Water Heater Wiring

[black00lightning]

I'm in the process of adding a 40 gal. water heater in the attic. I am planning on running a 240v circuit through the woodshop's ceiling joist, through the attic floor to a junction box and up the side of the heater for the final connection with Romex 10-2. Is there any code requirement that would require conduit or flexible conduit for the final connection (floor junction box to top of heater)?

Thanks.

 

[matt_i]

I would do BX - flex. Bare NM wiring out to a device looks unprofessional and is subject to damage.

 

[sberry]

As long as it isn't going to get hurt, in the attic not a problem.

 

[Cyberbear]

For what little it costs I believe it's good insurance and peace of mind knowing a 240 volt circuit is enclosed and will provide better protection against fire, especially in an attic space where flames can really spread before being noticed.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Out of curiousity, will your attic floor hold up the weight of a 40 gallon water heater ? You are talking about 350 lbs sitting above your head.

I'll also move this to the Electrical Section.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

U mentioned 10-2 NM-b. What are the electrical requirements of the heater?

And yes i would be concerned about the weight.

As far as wiring method, i would run the 10-2 to a double ganag j box and then use an MC whip with 3 #10s IF the heater requires a 30a circuit.

 

[black00lightning]

I'll be using 30a circuit which is what the manufacturer recommends.
The builder pre plumbed the water heater for the attic. This is a 30'*32' building with a 10" * 18" * 30' lam beam. On each side of the beam are 2" * 10" joists on 19.2" centers. Seems like it should handle the load. Thoughts?

 

[FullRaceMerc]

Out of the way in the attic sounds ok until down the road when the thing leaks or needs service. Ground level water heaters with access from outdoors make more sense in this part of the country.

 

[Mustang51js]

To answer your question there's no code that says you can't run the nm cable to the water heater. You do need a disconnect device,usually do a 2 pole switch,if the panel isn't close and in sight

 

[soj]

Out of the way in the attic sounds ok until down the road when the thing leaks or needs service. Ground level water heaters with access from outdoors make more sense in this part of the country.

In the attic (actually, any level on a wooden floor) just begs for a drain pan, plumbed to the outside or to an open floor drain.
jp

 

[black00lightning]

That's exactly what I plan on doing.