Below is a preview of the nec. 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. I guess I will go ahead and use the pull switch I bought at HD, sounds like it is all I need.
VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Why not use a double pole 30 Amp rated switch? It does say that under certain conditions the circuit breaker is permitted to serve as the disconnecting means. 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. The Realtor and the electrician were right? If an appliance is supplied by more than one source, the disconnecting means shall be grouped and identified. Electric water heaters exceed the 300 volt-amp requirement of this section and are subject to additional requirements. Suburban Chicago native Chris Edwards, began writing for his school newspaper in 1991. 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.
99.99% of our water heaters are electric. That is they have to have a disconnect if they are not within light of sight of the panel (unless the breaker is lockable). P.S. 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.
No need to worry about electrical codes. If panel with the branch circuit CB is *within sight *then it qualifies as the maintenance disconnect. ** they make a 30A pull out that is a few cents cheaper:thumbsup: The inspector asked for a disconnect at the unit.
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. 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. 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. that is serving more than one rental dwelling unit. They would be covered under 440.14: 440.14 Location. Disconnecting means shall be located within sight from and readily accessible from the air-conditioning or refrigerating equipment.
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. Where a disconnecting means is required to be lockable, it shall be capable of being locked in the open position.
The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. You are using an out of date browser. I am not a lic electrian but I do a lot electrical wiring nothing over 240V thou.
He studied business management at Triton College. // 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. 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. I don't charge my family for work they need to have done. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
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. :mrgreen: I just wanted to thank my fellow inspectors for their fine input on the Insight Disconnect for electric water heaters. Code requirements must be met when installing electric water heaters. The disconnecting means shall not be located on panels that are designed to allow access to the air-conditioning or refrigeration equipment or to obscure the equipment nameplate(s). 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. I only see the shutoff by the unit in new construction. 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. This does not make this part of the code choosable as far as applicability nor does it nullify the code. Yet that same inspector would probably have no problem if it were a snap switch. The National Electric Code stipulates disconnect requirements for water heaters. 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 continue to call them out on my inspection reports, yet relators tell me the electricians say they are not required. A permanently connected appliance is one without a cord plugged into an outlet. In future I may just use a switch as you guys suggested. 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. Some earth quake straps, and your done. So are we all agreed? Particular requirements for storage water heaters. If there was no approved disconnecting means for the water heater, Ken was correct to call it out. 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. 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. Either way the unit must have a disconnecting means or a breaker lockout. Also, if someone is in the tub and there is a problem, the disco in not reachable from in the tub. A hot tub or whirpool is GFI protected, The disco I would think is for work purposes. If an appliance is supplied by more than one source, the disconnecting means shall be grouped and identified. 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.
Article 424 applies to fixed electric space heating equipment. Tools for electricians, installers, maintenance & service technicians: In this case, the supply circuit is 240 volts. I originally posted this and was impressed with the proffessional replies.
422.30 General. As already stated, the same rule that applies to disconnects at furnaces, AC condensers, dishwashers applies to water heaters. How to Force Frigidaire Freezers Into Auto Defrost Mode, Copyright 2022 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Lifestyle, All Rights Reserved. He has written self help and how to articles on photography for numerous photography websites. Like Brian said, sometimes they are capable of being locked out and that is acceptable. Any thoughts? 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. (B) Appliances Rated **Over **300 Volt-Amperes or 1/8 Horsepower. 422.31 Disconnection of Permanently Connected Appliances. Ken S. I did (reread) and **I **believe you to be right. That is they have to have a disconnect if they are not within light of sight of the panel (unless the breaker is lockable). 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. I found one at Home D for only $7.50 vs the larger landle switch type for $45. 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.
"If the doors of perception were cleansed everything would appear to man as it is, Infinite. 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. Either way the unit must have a disconnecting means or a breaker lockout. The guys at hd really didn't know much about typical code requirements for a. Most electric water heaters are intended to be hard wired. Below is a preview of the nec. Disconnection of permanently connected appliances.
A forum community dedicated to professional electricians, contractors, and apprentices for residential and commercial work. William Blake. ya I don't charge my family money either ha ha. How do I Convert a 240V Hot Tub to a 120V? When OSHA wrote its lock-out/tag-out rules, they didnt grandfather existing facilities.
The provisions for locking shall remain in place with or without the lock installed. A means shall be provided to disconnect each appliance from all ungrounded conductors in accordance with the following sections of Part III. I write it up on 80% of all water heaters. 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. Rest in peace Black4Truck..B4T.Bob. that is serving more than one rental dwelling unit. It clearly states that the service panel breaker can serve as the disconnect device. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I have builders tell me that is not required in the county for any number of things. That has not always been the code.
It also means that it could be 5 away in the same room and not be within sight. 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. 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 ?
If the switch or circuit breaker is capable of being locked in the open position, it doesn't need to be within sight. To apply this code, one has to assume that the water heater is not within view of the service panel. 422.31 Disconnection of Permanently Connected Appliances. 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. It would be incorrect to imply that all water heaters needed a disconnect. Where this Code specifies that one equipment shall be in sight from, within sight from, or within sight of, and so forth, another equipment, the specified equipment is to be visible and not more than 15 m (50 ft) distant from the other. Self taught, Edwards extensive knowledge of photography comes from years of passionate pursuit of the art. It doesnt say if, or when, or maybe, or sometimes. Below is a preview of the nec. Where I live now the Water Heater Breaker has a Lockable Breaker as required. You re-read it. Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled. It clearly states that the service panel breaker can serve as the disconnect device. It is truly a safety consideration for someone servicing a water heater, be they a contractor or a home owner. According to the NEC an electric water heater does not require any disconnect other than a circuit breaker at the main panel or sub panel and it does not need to be insight. JavaScript is disabled. Second question can it be mounted above the water heater between the hoses going in and out of the water heater? I'd just rip it out and install a gas water heater. It clearly states that the service panel breaker can serve as the disconnect device. Run a nice B-vent all the way up through the roof. Thanks for the help! But why? You talking code now? It contains two heating elements. Only Mr. Bushart argued the point, as he did not understand the Insight part of the requirement. The National Electric Code is a guide that localities may adopt as part of their local building codes. If there is no disconnecting means within sight, then the circuit breaker must be lockable. The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside water heater, etc.)
My response is " yes, it is required, there is just not any enforcement in the unincorporated areas".
Come join the discussion about trade knowledge, tools, certifications, wiring, builds, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Before calling it out, carefully observe the breaker. 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. 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. 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. A means shall be provided to disconnect each appliance from all ungrounded conductors in accordance with the following sections of Part III. 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. (B) Appliances Rated Over 300 Volt-Amperes or 1/8 Horsepower.
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. JavaScript is disabled. 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. 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. That could be in another room. 422.13(B) Appliances Rated **Over **300 Volt-Amperes or 1/8 Horsepower. 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. 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. 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. 422.30 General. If you are even thirsty, you are two quarts low. Article 100 of the NEC defines within sight as being visible from the equipment up to 50. At least, that is my understanding. Status not open for further replies. It is not optional.
Exception No. A means for disconnecting an electric hot water supply system from its energy supply shall be provided in accordance with nfpa 70. Problems With a S8610U Honeywell Controller. 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 a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The provision for locking or adding a lock to the disconnecting.
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. The disconnecting means shall be permitted to be installed on or within the air-conditioning or refrigerating equipment.
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.
In Sight From (Within Sight From, Within Sight).
You should reread the citation ref: shall be provided to disconnect each appliance. Article 424 applies to fixed electric space heating equipment. 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. You re-read it. (A) Rated at Not Over 300 Volt-Amperes or 1/8 Horsepower.
(A) Rated at Not Over 300 Volt-Amperes or 1/8 Horsepower. 1" gas line, with a drip. Rinnai tankless water heater beeping. The National Electric Code addresses disconnection requirements for appliances. 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. Exception No. Particular requirements for storage water heaters. Water Heater Disconnecting Means. Particular requirements for storage water heaters. The majority of house I inspect in Riverside County CA, with electric water heaters do not have insight disconnects. 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. For some appliances, this is simply a cord that can be unplugged from an outlet. If the over-current device does not meet this provision, than an additional disconnect must be provided that does meet the requirement. Always check with your local code enforcement officials before modifying an electrical system. 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. They are not required by any code that I am familiar with. 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. 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. The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside water heater, etc.) Here are the four options: To remove a hot water heater, we first had to disconnect the various. 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. As already stated, the same rule that applies to disconnects at furnaces, AC condensers, dishwashers applies to water heaters. Electric water heater disconnecting means is it required at the unit or within sight (visible and not more that 50 feet originally posted by: The disconnecting means must be capable of being locked in the open position. The disconnecting means for a permanently connected water heater must comply with 422.31(b). Rinnai tankless water heater beeping. Enter Our Dog Days of Summer BBQ Giveaway Now!
Potential causes of the beep include; Particular requirements for storage water heaters.
422.31 Disconnection of Permanently Connected Appliances. Here is the section that is relevant to your question. Amendments are sometimes made by localities. In this case, the supply circuit is 240 volts. 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. Either way the unit must have a disconnecting means or a breaker lockout. Where a disconnecting means is required to be lockable, it shall be capable of being locked in the open position. A means shall be provided to simultaneously disconnect each appliance from all ungrounded conductors in accordance with the following sections of part iii.
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