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?

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.

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Originally Posted by tkrussell

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.

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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?

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Originally Posted by codyman144

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?

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NO. A GFI is NOT an overcurrent device (circuit breaker).

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.

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?

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

I agree with the above!