Does a tankless water heater need a GFCI breaker?

Most tankless water heaters are placed outdoors. The attachment plug serves as the disconnect and the receptacle shall be protected by GFCI. If there's a new circuit that serves only exterior receptacles, no AFCI is required. If the receptacle is added to a circuit, there's most likely a requirement for AFCI.

What breaker do I need for tankless water heater?

A gas tankless water heater only needs a 15-amp, 120 volt dedicated single-pole breaker for this purpose.

Does a tankless water heater need its own breaker?

A tankless water heater will require a dedicated circuit as specified by the installation manual of the unit that has been selected. If you need additional space in the panel for the circuit breaker then a quad circuit breaker may be allowed as specified by the make and model of the panel.

Does a tankless gas water heater require a dedicated circuit?

Gas tankless water heaters use just a tiny amount of amperage to ignite the flame. Unless the manufacturer requires it, there is no need for a dedicated circuit.

What are the electrical requirements for a gas tankless water heater?

A tankless gas water heater uses natural or LP gas as fuel, but requires 120-volt electricity for its blower and control panel, so it is required to meet the disconnect standards for a “Permanently Conn ected Appliance” by the National Electrical Code (NEC).

3 Things They Don’t Tell You About Tankless

Do tankless water heaters require a disconnect switch?

A must-have when installing your tankless heater, an electrical disconnect allows you to connect your electrical line to the heater's factory wire harness with ease.

Can a homeowner install a tankless water heater?

While it is possible to install your own tankless water heater, it's not a job for inexperienced do-it-yourselfers. There are a number of different sizes and styles of tankless water heaters, including propane, natural gas and electric, along with single-room or whole-house sized models.

How many amps does a tankless water heater pull?

Tankless heaters can draw anywhere from 42 amps to 167 amps. We can calculate exactly how many amps does a tankless water heater because we know two key factors: Overall power or wattage. Electric tankless water heaters can have a power input from 10,000W (10 kW) to 40,000W (40 kW).

Does a tankless water heater use a lot of electricity?

An electric tankless water heater needs about 3 kWh of electricity to heat a 10-minute shower. Electric tankless water heaters draw large amounts of electricity (up to 36 kW) over short periods of time. This boosts efficiency but requires robust wiring to avoid power surges.

Is 200 amp service enough for tankless water heater?

A 200-amp service allows operation of multiple appliances at once, while a 60-amp service won't provide enough power to run an electric hot water heater, air conditioner and hair dryer simultaneously. The EcoSmart Eco-18 model requires two 40-amp breakers for installation and has a 75-amp draw.

What size breaker do I need for a Rheem tankless water heater?

Save energy and costs with this Rheem Performance Tankless Electric Water Heater. This compact heater can be installed under a cabinet or sink with no venting required. It uses a 3 x 49 amp double pole breaker to give you continuous, instant hot water when needed. This heater requires professional installation.

Are tankless water heaters 110 or 220?

Tankless heaters come in all different sizes. There are small water heater units, designed for point-of-use that only draw 110 volts, and more powerful units which can heat enough hot water for an entire household.

What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. Including installation, tankless water heaters cost 3 times more than tank-style water heaters on average.

Why is my tankless water heater tripping the breaker?

It could be a loose or bad wire, a bad connection in the electrical panel, or a worn-out breaker. Check the wiring on the line for broken or loose wires. If the breaker trips and there are no problems on the line, then you'll need to replace the breaker.

What size breaker do I need for a dual 4500 watt water heater?

To sum it up, you can either use a 25-amp or 30-amp breaker for a 4,500-watt heater. For wiring, you can choose between a 10-gauge wire or a 10/2 wire for this setup.

How big of a tankless water heater do I need for a family of 5?

In short, a family of 5 would need a 10 GPM gas tankless heater or 27 kW electric tankless heater if you live in the northern part of the USA, where the input water has a lower temperature. The tankless heater has to work extra hard to bring the water temperature up to 110˚F or 120˚F.

Where should a tankless electric water heater be installed?

Your tankless water heater can be installed just about anywhere! Due to the small size of your water heater, it can be mounted in many small spaces, including closets, under sinks, in pantries, or under stair storage areas.

How long do tankless water heaters last?

Some people hesitate to decide on a tankless water heater because they can be a slightly higher cost; however, you get significantly more life out of one. A standard water heater tank lasts about 8-12 years. A tankless water heater can last as long as 25 years!

How many amps does a Rheem tankless water heater use?

Product Details. Save energy and costs with this Rheem Performance Tankless Electric Point-of-Use Water Heater. This compact heater can be installed under a cabinet or sink in your office, home, RV or boat. It uses a 1 x 60 amp double pole breaker to give you continuous, instant hot water when needed.

Do tankless water heaters use 220 volts?

Requirements for electric tankless water heaters:

Voltage — Many retailers sell units that will accommodate 110V, 120V, 208V, 220V, 240V, and 277V.

Why is tankless water heater installation so expensive?

Tankless water heaters have a higher initial price compared to tank heaters, costing homeowners between $1,200–$3,500. The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For electrical tankless heaters, new electric wiring will need to be installed.

Can I use existing vent for tankless water heater?

Tankless units require 1/2" or 3/4" water lines and 3/4" gas lines. Keep in mind that the new tankless heater cannot be connected to the existing exhaust pipe from your old heater. All tankless direct vent heaters require a stand-alone intake/exhaust system.

Can a tankless water heater be installed in the garage?

As long as enough combustion air is provided, tankless water heaters can be installed in place of your old water heater or anywhere in your home. This includes utility rooms, garages, basements, attics, or mounted on outside walls.

Does a water heater need an electrical disconnect?

The disconnecting means for a permanently connected water heater must comply with 422.31(B). This part requires a disconnecting means within sight of the water heater, or if more than 50 feet from the appliance, it must be capable of being locked in the off position.