A 12-2 w/ground should be enough , although I would use a 10/2 for future “upgradability”. 10/2 is the standard cable for a water heater. Connect white to red. 12/2 would be insufficient for almost all water heaters.
Can I use 10 3 wire for a hot water heater?
All you need is 2 insulated conductors and 1 ground conductor . Since you have already bought 10-3 cable, I would just cap off the white conductor at both ends and use the red and black conductors for your hot wires and the ground conductor to attach to the green screw on the water heater.
What wire is used for electric water heater?
A 20-amp hot water heater requires 12-gauge wire , a 25-amp hot water heater requires 10-gauge wire, and a 30- to 40-amp hot water heater requires 8-gauge wire.
What wire do I use for a 220 water heater?
Basic Home Wiring
These cables come in many sizes and amperage ratings to accommodate different circuit needs, but you'll probably use a 10-gauge for 30-amp NM cable for a 220V electric water heater.
Can I use 10 2 wire for a water heater?
Most water heaters are wired with 10-2 w/Ground shielded cable . For long distances you may need to go with heavier wire. When you use this type of wire both the white and the black will serve as hot conductors. The bare ground wire will also be connected to the neutral lug.
Can you use 12 2 wire for 220?
The same 12-gauge wire can be used for a 220v, 20-amp outlet to run power tools. ... You need a different type of receptacle and 10-gauge cable if the appliance draws 30 Amps.
Do electric hot water heaters need a GFCI?
However, GFCI protection is not required for receptacles not intended to serve wet bar countertop surfaces, such as refrigerators, ice makers, water heaters, or convenience receptacles that do not supply counter-top surfaces.
What size breaker do I need for an electric hot water heater?
Electric water heaters require a 240-volt dedicated circuit, which serves only the water heater and no other appliances or devices. The circuit wiring typically includes a 30-amp double-pole breaker and 10-2 non-metallic (NM) or MC cable.
What size wire do I need for a 4500 watt water heater?
30 Amp dual pole breaker and 10 Gage wire size are required for 4500 watt elements.
How many amps does a 50 gallon water heater pull?
A typical 50 gallon electric water heater runs at 4500 watts. In an electric circuit of 240 volts, 4500 watts is equivalent to 18.75 amps .
Do electric water heaters require 220?
Voltage Requirements
Most electric hot water heaters operate on 220 to 250 volts AC . This voltage in homes requires a double circuit breaker rated for the amperage draw of the hot water heaters.
What size breaker would a 40 gallon electric water heater operate on?
A 40-gallon water heater should have an average 4500 Watt capacity and 240 V emf. Thus, a 25 or 30A breaker is sufficient for a 40-gallon breaker.
What size breaker do I need for a 220 hot water heater?
You'll need a 25 or 30 amp circuit breaker . The 30 amp is universally used because the minimum rating of 220 volts exceeds the 25 amp breaker.
Does an electric hot water heater need a neutral?
The conventional hot water heater does not need a neutral at the moment . The neutral wires are included with the 4wire cord for 220 and 240 volt appliances that have electronic controls.
What happens if I wire my water heater backwards?
Can you wire a hot water heater backwards? Yes, you can get it with minimal effects. If the 220v heater has red and black wiring, it can be wired backwards . As much as this is possible, you must ensure you correctly wire the hot water heater to avoid water polarity issues.
Does a 240V water heater need a neutral?
For a true 240V load (no 120V components) there is no need for neutral . For those loads, a /2 cable with hot white and hot black is the norm.
