Water Heater ON/OFF switch question

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JerryR

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Are there any issues or concerns if i install a simple double pole wall switch, rated at 30 amps, to turn a 4500 watt element water heater off when home is unoccupied for several weeks?

30 AMP DP Switch such as this!


Currently I throw the 25 amp breaker when we leave the property. I am concerned that the breaker is not built to handle the multiple on/off cycles.

In addition to throwing the breaker when leaving, I turn off water at the main. When we return, I turn on the water main, run the hot water for a minute to confirm the heater water is topped off before putting power to it so I don't dry fire the elements.

Jerry
 
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Ted M

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I've been doing what you do for 25 years. No problem wearing out a CB.

If we go away for one night or more the water heater CB goes off.

Also, the well pump is turned off, although it has its own power switch near the captive tank.

Ted M
 

DonL

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Put it on a GFI Breaker, and just press the test button, for vacation mode.
 

JerryR

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Put it on a GFI Breaker, and just press the test button, for vacation mode.

If I could find a Squard D, QO, double pole, 25 amp, GFI Breaker it would probably cost as much as a water heater. :)

Even after pushing the test button, to reset a GFI you would still have to flip it to OFF before resetting. This would not change cycle times.

Jerry
 

DonL

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What you are doing is just fine.

Make sure you wear the proper PPE for the task...
 

JerryR

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With my luck, either my wife would throw away the pull out or the dog would eat it when was left out of the panel.

Pull outs seem to make great sense when servicing equipment rather than using a flip switch, because you can take the pull out with you to prevent accidental activation of the circuit by a bystander.

Jerry
 
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JerryR

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What you are doing is just fine.

Make sure you wear the proper PPE for the task...

Thanks Don,

Throwing the breaker shouldn't require any special PPE. Replacing it is a different story.

I think I'll continue to throw the breaker for vacation mode. Worst case, if it fails I have a spare breaker in my spares kit that I could install. Standard breakers are inexpensive, ~$13.

Jerry
 

Hackney plumbing

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I have a toggle switch at my electric water heater in my home. Looks like a regular light switch but a tad bigger. No problems.
 

DonL

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Thanks Don,

Throwing the breaker shouldn't require any special PPE. Replacing it is a different story.

I think I'll continue to throw the breaker for vacation mode. Worst case, if it fails I have a spare breaker in my spares kit that I could install. Standard breakers are inexpensive, ~$13.

Jerry


Depends on the definition of "Special" PPE.

Safety Glasses and Gloves are a good place to start. (And a volt meter to double verify, before working)

All breakers should be cycle tested, but most breaker never see "OFF" and may never see it, because it is not protecting.
 

DonL

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I have a toggle switch at my electric water heater in my home. Looks like a regular light switch but a tad bigger. No problems.



What precautions do you need to take to bring the water back up to temperature, So you do not die from Water Poisoning ?
 

Speedy Petey

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If throwing the breaker is working for you just keep doing it. There is NO reason to add a switch other than location convenience. Even then, for a vacation home the breaker is still your best bet.
 

LLigetfa

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I think I'll continue to throw the breaker for vacation mode. Worst case, if it fails I have a spare breaker in my spares kit that I could install. Standard breakers are inexpensive, ~$13.
Given that it will cost you more than that to wire in the switch, I think it's a no-brainer.
 

hj

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quote; but most breaker never see "OFF" and may never see it, because it is not protecting.

Most circuit breakers will NEVER see "OFF" because the house was wired correctly, and there is no "over current" to trip it. By definition, a circuit breaker ONLY trips because of an unusual situation.

When you pull the block on a pullout disconnect, you do NOT put it where the dog or wife can get to it. You turn it over and put it back in. That way, if you lose it, it is because YOU were a dummy, not the wife. No one will wire a switch for free, but installing a pull out just entails mounting it where the wires come out of the wall, and then connecting the in and out wires to it.
 
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JerryR

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That way, if you lose it, it is because YOU were a dummy, not the wife or dog

HJ,

Duh. It's been so long since I saw a "pull out" service disconnect in one of my houses, I now feel like a dummy. :(

No one will wire a switch for free, but installing a pull out just entails mounting it where the wires come out of the wall, and then connecting the in and out wires to it.

Installing a surface mounted switch box where the wires come out of the wall and reconnecting the BX to the switch in that box is something I can handle on my own.

For now I will just use the panel breaker. Some day when I get bored I may install a switch.

Jerry
 
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