Installing the water heater, Branch circuit sizing and wire size guide, Electrical connections – Rheem GE Series User Manual
Page 8
8
Installing the water heater.
NOTICE: This guide recommends minimum branch circuit sizing and wire size based on National Electric Code.
Refer to wiring diagrams in this manual for field wiring connections.
Branch Circuit Sizing and Wire Size Guide
Total Water
Recommended Over Current Protection
Copper Wire Size AWG Based
Heater Wattage
(fuse or circuit breaker amperage rating)
on N.E.C. Table 310-16 (75°C)
208V
240V
277V
480V
208V
240V
277V
480V
3,000
20
20
15
15
12
12
14
14
4,000
25
25
20
15
10
10
12
14
4,500
30
25
25
15
10
10
10
14
5,000
30
30
25
15
10
10
10
14
5,500
35
30
25
15
8
10
10
14
6,000
40
35
30
20
8
8
10
12
8,000
50
45
40
25
8
8
8
10
9,000
–
50
45
25
–
8
8
10
10,000
–
–
50
30
–
–
8
10
11,000
–
–
50
30
–
–
8
10
12,000
–
–
–
35
–
–
–
8
Customer Service
T
roubleshooting Tips
Care and Cleaning
Operating Instructions
Installation Instructions
Safety Instructions
CAUTION: The presence
of water in the piping and
water heater does not
provide sufficient
conduction for a ground.
Non-metallic piping,
dielectric unions, flexible
connectors etc. can cause
the water heater to be
electrically isolated.
Electrical Connections
A separate branch circuit with copper
conductors, overcurrent protective device
and suitable disconnecting means must
be provided by a qualified electrician.
All wiring must conform to local codes
or latest edition of National Electrical
Code ANSI/NFPA 70.
The water heater is completely wired to
the junction box inside jacket at the top
front of the water heater. An opening for
1/2
″ or 3/4″ electrical fitting is provided
for field wiring connections.
The voltage requirements and wattage
load for the water heater are specified
on the rating plate on the front of the
water heater.
The branch circuit wiring should
include either:
Metallic conduit or metallic
sheathed cable approved for use as
a grounding conductor and
installed with fittings approved for
the purpose.
Non-metallic sheathed cable,
metallic conduit or metallic
sheathed cable not approved for
use as a ground conductor shall
include a separate conductor for
grounding. It should be attached to
the ground terminals of the water
heater and the electrical
distribution box.
WARNING
WARNIN
G
Water heater junction box.
Ground screw
Junction
box
cover
Wire connections
Conduit
connector