Gas Water Htr electrical

[Peter Wigle]

The blower for this water heater is plugged into a receptacle. Is there anything wrong with this? I was thinking that it should be hardwired - but maybe I am just getting confused with the requirement that extension cords not be used for permanent installations.

[Jerry Peck]

Peter,

Looks like that came with cord and plug from the factory. Which means it is not only allowed, but that cutting the cord and plug off and hard wiring it would not be allowed ... unless it was dual rated, you would need to see the installation instructions to find that out.

[Rollie Meyers]

The connector is for MC cable,doubt it's rated for flexable cords.

[Richard Stanley]

Why is there a 'blower' on a water heater?

[David Banks]

Why is there a 'blower' on a water heater?

Power vent

[Jerry Peck]

The connector is for MC cable,doubt it's rated for flexable cords.

Rollie,

There's no room in there for MC cable. Just enough room in there for that cord.

[Jerry Peck]

So Jerry, I wan't to get this straight, An electric water heater is an "unattended appliance" and can't be plugged in,

Correct, an electric water heater of that size cannot be plugged in, but not for that reason.


but a gas water heater isn't an "unattended appliance" and can be plugged in...?

Again, starting off on the wrong premise, it is not 'attended' or 'unattended', and, in one you are referencing the water heater itself and in the other you are referencing a listed and labeled component to a system.

*IF* (and it probably is) that fan is a listed and labeled component and is approved for use with that cord and plug (it probably is), then it is acceptable ... "110.3(B) Installation and Use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling."

[John Steinke]

That truly does look like the wrong sort of connector. Even the 2-screw MC/NM connectors that are rated for flexible cords assume a round cord - no the flat one shown. There's definitely something funky about that arrangement.

[David Banks]

Peter. Do you have the make,model and serial number of the unit. You could goggle it and get the Install Manual.

[Jerry Peck]

That truly does look like the wrong sort of connector. Even the 2-screw MC/NM connectors that are rated for flexible cords assume a round cord - no the flat one shown.

And that's not "even the 2-screw" type.

That looks like a specialty made cord clamp.

Look at the size and shape of the cord and the size and shape of the opening in the clamp. They match.

[Peter Wigle]

Dave,

Its a Rheem Ruud power vent and I did try Googling but had only found spec sheets and brochures which did not include the installation requirements. I may have given up too soon. Anyway, its a rental unit - which is quite common around here - so any problem would be that of the rental company. (I don't expect a problem anyway - was just curious generally about installing a permanent appliance with a plug-in connector)

[Peter Wigle]

Question answered -

I had found a Care and Use guide on Rheem's site but didn't open it as I thought it was a homeowner's guide (I did open the spec sheet but it didn't have the answer). Anyway, I went back and checked the Care Manual and a diagram shows a plug-in cord dangling from the fan unit. The text states to use the supplied power cord "if local codes permit".

[Jerry Peck]

Dave,

Its a Rheem Ruud power vent and I did try Googling but had only found spec sheets and brochures which did not include the installation requirements. I may have given up too soon.

Peter,

The installation instructions are part of the Use and Care instructions. ;)

http://waterheating.rheem.com/content/resources/documents/use_care/ResPowerVent75Gas.pdf

Wow (underlining is mine) - "NOTICE: Do not install the water heater in attics where the temperature may exceed 100°F. This water heater is equipped with a temperature sensing device that will shut off the water heater if the maximum allowable vent pipe temperature is exceeded."

The figure on page 9 shows the blower cord-and-plug connected.

Page 12 shows the blower assembly in a little larger detail.

I did not see anything in large enough detail to show that clamp, however, it does show it as cord-and-plug connected.

[Rollie Meyers]

And that's not "even the 2-screw" type.

That looks like a specialty made cord clamp.

Look at the size and shape of the cord and the size and shape of the opening in the clamp. They match.

It's a Metal Clad cable connector,not a cord connector, manuf. is prob. AFC Systems.

[Billy Stephens]

http://waterheating.rheem.com/content/resources/documents/use_care/ResPowerVent75Gas.pdf




It's a Metal Clad cable connector,not a cord connector, manuf. is prob. AFC Systems.
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Page 17 from the above link. :)
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[Jerry Peck]

It's a Metal Clad cable connector,not a cord connector, manuf. is prob. AFC Systems.

Rollie,

You keep saying that, but there is no way you are going to fit an MC cable into that small hole in that strain relief.

Have you looked at it in the photo?

I'm not from Missouri, but you'll have to "show me" a listing and photo showing that is for MC cable to make a believer out of me.

[Rollie Meyers]

Rollie,

You keep saying that, but there is no way you are going to fit an MC cable into that small hole in that strain relief.

Have you looked at it in the photo?

I'm not from Missouri, but you'll have to "show me" a listing and photo showing that is for MC cable to make a believer out of me.


I have used the very same MC connector....

Edit It's not AFC though.

[Jerry Peck]

I have used the very same MC connector....

My guess is that you've used one "similar to" it.

So have I.

The difference (basically) between "that very same" one and a "similar" one is that the one in the photo *does not have an opening large enough* for MC cable.

I've searched the internet and have been unable to find *THAT* connector. If you can find it, please post it.

Thank you.

[John Steinke]

The instructions in the Rheem link (above) say that a knockout is provided for conduit or MC connection.

While, personally, I have no objection to using a cord and plug, I do believe that the connector did not come with the unit, and is unsuited for that cord.

The listing information for the connector would be found on the box it came in.

[Jerry Peck]

The instructions in the Rheem link (avove) say that a knockout is provided for conduit or MC connection.


Actually, it says this:




Wiring


If local codes permit, the water heater may be connected to electric service with the power cord provided (DO NOT use an extension cord). A grounding receptacle is required.

If local codes do not permit the use of cord connections, a 120 V, 50/60 Hz power supply, with suitable disconnecting means, must be connected to the black and white leads in the heater control enclosure.

A knock-out hole is provided to permit use of conduit or metal-clad cable connectors.


You will notice that the first thing it says is "the water heater may be connected to electric service with the power cord provided".

That says that the cord and plug came with it.

[Billy Stephens]

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Page 17 from the above link. :)
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The instructions in the Rheem link (above) say that a knockout is provided for conduit or MC connection.

While, personally, I have no objection to using a cord and plug, I do believe that the connector did not come with the unit, and is unsuited for that cord.

The listing information for the connector would be found on the box it came in.

? "with the power cord provided."

[John Steinke]

I don't care if it had a genie inside ... there is no way that connector is appropriate for the cord .... how the fubar came about is a matter of speculation. That fitting will not provide the necessary strain relief.

Is it a small thing? Sure is, in this instance. I'd take it as a clue that there is other kludge waiting to be found.

[Jerry Peck]

I don't care if it had a genie inside ... there is no way that connector is appropriate for the cord .... how the fubar came about is a matter of speculation. That fitting will not provide the necessary strain relief.

And I think you are totally off your rocker on that one, John.

But, then, that is a common thought here when you post anyway. :D

[Billy Stephens]

And I think you are ----- on the John.

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Hey, Close that Door, Would YA ! :)
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[Jim Zborowski]

Well, if it came with the cord and connector from the manufacturer, and is specified in the manual, that must mean the engineer who designed the unit specified it. I'm guessing the engineer is just a little more trained it that area than most , probably all of us are.

[Corey Friedman]

Hello All,

I was going to stay out of this but what they heck.

The tip off should have been that Pete is in Canada. The connector shown in his photo is on a Canadian model water heater and the cord and connector come that way from the factory.

The connector is not for MC cable and is perfectly acceptable for this application since it is installed by the manufacturer.

Have a good holiday.

Sincerely,

Corey

[John Allingham]

The blower for this water heater is plugged into a receptacle. Is there anything wrong with this? I was thinking that it should be hardwired - but maybe I am just getting confused with the requirement that extension cords not be used for permanent installations.

Peter
Plugged into an outlet is the only way they do it up here. No problem.

[Rollie Meyers]

Here is a link to a very close fitting, listed for AC cable.


Halex (http://www.halexco.com/products.cfm?siteSection=contractor&productID=136&product_group=FLX)

[Jerry Peck]

Here is a link to a very close fitting, listed for AC cable.


Rollie,

That fitting is not close at all.

In fact, there are only three things common between that fitting and the fitting in the photo:

- They both are made to fit into a 1/2" knock out.

- They both have one screw.

- They both are made of the same type metal.

As far as the clamping/opening size for the material to be clamped - nothing like each other.

[James Duffin]

And I think you are totally off your rocker on that one, John.

But, then, that is a common thought here when you post anyway. :D

John....

When they get personal that means you have won the argument! Time to stop and let the big boys stew! :D

[Jerry Peck]

John....

When they get personal that means you have won the argument!

No, it means it's time he started actually reading the posts he is referring to and time to actually look at the photos he is supposed have looked at in order to respond, and time to realize that there are alternative means to do things - not just his way, because that's how he has always done them.

Sorry, Jim, but you don't really want to be in the same boat as John is. :D

[James Duffin]

I rest my case...

[Jerry Peck]

James,

Apparently you don't have a clue, do you? :confused:

(sigh)

[Billy Stephens]

I rest my case...
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James,

While your doing all that Resting you might want to Read a Few Books. ;)

Who knows you might even learn something. :)

[Ted Menelly]

Read????????

Books???????

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??????

Just curious. Anyone parent ever give you guys a spankin or what.

Every time I check back here there is either more to learn, freshen up on , or great entertainment.