Water heater electrical connection

[Robert Jones]

First time I have seen this. The only reference I can find is IRC 2003 E3809.1. Is there something more specific to reference?

Thanks

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[Brandon Whitmore]

I would try the manufacturers installation instructions.

[kurt]

Well, electric water heaters are required to have a disconnect, so I guess it fulfills that part (sort of).

Just kidding......

[Jeremy]

Cord/Plug connections are not permitted for water heater use.

NEC 400.7(A)( , 422.16©

[Jim Katen]

Originally posted by bootsan

First time I have seen this. The only reference I can find is IRC 2003 E3809.1. Is there something more specific to reference?

Thanks

Jeremy's reference, 400.7(A) is the closest thing you'll find in the NEC. It lists the places where flexible cords are permitted. Someone might stretch item 8 to cover water heaters, though I wouldn't. It says, "Appliances where the fastening means and mechanical connections are specifically designed to permit ready removal for maintenance and repair and the appliance is intended or identified for flexible cord connection."

Large, tank-style water heaters can be maintained and repaired in place. I don't know if any manufacturer that intends or identifies these things for flexible cord connection.

Even if they did, however, that cord would not be adequate. It's a 110/240 dryer plug -- the three pins are for two hots and a neutral. There's no grounding pin and you're, technically, not supposed to use the neutral pin for grounding.

If someone were allowed to use a flexible cord set on a water heater, it would have to be a 240-volt plug.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[Robert Jones]

Thank-you for the input and assistance.