electrical panels

tyorkie · 06-01-2009, 12:58 PM

I am needing to add a water heater (electrical) to an older home (1960's) The house was built and added onto at least twice and we have been remodeling. I finished a bath room last year and placed an electric water heater at that time. Because of the way the house was built it also had a gas water heater. I want to replace that one also and don't know if the panel is big enough. There is a 50 AMP breaker running to an old screw in fuse panel which services the old part of the house including the AC and heating as well as all the lights and switches. The kitchen, addition and new bath and water heater are in the new panel. I think it is a 100 to 125 amp panel. IS there enough power to add the second water heater or do I need a bigger panel?

Mike Swearingen · 06-01-2009, 01:18 PM

I'm not an electrician, but just to put in 2 cents until one comes along, you need a 30 amp dedicated circuit for a standard water heater. You need to check your existing panel to see what it is first. Whether your existing panel will handle another 30 amp circuit needs to be calculated by an electrician, and I also would take the opportunity to have them replace that old fuse breaker panel too.
Good luck!
Mike

J. V. · 06-01-2009, 03:52 PM

How many spare slots for breakers do you have. If you have two, then you can install a 2 pole breaker of the correct size in it. As said above a WH usually is a 30 amp 120/240 volt circuit. That means you will need 4 wires H-H-N-G.

What size wire is feeding the old fuse panel? If its closer to the WH, you can install a new small sub panel for the water heater there..

Don't forget you need a disconnect at each electric WH.

wirenut1110 · 06-01-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J. V.

WH usually is a 30 amp 120/240 volt circuit. That means you will need 4 wires H-H-N-G.

That's a new one on me. I've never seen a 240/120 water heater.

220/221 · 06-01-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

How many spare slots for breakers do you have.

That's kind of like suggesting that, if you have check left, you must have money in the bank.

Not enough info to determine if you are good/safe to add more load.

Are all other apliances gas (except the one HWH)? If so, you will be OK. The more leec load you have, the more you will push your 100/125 service.

Google "residential load calculator" an put your numbers in.

jerryh3 · 06-01-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wirenut1110

That's a new one on me. I've never seen a 240/120 water heater.

There's a reason he's retired.