Is a GFI breaker required for a 240v electric bathroom kickspace heater? I have run 3-12 romex from the panel to the location (under vanity cabinet). The heater and it's wall thermostat are the only things on the circuit. I believe I need a 2-pole 20A breaker, but I was not sure if GFI was required. It makes sense to me to have one, but it seems like they are not common and quite expensive. Home Depot guy told me it was not required, just wanted to check. If not, I wonder why? I have a Square D HomeLine panel.

Thanks

GFI protection is only needed for plug in devices.This heater is not required by Code to be GFI protected.

You may if you like.

The NEC code for bathrooms require GFCI's on "All 125-volt, single phase, 15 and 20 AMP receptacles". Your heater is not connected to a receptacle and is 240VAC.

Thanks for the quick responses. I guess I don't need it. Might still opt for it but seems pretty pricey - I've seen 65-almost $200, unless I'm looking at the wrong thing.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=HOM220GFI&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbo=u&tbm=shop&source=og&sa=N&tab=wf

Another question - this will be the second kickspace heater in the house. I did not install the first one, but it looks like they used flexible metal conduit from at least where it leaves the wall to where it connects to the heater (all under the cabinet). Is this required? Or can I just connect the romex right to the heater? If I use metal flexible conduit do I need to strip the outer insulation off the romex first? Thanks again

Romex connected directly to the heater will be fine.

And yes, that is the correct Homeline circuit breaker.

Thanks again!