One More Basic Question.

K2

Can romex go straight into a water heater or does it need a box and flex. We don't see to many electric water heaters around here but i own one and the rope goes right in. Thanks!!

mdshunk

Yes, but quite often the code violation in those cases is not having a local disconnect for the HWH if the panel is not within sight. Seems like I normally run romex to the disconnect, and a scrap of MC from the disconnect to the water heater. Not a requirement to use the MC, but I just like the looks of it. Some areas may have rules that would consider romex going to a water heater as being exposed to physical damage. If these rules exist, then you'd need to use a sturdier wiring method. I think it's silly, because I've never seen a damaged romex going to a HWH, save for the little wee one's people stash under counters.

K2

Hmm, in sight. If the door were off the hinges I could touch the panel and the water heater at the same time but direct line of sight from the WH I can't see the panel and the door is kinda in the way. What do you think?? Disconnect?

SmithBuilt

My inspector would say the door could be closed and the disco would be out of site.

GregS

This made me chuckle

mdshunk

Oh, yes. Absolutely that's your disconnect. If you can see tha panel from the water heater, and the panel is less than 50 feet away, then that's your disconnect. Same goes for any piece of equipment that is required to have a disconnect. If the panel's right there, you're cool. If you can't see the panel or it's more than 50 feet away, you need a disconnect of some sort at your hardwired equipment. Makes sense. It's just a safety thing for whoever has to work on it later on.

K2

Probably if you were messing with the WH the door would have to be open unless it weas one of those skinny guys. But hey I can fix it.

So I probably need a metal box and any old double pole single throw switch rated at 30 amps??

As usual I ask a question and find out I'm ok with regards to the question but that i have other problems.

K2

Got it. I was typing at the same time. Thanks!!!