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    Lcolley's Avatar
    Lcolley Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Nov 8, 2013, 09:15 PM
    20 amp circuit
    Can I put a under counter refrigerator and tankless water heater(1800 watts) on a 20amp breaker?
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #2

    Nov 8, 2013, 10:31 PM
    What is the wire gauge? Will that be the only two appliances, no outlets or lights?
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #3

    Nov 9, 2013, 05:41 AM
    What is amperage of refrigerator? Eighteen hundred (1800) watts is 15 amps.
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #4

    Nov 9, 2013, 10:54 AM
    By code, no single cord and plug connected appliance can be more than 80% of a multiple outlet branch circuit. On a 20 amp circuit that shakes out to 16 amps.

    Water heaters are considered to be continuous use so, (1800 / 120) * 1.25 = Amperage
    1800/120 = 15 Amps. 15 * 1.25 = 18.75 Amps. So basically, the water heater is going to suck up 19 amps.

    So, the answer is no. Place the water heater on it's own dedicated circuit. Use #12 AWG Copper for the conductors and protect the circuit with a 20 amp breaker.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #5

    Nov 9, 2013, 04:28 PM
    Actually, an insta-hot water heater is fixed in place, so it cannot be more than 50% of the circuit.

    Also, an insta-hot water heater is not considered a continuous load. That only applies to storage type water heaters.

    Either way, no, this water heater cannot be on with another appliance or counter circuit.
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #6

    Nov 11, 2013, 07:40 AM
    Stan,

    So the term "fixed-in-place" applies to the equipment, not the connection type as in hardwired? A fixed in place appliance can be either cord & plug connected or hardwired?
    hfcarson's Avatar
    hfcarson Posts: 1,003, Reputation: 49
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    #7

    Nov 14, 2013, 05:24 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by stanfortyman View Post
    Actually, an insta-hot water heater is fixed in place, so it cannot be more than 50% of the circuit.
    Stan, where is this in the book?
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
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    #8

    Nov 14, 2013, 06:38 AM
    2011 - nec 210.23(a)(2)
    hfcarson's Avatar
    hfcarson Posts: 1,003, Reputation: 49
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    #9

    Nov 14, 2013, 08:22 AM
    Don,
    Thanks! I was lost in different chapter...
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