Many manufacturers provide cords and plugs for interior gas tankless water heaters, but an exterior cord is not allowed. The required 120-volt electrical must be hard-wired. A power cord can be used outside if the outdoor tankless water heater is installed and operated properly.
Outdoor tankless water heaters are a viable option for many homeowners due to their space-saving design and the need for ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection for all outdoor receptacles. However, there is no code section for a tankless gas water heater and no need for a separate circuit unless the manufacturer calls for one.
A tankless gas water heater uses natural or LP gas as fuel, but requires 120-volt electricity for its blower and control panel. The controller’s cable is inside liquid tight, ensuring nothing is exposed to the elements. Cord and plug might be allowed only if the manufacturer’s installation instructions allow it.
The home inspector may require hardwiring for an outdoor, gas-fired, on-demand water heater. If the heater is electric, it can be placed where it won’t freeze in winter. If it’s gas, it needs an outside vent, which can be done from an electrical disconnect box.
A weatherproof box should be used for outdoor tankless water heaters, and liquid tight or PVC should be run to the tankless water heater. In accordance with the current CSA, a tankless hot water heater can be installed outside, freeing up valuable indoor space.
📹 3 Things They Don’t Tell You About Tankless
Is a tankless water heater for you? Yes, there are many reasons to get one, including endless hot water, size, placement of the unit …
Can you plug in a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters provide hot water upon demand, whereas gas units necessitate the presence of a gas line, combustion air, a vent, and an electrical outlet for power.
What are the electrical requirements for a tankless heater?
Electric tankless water heaters require a reliable power source, typically a 220-240 volt circuit. Check your home’s electrical panel to ensure it can handle the additional load. Consult a qualified electrician for further clarification. Each unit has specific ampacity requirements, requiring a dedicated 30-60 amp circuit. A dedicated circuit breaker is recommended depending on the unit’s power requirements.
Can you use an extension cord with an outdoor heater?
The use of standard DIY store extension leads with outdoor heaters is not recommended due to their insufficient diameter and long length. These leads are typically made from PVC or blue ‘arctic’ flex, which is prone to mechanical and UV damage, is not recommended for prolonged outdoor use, and is easily damaged by heat. Additionally, the socket may not be weatherproof or offer short-term protection.
On the other hand, the Tough Leads range of single and double garden heater extension leads is a more durable option. These leads are constructed from 1. 5mmsq H07RN-F rubber cable, specifically designed for harsh environments. They offer safety and performance under extreme conditions, and come with splash-proof and weatherproof sockets for safe outdoor use.
Can I put my tankless water heater outside?
A tankless water heater can be installed outside, but it’s essential to choose a model that can withstand different weather patterns. Even electric models should be installed under a cover to keep electrical components dry. DIY homeowners should follow the owner’s manual’s steps to install a water heater, as dealing with gas and combustion is crucial. If you’re unsure, consult a professional.
To install an outdoor tankless water heater, first disconnect your old water heater by shutting off the gas and power supply. This will allow the new tankless heater to power itself. If you’re not confident, consult a professional for assistance.
What kind of extension cord is safe for a heater?
The use of an extension cord with high wattage appliances has the potential to result in the occurrence of fires. In the event that such an extension is necessary, it must be marked 14 or 12 AWG, indicating the thickness of the wire. The smaller the number, the greater the thickness of the wire.
What kind of outlet for a tankless water heater?
Electric tankless water heaters use electric heating elements to heat water quickly, but they require 120 amps to operate and may require an electrical system upgrade. They require multiple circuit breakers in a home’s electrical panel due to their high electrical draw. Gas tankless water heaters use a burner powered by natural gas or propane, and a vent must be installed to direct exhaust outside the house.
Gas models produce more hot water per minute than electric ones and require a 120-volt connection. Some models can be plugged into a grounded outlet or hardwired to a service panel, so it’s essential to have a licensed electrician perform hardwiring for major appliances.
Do tankless water heaters need special wiring?
It is recommended that an electric tankless water heater be wired with 8-gauge electrical wiring and armored cable for exposed under-sink wiring. The process of installing the water heater under the sink entails first turning off the water line, then soldering cutoff valves onto the pipe stub. Finally, the water supply line is connected to the in-feed and hot water outlet fittings. This guarantees the optimal functionality and safety of the water heater.
Can you cover an outdoor tankless water heater?
The installation of a tankless water heater cover is of paramount importance in safeguarding the unit from inclement weather conditions, such as precipitation and snowfall. This measure serves to avert corrosion and guarantee the unit’s optimal functionality.
Can I run an extension cord for a tankless water heater?
An instantaneous water heater necessitates a 120 VAC, 60 Hz electrical connection to facilitate the operation of the electronic igniter. It is imperative that the power cord be plugged into a grounded circuit within a distance of six feet from the water heater. It is not permissible to utilise extension cords.
Can a water heater be wired to a plug?
A licensed plumber from Illinois recommends hiring a qualified electrician to add a circuit for a new water heater. This typically requires a 30 amp double throw 230 volt breaker with a minimum of a 10 wire for distances less than twenty feet. The cutler hAmmer breaker box appears to have the space for this, but an electrician is the best bet for that part. The water heater will have two wires and a ground for the wiring part, but it cannot be plugged into a simple wall outlet due to the required voltage and amperage.
The plumber’s mechanical ability and experience with electrical classes and water heater installation can help determine if the current breaker box can handle the new breaker. Additionally, the main feed wire should be big enough for all amps being used at once, and the main panel in the house should be considered.
How do you weatherproof a tankless water heater?
Insulation is essential for tankless water heaters and plumbing pipes, which are susceptible to freezing during cold temperatures. Fiberglass and heat tape are excellent options for winterizing, with various types and materials available. Applying heat tape on pipes connected to the water heater ensures water doesn’t freeze. However, heat tape only works when there’s power. Battery backup is crucial for maintaining a consistent power source, especially when homes or businesses lose power, as demonstrated in Texas. Both heat tape and battery backup are essential for protecting water pipes and preventing freezing.
📹 What wires and knockouts to use on a Rinnai external V and RL series tankless.
This is one of the most asked questions I get on wiring an external Rinnai V or RL series tankless heaters. First the hole that the …
Generator? I have used a battery backup for the tankless and it has worked flawlessly. Use of natural gas dropped by 77% with the tankless install vs tank so it paid for itself in 24 months. The maintenance on mine was nil as all water went through a KINETCO water filtration & softening system. Just for information I did clean the system, easier than doing laundry. 14 years going strong!
1. As for my tankless it needs no outside electric for the pilot, it starts with D cell batteries as soon as you turn on the water. It does take a few minutes for the hot water to get to you, but so does the water from a tank. Ok, it is a portable unit but I use it full time in my RV. 2 Since it is being used in an RV I don’t worry about it saving me a lot of money on my energy bill. Besides it runs on propane and I use 20# bottles. I will be going to a 40# bottle soon. 3 Never done any maintenance on mine. Maybe I need to? Having said all that I have to say if I was using a full house unit I would need to know all the info you gave in your article. Thanks for putting it online.
Another thing they don’t tell you.. while they are totally great for showers, they are not so good for doing the dishes (hand washing) or shaving… anything that you do that turns the water on and off repeatedly. I’m quite positive its resulting in more water usage. When you turn off the hot water it shuts off and it doesn’t turn on immediately when you start asking for more hot water, so whats in the pipe gets a nice shot of cold water before it goes hot again. You know, another advantage to having an old school hot water heater is that in case of emergency, that old school hot water heater is full of drinkable water.
4th thing not mentioned is… getting instant heated water doesn’t happen, unless you add an additional device/pump to circulate heated water. These tankless systems only heat water when called upon but think about the cold water in your pipes and the water coming through the system, until the water is heated!
We had to have a water filter system to PROTECT the tankless.what we WEREN’T told was that our area had water that was very heart in calcium and lime so we went thru 2 filters a month. Then the tankless only lasted 5 years and NEEDED to be replaced AGAIN., and as a tankless costs 5x’s as MUCH as a reg. Water heater and in order to have the 1 year warrantee be valid you have to pay a special plumber sanctioned by the tankless’ manufacturer install it….. In the long run we went BACK to a STANDARD 30 gal. Elec. Water heater as a replacement when the tankless died.
Big plus with tankless is that if you do keep up on yearly maintenance it should have nearly the triple life of a traditional hot water tank. I bought two 10 year hot water tanks in 12 years. Let’s face it, they don’t make hot water tanks like they used to. By the way, before you say it’s my hard water that’s killing them I have a softener system and I do yearly maintenance. Also, hot water tanks are programmed to go out when you least expect it, I was in vacation. Tankless beats the crap out of the alternative.
As someone who already doesn’t service the tank annually, I think I won’t be much worse off going tankless. I want to fit an RO system too, which would help soften. But as I have a medical issue with acid reflux, RO is not good unless I do remineralisation and that’s getting to be too much of a pain. Honestly, I’m considering tankless (and retrofit instant hot water) as my tank nears end of life and I am home alone, cold water laundry – I need so little hot water, I even turn off my current water heater for 4 months of an Arizona Summer. So I don’t want to keep a whole tank heated for 2-3 short showers a day and dishwasher ever 3 days. Q. Can I program a tankless system NOT to run after 10am May-August ? In Arizona, cold water can be scalding due to the Summer heat at that time of day 🙂