Electric water heaters do not require a pump and are generally more comfortable for elderly people or those who have mobility limitations. These installations will give you step-by-step guidelines on how to install an electric water heater. Although electric water heaters don’t need venting, they have a pressure relief valve just in case the electric unit has to release extra pressure buildup.
Several types of electric tanks :
Tankless
Hybrid-tankless
Any electric water heater can use a garden hose as an alternative water supply during an electric outage. Installing an electric water heater is fairly straightforward. Because most installers are not plumbers, there are no plumbing connections made when installing the water heater. The electrical connections are fairly simple to understand and install but require at least one dedicated circuit breaker in your main electrical box. This can be a real problem for older homes with only two or three breaker boxes.
Electric water heaters install in much the same way as a gas heater, with the intake and discharge connections on the top of the unit. The install is basically no different than that of any other tank-type water heater. The biggest difference may be the venting requirements. Because there are no pilot lights to ignite, electric water heaters must install with a place to vent the exhaust gasses. This is usually done through the wall or floor, so access is much easier than it would be for a natural gas water heater install.
The electrical connections can be broken down into three main categories:
- Power
- Ground
- Controls
All of these will require at least one dedicated circuit breaker in the main box.
The power for an electric water heater install is really no different than any other electrical appliance install. The incoming power line will require the installation of at least one dedicated circuit breaker to supply the water heater with electricity. All conductors should be sized according to local building codes, and all wire connections should install using proper wire nuts and electrical tape.
The ground wire that will install with the power line is also essential for the proper operation of the water heater and should install according to local building codes. This includes a grounding lug at one end and a connection to the frame of the water heater at the other end. The frame connection should be made by tightening a green grounding screw directly to the frame of the water heater.
The controls install on a backboard and will consist of a breaker for power, a GFI receptacle, an aquastat wire connection, and a terminal strip connection for the heating element. All connections should install using proper wire nuts and electrical tape. The only other connections that install are the power supply line to the heating elements and the return water connection. This can be either a copper supply connection, or a braided steel line for better conductivity.
The install process itself is fairly straightforward but should include some safeguards to reduce the risk of personal injury. The water heater install should always install with a drip leg inside the tank. It should install without any sharp edges that might puncture the insulation, and install with a minimum of four inches of clearance from combustibles.
The install process itself is straightforward. The most difficult part may be the venting install if it requires access through an outside wall or floor. Always install new vent material with proper metal collars to protect the install. The install of new water lines may also be difficult, depending on whether or not access is available through an outside wall.
Installing an electric water heater is a process that involves electrical expertise because this appliance utilizes electrical current to heat the water in the tank. If electrical codes are not adhered to, the installation could result in injury or even death.
Useful tips for making an electrical connection.
Step by step instructions
Step 1 – Electrical connection safety
The first step involved in installing an electrical water heater is to install a breaker as well as a GFCI, electrical outlet. In order to make electrical connections safe and secure it is best to hire the services of a qualified electrician. This ensures that electrical installation codes are followed and that electrical wiring is done in the safest possible manner.
Step 2 – Electrical wire sizing
When installing an electrical heater, it is important that electrical wires are of the correct size. If this is not followed electrical code will be broken and a faulty electrical water heater can result. A qualified electrician should be able to determine the appropriate wire gauge for your electrical heater.
Step 3 – Electrical wire routing and electrical connections
In order to have a properly installed electric water heater, you should decide where it will go first. Then electrical wires can be routed from the breaker box as well as an electrical outlet to the location of the electrical heater. An electrical connection is made between each wire and terminal on the electrical heater.
Step 4 – electrical water heater installation location
To ensure that an electrical water heater is installed properly, it should be placed in a location where the electrical wires from breaker box and electrical outlet can easily reach. The electrical wire connections should also have access to a GFCI so it is also necessary to consider this when placing the electrical heater.
Step 5 – Electrical wire connections
When an electric water heater has been installed it is time to make electrical wire connections. If you are not electrical savvy it is best to hire a professional electrician instead of trying to do this task yourself. When making electrical wire connections, electrical wires should be connected directly to the electrical water heater. Then electrical wires should be connected to the electrical breaker and electrical outlet.
Step 6 – Gas line connection
It is possible that your electrical water heater may also require a gas line for it to work properly, if this applies to you then you will need to know how to install gas lines in addition to electrical connections. This process only requires basic construction tools. Basically, electrical wire is stuck into a gas pipe with electrical tape wrapped around the electrical wire to protect it from gas leaks.
Step 7 – Electrical water heater testing
Before an electrical water heater can be used safely, it must be tested by turning on the electrical breaker and making sure that all electrical connections are secure. If electrical wiring is not done properly or electrical power has been disconnected, an electrical water heater will not turn on and the safety breaker will trip upon powering up. An electrical water heater that is used without testing can cause electrical shock or fire.
Step 8 – Electrical connection types
There are three main electrical connection types that are used for electrical wire connections.
Wire nut connections use electrical tape to secure electrical wire connections. They consist of two different colored wires sticking together which is twisted with electrical wire connector or electrical “wire nut.” This type of connection is mainly used for 120 volts but some wiring applications require 240-volt plugs and receptacles.
The electrical wire is stripped of its electrical insulation and electrical wires are twisted together. A wire connector is then used to secure electrical wire connections. This type of connection can be used for 120 Volts or 240 volts depending on the application.
Before you begin this floor drain water heater installation, make sure you have all of the necessary supplies. Since floor drain water heaters are sealed-and-flanged models, you’ll need to pick up all of your hardware at your local plumbing supply store. You will also likely need to rent either a floor standing drill or a floor drain heater drilling rig.
