Water heater shut of switch?

Do water heaters require a shut off switch / directly wired or can they be plugged into an outlet?

I’ve never seen a standard water heater rated or approved for a cord set.

All water heaters require a disconnect. The type, location and method of disconnect can vary depending on the method of installation.

Dom.

Here’s a pic

Does the light bulb come on when it reaches temperature?:wink:

Water heaters should be wired directly to its own circuit. :slight_smile:

You have Hard Wire so simple way to remember is that needs to be Hardwired.
No plug is rated for hard wire at least not that I am aware of.

Try this article 422.31b from the NEC Code. This is for your informational purposes, so don’t quote this to the client at inspection as we are not code inspectors.

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. If the switch or circuit breaker is capable of being locked in the open position, it doesn’t need to be within sight. The provision for locking or adding a lock to the disconnecting means must be on the switch or circuit breaker and remain in place with or without the lock installed. A portable locking means doesn’t meet the “locked in the open position” requirement [422.31(B)]. “Within sight” is defined as being visible and located not more than 50 ft from one to the other [Art. 100].

Try this information from the NEC, don’t quote this to the client as we are not code inspectors. This is for your information.

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. If the switch or circuit breaker is capable of being locked in the open position, it doesn’t need to be within sight. The provision for locking or adding a lock to the disconnecting means must be on the switch or circuit breaker and remain in place with or without the lock installed. A portable locking means doesn’t meet the “locked in the open position” requirement [422.31(B)]. “Within sight” is defined as being visible and located not more than 50 ft from one to the other [Art. 100].

422-31B001web.gif

As other’s have said… lock-able breaker or disconnect at water heater or permanent appliance.

Also… NM (aka Romex) not listed for plug and cord assemblies. Also… check for equipment ground where connection is made, it’s to be visible at your water heater.

You can plug in range why not a H2O heater?

Not listed or labeled for that application.
Besides, a range requires a listed flexible cord, not NM cable, for the connection.

Dom.

Does that light work? If not, write it up!

Is the Breaker Panel within eyesight … If so you have a disconnect.

Yes, the panel is in the same room.