Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    codyman144's Avatar
    codyman144 Posts: 544, Reputation: 31
    Senior Member
    		  
    #1

    Dec 8, 2008, 12:52 PM
    Furnace and Water Heater on same circuit
    I had a tank-less water heater installed recently and there was no outlet in range of the unit’s power cord. So I am temporary using an extension cord. The nearest appliance with power is the furnace which is on its own dedicated circuit. I was thinking about running another outlet on the same circuit for the water heater. I checked and the Max AMPS the finance will pull is 8.9 and the water heater 2.0. Because I am on a 15 AMP circuit I am thinking this should not be an issue?

    Am I right in thinking that this would be okay? The water heater can always be unplugged if it needs servicing and the furnace has its own single pole switch. What would be the downside if any to wiring this way?
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Dec 8, 2008, 05:38 PM
    The circuit is fine.

    Not what I would do, but OK. No code issue, just a preference thing.

    Downside is if the water heater fails it may trip out CB, thus losing the furnace heat.
    codyman144's Avatar
    codyman144 Posts: 544, Reputation: 31
    Senior Member
    		  
    #3

    Dec 11, 2008, 06:14 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by tkrussell View Post
    The circuit is fine.

    Not what I would do, but OK. No code issue, just a preference thing.

    Downside is if the water heater fails it may trip out CB, thus losing the furnace heat.
    But if the Water Heater fails won't it just trip the GFCI (As code requires in the basement) and therefore the CB should not trip?
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #4

    Dec 11, 2008, 06:26 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by codyman144 View Post
    But if the Water Heater fails won't it just trip the GFCI (As code requires in the basement) and therefore the CB should not trip?
    NO. A GFI is NOT an overcurrent device (circuit breaker).
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #5

    Dec 11, 2008, 07:27 PM

    And, besides, a fixed or stationary appliance in the basement does not require a GFI device, only a standard single outlet receptacle dedicated for that appliance.

    Only general purpose receptacles need GFI in basement, or unless the GFI is recommended by the manufacturer of the appliance.
    codyman144's Avatar
    codyman144 Posts: 544, Reputation: 31
    Senior Member
    		  
    #6

    Dec 12, 2008, 09:05 AM
    Okay yeah the outlet is dedicated for the Heater but it is still a standard duplex receptacle and someone could plug something in the other receptacle so I would error on the side of caution and install a GFCI in the unfinished basement (And I believe this is required by code). In fact I will probably occasionally use it for the shop vac.

    Also, I know that GFCI does not work as on over-current devise. The way I understand it is the GFCI measures the current flowing between the hot wire and the neutral wire to ensure they are the same. If there is a difference it is because there is some current escaping to the ground another way and the GFCI trips. Wouldn’t the most likely way the Heater would fail for example be a wire becomes loose and makes contact with the metal exterior of the devise? This should trip the GFCI immediately but the CB wouldn’t trip – is this right?
    Washington1's Avatar
    Washington1 Posts: 798, Reputation: 36
    Senior Member
    		  
    #7

    Dec 12, 2008, 10:03 AM

    Aren't we great! All this free information!! :D

    I agree with the above!
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Hot water heater circuit breaker [ 4 Answers ]

I have a State Select hot water heater and the circuit breaker keeps popping I can reset it and it works for about a day, any idea what may be causing the issue

Circuit breaker for my hot water heater keeps popping [ 20 Answers ]

I have a failry new electric water heater and the circuit breaker keeps popping. It is a whirlpool model that was installed about 7 months ago. Of course it is a holiday weekend and I need water so I can take care of my kids and laundry. Please help. I am not sure what other information is...

My rheem water heater keeps popping the circuit. [ 1 Answers ]

My Rheem water heater keeps popping the circuit. There is a green light that keeps flashing. I can't tell if it's trying to light the pilot light. This model should automatically start the pilot light. Any ideas?

Replace 240v Water Heater Circuit with 120v Receptacle? [ 4 Answers ]

I have a 240v electric water heater that I am getting rid of (going NG tankless). Can I use the now unused 240v wire that comes from the breaker panel as a 120 volt receptacle so I can have a plug on the wall where the old electric water heater was? The new tankless water heater is going...

Gas Furnace and Water heater [ 4 Answers ]

We just bought a house in September and this week we have had chilly temps. Well turned on the heat and Furnace pilot light went out, we re lit it and after the heat went off the flame did also. Next day wake up and we have no hot water. The pilot light on the water heater went out called a plumber...

View more questions Search