Tankless water heater with 2 200 amp panels

Speedy Petey

I never read OPs close enough. I get caught up in the later discussions.

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Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

stickboy1375

I think were all guilty of that...

k_buz

Don't worry, there is always someone not too far behind to correct us....

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edentel

Wow! I eat dinner and come back to see if there was one answer.... Not expecting this. Thanks everyone for the input.

Yes this is a fairly new home. The reason I wanted to split it is I did some quick math on the panel loads. With the split and assuming worst case scenario of adding the amperage on the various breakers I couldn't come up with a reasonable situation where I would exceed 170 amps on either panel. This is stove on, fridge/freezer, both heat pumps running with electric heat, and tankless going full out AND several rooms at full.


Ie: worst case theoretical scenario I still couldn't overdraw.


I honestly haven't pulled the cover to look inside so I'm not sure of the panels grounding. Each panel has its own 200amp main breaker.


I'm sorry for the confusion on my ground reference. I was referring to the tankless. It has three separate 50amp circuits (hot and neutral) and one ground. Their manual shows using hot neutral ground for one circuit and then hot and neutral for the other two. My background is digital low voltage not high voltage. I didn't THINK this would cause a problem but as it isn't my specialty.


As a result a was I was if there was any code reason or safety reason that the three circuits couldn't be separated. My next door neighbor had the same unit installed by a buddy who is an electrician. They installed all 3 50amp circuits on one panel. With one heat pump, fridge, stove, and the bathroom lights on he sees flickers. I figured we'd play it safe and split things across the two panels if that was allowable.


I REALLY appreciate everyone's input!

edentel

Oh...and as for the gas comment. There is an easement but no gas in the neighborhood. We COULD go propane but it seems like too big a pain to work out the venting and install a larger tank just for the water heater and fireplace. The small 50 gal tank just won't do it for a heater.

k_buz

A fairly new house with 2 panels installed at the time of construction, I am going to assume the panels are grounded/bonded correctly.

There is no issue with using either or both of the panels to supply the 3 circuits.

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edentel

Sorry tying to catch up with all the posts. K_buz the house does have cpvc for the water feed. Now I am curious. I'll have to pop the cover and take a quick glance inside. It hadnt stuck me that the panels may be grounded together internally.

Thanks again for all the input.

stickboy1375

You will see a jumper from one panel to the next...

Missouri Bound

Do you not have room for a standard water heater? I'm amazed how popular tankless have become despite their massive current draw on demand. Current tank type water heaters have so little heat loss and require 30 amp circuits....not 150 amps. I suppose I would use one as a last resort....if someone gave it to me.

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Protocol.

I think op is a bit confused. Im willing to bet this unit doesnt draw 150 amps. Do you have the specific brand/model you're looking at? That will help make sure everybody is on the same page

M Engineer

Why do you think that?