On?off switch for water heater

Posted by Binder Dundat on July 16, 2006, 11:21 pm

I would like to install an on/off switch for my electric water heater
at the cottage instead of using the breaker to turn it off or on, is
there any reason I should not do this? What type of switch should I
use? I have an older 40 Gallon water heater using a 2 conductor (black
and red) #12 copper cable.

Thanks.

Posted by AndyS on July 17, 2006, 6:05 am

Binder Dundat wrote:

> I would like to install an on/off switch for my electric water heater
> at the cottage instead of using the breaker to turn it off or on, is
> there any reason I should not do this? What type of switch should I
> use? I have an older 40 Gallon water heater using a 2 conductor (black
> and red) #12 copper cable.
> Thanks.

Andy replies:

No reason not to, providing you can find a switch with sufficient
capacity --- at least the rating of the breaker supplying the
heater.....

I would suggest using an air condx disconnect box since they are
very cheap ahd have high capacity.

If you have a problem finding a switch with the proper rating, you
could just install another breaker at the desired location, since they
are cheap and rated appropriately. The disadvantage is that they
don't have as many cycles in their lifetime, but that shouldn't be
a problem for you, and they are easy to replace...

Just a couple ideas.....

Andy in Eureka, TExas

Posted by Bill on July 17, 2006, 8:34 am

Product called "Little gray box", it has a timer in it that allows the hw
heater to be turned off when no need for hw. It has adjustable timer 'on,
off' arms.
Or leave them out, and you have a switch to turn it on or off.
About $20 at big box stores in the plumbing section.

--
remove one of the @'s unless you are a spammer.

Posted by Bill on July 17, 2006, 12:37 pm

You would need a "double pole" (4 connections) switch rated for the amperage
of the circuit (30 amp?). Also there is a water heater timer. Links below...

Double pole 30 amp switch...
http://electrical.hardwarestore.com/14-53-double-pole-switches/double-pole-quite-toggle-switch-680143.aspx

7 day water heater timer with manual mode and on/off switch...
http://www.rewci.com/inehwaheti24.html

Posted by Bill on July 17, 2006, 1:18 pm

Not sure what you are looking for.
The 'Little gray box' is a Hot Water tank switch for 220v.

--
remove one of the @'s unless you are a spammer.

> You would need a "double pole" (4 connections) switch rated for the
> amperage of the circuit (30 amp?). Also there is a water heater timer.
> Links below...
> Double pole 30 amp switch...
>

http://electrical.hardwarestore.com/14-53-double-pole-switches/double-pole-quite-toggle-switch-680143.aspx

> 7 day water heater timer with manual mode and on/off switch...
> http://www.rewci.com/inehwaheti24.html
>

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