1. Water heater in bathroom. Breaker panel in hall outside bathroom 11' away. Panel cannot be seen from water heater when standing in bathroom. It is visible if you take 1 step out into hall way. Is disconnect switch needed at the water heater based on lack of "panel visibility" or panel not a "short distance" from heater?

2. I'm using standard romex wiring. Do I need to use/insert this into special protective shielding (from wall box to junction connection panel on water heater)? If yes, what kind of shielding is used? What's the technical name of shielding required by code?

Yes , a service disconnect is needed at the unit. Does not need to be fusible.

No, we neatly use the Romex cable to go from the wall to the water heater without any flexible conduit. You may if you like run metal or PVC flexible conduit from the disconnect to the heater for better looks and mechanical protection.

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Originally Posted by tkrussell

Yes , a service disconnect is needed at the unit. Does not need to be fusible.

No, we neatly use the Romex cable to go from the wall to the water heater without any flexible conduit. You may if you like run metal or PVC flexible conduit from the disconnect to the heater for better looks and mechanical protection.

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Thanks much, aloha, hanson