Ask Me Help Desk

Ask Me Help Desk (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forum.php)
-   Electrical & Lighting (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=105)
-   -   Can I use a residential water heater if I have only 277/480 volt 3 phase? (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=430055)

  • Dec 31, 2009, 01:45 PM
    willam49
    Can I use a residential water heater if I have only 277/480 volt 3 phase?
    I am needing to install a residential water heater and I only have 277/480 volt 3 phase available. Are there residential water heaters that would be compatible with the voltage?
    I have found those that have a 240 volt system with a 277 volt element would this work with 277 3 phase?
  • Dec 31, 2009, 03:13 PM
    stanfortyman

    WHY do you need a "residential" water heater? Why not get the proper 480v unit?

    What is a "240 volt system with a 277 volt element"? This makes no sense.

    Are you the electrician? 480 is nothing to be messed with if you don't know what you are doing!
  • Dec 31, 2009, 03:20 PM
    willam49
    Obviously I am not an electrician. I was just going by a spec sheet on an electric water heater and I was confused that it would list a 240 volt system and a 277 element as an option. I am only trying to find out if there are residential water heaters that use 277 or 480 3 phase.

    Thanks for the help
  • Dec 31, 2009, 03:51 PM
    stanfortyman

    The short answer is no then. 277/480v in a residence is about as rare as it gets. In fact, I have never even heard of it, even in a mansion.
  • Dec 31, 2009, 07:10 PM
    johnmprince

    I assume this is a commercial occupancy, as I have never seen 277/480 elsewhere. From any hot to the neutral (white wire) you have 277 volt. Bring a hot and neutral to the heater. If the element is 277 volt then it will work just fine.
  • Dec 31, 2009, 07:12 PM
    johnmprince
    p.s. BE CAREFUL, 277 gives a nasty shock!

  • All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:03 PM.