New circuit for gas water heater

[MrStop]

I need to run a new circuit for a gas water heater and softener. The water heater draws less than 8amps and the softener .06 amps, so I plan on running a new 15 amp dedicated circuit. I know there are specific NEC requirement for wiring an electric water heater, but are there for a gas water heater? If not, what are the best practices (e.g. hard wire, or whip cord with plug)?

 

[hj]

depending on what the heater needs the power for, it may already have "whip cord" to plug into a wall receptacle.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[MrStop]

It just needs power for the electronics & ignition I'm guessing. It doesn't come with a cord to plug into a wall receptacle. I'm assuming that is the way to go?

 

[Reach4]

"The water heater draws less than 8amps"

I expect the bulk of the power is to drive the power vent fan.

 

[MrStop]

oh yeah, that too...

 

[hj]

"hard wire" is usually only for 240v units.

 

[MrStop]

Thanks for confirming!

 

[hj]

must be a "cheap company" if they can't a afford a piece of wire, male plug, wire nuts, and connector, since the heaters I install DO have those.

 

[MrStop]

must be a "cheap company" if they can't a afford a piece of wire, male plug, wire nuts, and connector, since the heaters I install DO have those.

That's assuming the outlet is within the length of the provided cord. I agree that it is kind of a pain.

 

[Reach4]

must be a "cheap company" if they can't a afford a piece of wire, male plug, wire nuts, and connector, since the heaters I install DO have those.

Direct wiring might be chosen as a way to avoid the GFCI outlet requirement. A GFCI tripping on a WH would not be nearly so bad as for a sump pump, furnace or refrigerator. For a water heater, a GFCI false trip would not be destructive.

 

[MrStop]

Check out the Leviton SmartLock Pro GFCI's. Here's a self-testing one that has an audible alarm to alert you if there is a problem:

 

[hj]

Regardless of the code "requirement", I would install a "single device" outlet and plug the heater in to it. I would do the same with ANY critical device, such as a refrigerator or freezer.