelling A/C compressors/fan units. For some appliances, this is simply a cord that can be unplugged from an outlet. If the switch or circuit breaker is capable of being locked in the open position, it doesn't need to be within sight. The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside water heater, etc.) The Realtor and the electrician were right? Here are the four options: To remove a hot water heater, we first had to disconnect the various. How to Force Frigidaire Freezers Into Auto Defrost Mode, Copyright 2022 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Lifestyle, All Rights Reserved. I found one at Home D for only $7.50 vs the larger landle switch type for $45. Either way the unit must have a disconnecting means or a breaker lockout. I guess I will go ahead and use the pull switch I bought at HD, sounds like it is all I need. A means shall be provided to disconnect each appliance from all ungrounded conductors in accordance with the following sections of Part III. Tools for electricians, installers, maintenance & service technicians: In fact all i found was a means of way of disconnecting the unit has to be within line of site of the water heater.

Status not open for further replies. When someone gives one of my clients a line like that, I suggest that they request that the electrician write it down on their company letterhead and sign it with their name and license number because they want to double check with the department of licencing and regulation. That has not always been the code. The disconnecting means for a permanently connected water heater must comply with 422.31(b). If you are even thirsty, you are two quarts low. For permanently connected appliances rated over 300 volt-amperes or 1/8 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. Whether code or not, no matter the age of the home, working on any appliance without being able to control the power source is a recognized hazard and should be called out by a home inspector IMO. Before calling it out, carefully observe the breaker. If there is no disconnecting means within sight, then the circuit breaker must be lockable. JavaScript is disabled. (B) Appliances Rated Over 300 Volt-Amperes or 1/8 Horsepower. A hot tub or whirpool is GFI protected, The disco I would think is for work purposes. P.S. Up to at least the 1980s for permanently connected appliances of greater rating the branch-cricuit switch or circuit breaker shall be permitted to serve as the dis connecting means where readily available to the user of the appliance. 1984 422-21. Rinnai tankless water heater beeping. If the over-current device does not meet this provision, than an additional disconnect must be provided that does meet the requirement. Disconnecting means shall be located within sight from and readily accessible from the air-conditioning or refrigerating equipment. The National Electric Code is a guide that localities may adopt as part of their local building codes.

Interesting thing is if the water heaters used 4000 watt elements then you would still have to use #10 wire however you could use a 20 amp snap switch. You and I dont have enough information to debate over whether there was a qualifying disconnecting means or not, however, a disconnecting means is certainly required according to the NEC. Where I live now the Water Heater Breaker has a Lockable Breaker as required. Particular requirements for storage water heaters. Electric water heaters exceed the 300 volt-amp requirement of this section and are subject to additional requirements. Electric water heater disconnecting means is it required at the unit or within sight (visible and not more that 50 feet originally posted by: A water heater is an appliance and falls under the requirements of article 422. Below is a preview of the nec. Article 424 applies to fixed electric space heating equipment. Interpretation of code on disconnects on water heaters.My understanding of the code on disconnects for water heater is that it is not required as long as breaker is lockable .is this correct ? 422.31 Disconnection of Permanently Connected Appliances. Article 422.30 of the National Electric Code requires that an electric appliance have a means to disconnect it from all ungrounded, or current-carrying, conductors. Rinnai tankless water heater beeping. Any thoughts?

For permanently connected appliances rated over 300 volt-amperes or 1/8 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. Water Heater Disconnecting Means. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. You re-read it. If panel with the branch circuit CB is *within sight *then it qualifies as the maintenance disconnect. It clearly states that the service panel breaker can serve as the disconnect device. Come join the discussion about trade knowledge, tools, certifications, wiring, builds, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! 2: Where an attachment plug and receptacle serve as the disconnecting means in accordance with 440.13, their location shall be accessible but shall not be required to be readily accessible. Article 100 of the NEC defines within sight as being visible from the equipment up to 50. This does not make this part of the code choosable as far as applicability nor does it nullify the code. JavaScript is disabled. Article 422.31(b) of the National Electric Code expands on section (a) to include the requirements for permanently connected appliances that exceed 300 volt-amps and/or 1/8 horsepower. It clearly states that the service panel breaker can serve as the disconnect device. Only Mr. Bushart argued the point, as he did not understand the Insight part of the requirement. Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled. Particular requirements for storage water heaters. A means shall be provided to disconnect each appliance from all ungrounded conductors in accordance with the following sections of Part III. He studied business management at Triton College. Suburban Chicago native Chris Edwards, began writing for his school newspaper in 1991. The provision for locking or adding a lock to the disconnecting means shall be installed on or at the switch or circuit breaker used as the disconnecting means and shall remain in place with or without the lock installed. This section covers electric water heaters that lack a cord for plugging into an outlet; it states that the over-current device can serve as the disconnecting means only if it is visible from the appliance or if the over-current device is capable of being locked in the open (off) position. At least, that is my understanding. They are required for the same reason that an A/C condenser needs one: So that a technician can work on it without risk of being electrocuted by someone switching on the circuit breaker. As already stated, the same rule that applies to disconnects at furnaces, AC condensers, dishwashers applies to water heaters. It is truly a safety consideration for someone servicing a water heater, be they a contractor or a home owner. Run a nice B-vent all the way up through the roof. Here's my question, can I install a non-fused 60amp pull out type disconnect that would typically be used on AC unit out doors. 1: Where the disconnecting means provided in accordance with 430.102(A) is capable of being locked in the open position, and the refrigerating or air-conditioning equipment is essential to an industrial process in a facility with written safety procedures, and where the conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the equipment, a disconnecting means within sight from the equipment shall not be required. Electric water heater disconnecting means is it required at the unit or within sight (visible and not more that 50 feet away or must the circuit breaker be. A forum community dedicated to professional electricians, contractors, and apprentices for residential and commercial work. Interesting thing is if the water heaters used 4500 watt elements then you would still have to use #10 wire however you could use a 20 amp snap switch.

A means for disconnecting an electric hot water supply system from its energy supply shall be provided in accordance with nfpa 70. Yet that same inspector would probably have no problem if it were a snap switch. How do I Convert a 240V Hot Tub to a 120V? 422.30 General. I originally posted this and was impressed with the proffessional replies. William Blake. 1" gas line, with a drip. As far as disconnecting means, the mentioned cord and plug where permitted is permitted to be the disconnecting means, or else you must have a disconnecting means withing sight of the appliance, or a lockable branch circuit device if it is not within sight of the appliance. I believe the panel breaker must be in the same room for this to apply, if not you would need another disconnect located within sight of the water heater. (A) Rated at Not Over 300 Volt-Amperes or 1/8 Horsepower. No need to worry about electrical codes. Some earth quake straps, and your done. ya I don't charge my family money either ha ha. It does say that under certain conditions the circuit breaker is permitted to serve as the disconnecting means. It also means that it could be 5 away in the same room and not be within sight. Here is the section that is relevant to your question. Article 422.31(a) of the National Electric Code defines the means of disconnection for permanently connected appliances that are rated not higher than 300 volt-amps or 1/8 horsepower. Under the current code all water heaters require that there be a disconnect within sight or have provisions to install a lock on the switch or circuit breaker. The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside water heater, etc.) That is they have to have a disconnect if they are not within light of sight of the panel (unless the breaker is lockable). Obviously if there was a sub-panel in view of the appliance it would not be required and I have seen a few like that, in which case I did NOT call those out. Where a disconnecting means is required to be lockable, it shall be capable of being locked in the open position.