Things You'll Need:
- Screwdrivers
- Wire strippers
- Needlenose pliers
- Voltage tester
- Electrical tape
- Wire connectors
- Electrical wire connector (if new installation)
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Step 1
If you are replacing an existing hot water heater, then the circuit will already be present at the site. But, if you are changing over from a gas-heated unit, then you will have to run the circuit yourself. If this is the case, then you will need a two-pole, 30-amp breaker and 10-2 NM cable to run for your circuit.Important: Do not fill up the tank with water until the tank is wired up and then, do not turn the circuit on until the tank is filled with water!
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Step 2
On the top or the side of the hot water heater (depending on the type), you will see the junction box cover where the connections will be made. Remove the screw and the cover. Inside you should see two lead wires and a ground screw.
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Step 3
Before you begin, use the voltage tester to ensure that the circuit is OFF. Next, use the needlenose pliers and remove the knockout on the junction box. If this is a new installation, strip the plastic outer sheath of the NM cable so that about six-inches of wire is exposed. Then use the wire strippers to remove about 3/4-inch of insulation from each of the individual wires.
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Step 4
Fish the wires through the electrical wire connector and tighten the clamp screws so that the clamp tightens over the sheathed section of the NM cable, NOT the exposed wires. Next, fish the wires through the knockout and secure the electrical wire connector to the junction box using the included lock nut.
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Step 5
Wrap the ground wire around the ground screw and tighten it down securely. Next, take the black wire from the feed circuit and one wire from the water heater (it doesn't matter which wire) and twist them together. Secure them with a wire connector and wrap electrical tape around the connection for additional safety. With the white wire coming from the panel, wrap electrical tape over its insulation to identify it as a current-carrying line (this should also be done at the breaker as well). Then, connect it to the other wire from the water heater just as you did the black wire.Note: Since the hot water heater is a 240-volt piece of equipment, it does not require a neutral wire. Thus, the white wire is actually a "hot" line in this application.
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Step 6
Replace the junction box cover. Turn the water supply back on and fill up the water heater with water. Once fully filled with water, turn the circuit breaker back on.
Comments
bobcanbuilder said
on 11/17/2009 Can you tell me or gte me a copy of how this looks in th panel. I want to show someone how this looks and a picture is always better.
fyrcapn said
on 4/24/2009 4/24/09 thanks for the clear detailed info. as others, the lack of a neutral was stumping me.I have an ineresting set up(already in the house. maybe someone can tell me if this makes sense.2- elec 50 gals heaters..run in series water wise and elec wise.the first tank we will call 1 and the second tank is 2. 1 feeds 2 with water.2 has the elec coming in but only 1 element hooked up, the middle one..a romex leads from 1 to tank 2. it goes to only 1 element in it i believe the lower one..I only get a 120v reading on it..I've quized multiple people on this but no one knows..my guess is 100 gals of water for th same elec as 1 heater..but a long heat up time...any guesses???????????? thanks larry
fyrcapn said
on 4/24/2009 4/24/09 thanks for the clear detailed info. as others, the lack of a neutral was stumping me.I have an ineresting set up(already in the house. maybe someone can tell me if this makes sense.2- elec 50 gals heaters..run in series water wise and elec wise.the first tank we will call 1 and the second tank is 2. 1 feeds 2 with water.2 has the elec coming in but only 1 element hooked up, the middle one..a romex leads from 1 to tank 2. it goes to only 1 element in it i believe the lower one..I only get a 120v reading on it..I've quized multiple people on this but no one knows..my guess is 100 gals of water for th same elec as 1 heater..but a long heat up time...any guesses???????????? thanks larry
cord said
on 2/28/2009 Thaknk you, tripping breakers at 12:30 in the morning is no fun! No neutral on the 240v was confusing me, but it works, Thanks for the hot water!
kepin said
on 12/31/2008 I seem to have a somewhat confusing issue here..My water heater has the wires coming out of my fuse box,then into a junction box, then into a scientific-atlanta electrical box with green ,yellow, and red lights showing..from that unit, the power leads go into my electric water heater..when working , the green light stays on.All lights went out today, but the water heater seems to still be working..What on earth is that scientific aelanta electrical box ?? And what should i do to try to make sure all is ok with the unit???I am anxious to recieve any help with this...thank you.. Kepin