High-capacity water heaters necessitate a set up of 10 3 wires. Lower-level circuits using 3-prong plugs require ten 2-wire connections to function. The type of water heater determines if you’ll need a 10/3 or a 10/2.
A set of 10/2 wires has one live wire, a single ground wire, and a neutral wire. A 10/3 set of wires includes two live conductors, a single ground conductor, and no neutral. When compared to 10/2 wires, 10/3 wires are superior. Higher-voltage circuits are better suited to these cables.
Water heaters that use over 30–35 amperes (occasionally exceeding 40 amps) often have 10/3 wires for their connections. You’ll find them in most electric water heater tanks.
This article will weigh between 10/2 or 10/3 wire for water heater, and give expert opinions about them, so read on and learn more.
10/2 or 10/3 Wire for Water Heater: How Do You Define a 10-2 Wire?
10-2 wire is the term for cables with two live conductors plus a ground wire, typically used to hook up clothes dryers and other devices that draw no more than 25 amps of power.
Wire gauge (AWG) size and how many wires are in each gauge (conductor) are what “10-2” means. Wire with a 10-2 gauge has two ten gauge wire conductors and a ground wire.
The standard 30-ampere breaker required for electric tanks model of water heaters necessitates 10-3 wires. Electrical water heaters that store hot water in tanks require special electrical wiring plus circuit breakers.
Wiring, specifically #10-gauge conductors, which can take up to thirty amperes of power load, is required for a standard electric tank model of water heater’s circuit breaker.
Since the 10/2 wire cannot carry the current required by tank heating elements, it may overheat and catch fire if used in a water heater.
Challenges Associated with 10-2 Wires
These copper wires could be suitable for use in low-voltage appliance circuits. However, there may be serious consequences if utilized in high-powered devices or for high-wattage applications.
Cables with insufficiently big gauges and high resistance are problematic because they cause excessive voltage loss, which hampers operation. They create heat-insensitive periods over more compact segments of the linkage.
During periods of peak processing of load and overheating errors, this causes more significant energy loss.
Although 10-2 wires are durable enough to serve certain low-power residential applications, they are over the task of carrying thermal loads produced by electrical tank type of water heaters.
These need 30-ampere fuses, necessitating using 10-gauged copper wires with a single red or black hot conductor and an additional white insulating grounding cable.
How Do You Define a 10-3 Wire?
A 10-3 electrical cable contains three 10-gauged copper cables in separate insulated conductors. To prevent accidental short circuits, insulating materials separate individual wires from one another.
Heavy-duty wires are necessary because electrical water heaters consume a lot of power. To safely connect a 30-ampere breaker to an electrical tank type of water heater, a minimum of 10-gauge wires are required.
People prefer 10-3 wires to 10-2 wires because it has a larger current flow and lasts longer. Because there is no resistance to the passage of current and a circuit safeguard is in place in case of system overload, it also increases safety.
Use a minimum of 10 (and ideally 8) diameter conductors for wiring a tank-style electrical water heater to a 30-ampere breaker circuit. These should have a high amperage rating, just like the stranded copper cables (THHN/THWN wires) designated as “UL” or with “MTW” clearances.
Most significantly, they must have authorized markings that identify their specifications. Products sold or supplied from online auction sites or resellers’ websites should bear appropriate markings, such as the CSA’s or cULus’s.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Replacement Wiring System
Tank-model electrical water heaters have special wiring needs due to their amperage demands and proximity to other electrical components. This factor is something to think about before investing in a new electrical setup.
If you’re installing a new water heater wire or replacing an old one, be sure the cable you use has an amperage rating compatible with the breaker box.
Most electrical tanks require 10-3 wires and breakers rated at 30 amps. Therefore, before purchasing anything connected with this equipment, fully comprehend its electrical requirements.
You also need to consider the right size for your heating system—the locational closeness of components that serve as connectors inside the whole. Ventilation openings on exterior walls are significant.
The constant use of these devices causes them to consume more energy than the normal household appliance. As a result, processing times will increase.
As a result, they will have a more significant energy footprint due to standby loss. Find out how picking the right link can boost productivity and output.
Dedicated circuit installation may be less expensive than plug-and-play wiring but requires careful setup. Although adjustments to the item’s compatibility and settings may be necessary, the granted flexibility enables easy relocation to the selected place for safe and uninterrupted operations.
However, careful thought and examination of all instructions are required. To effectively estimate results, looking into availability and comparing pricing is crucial to assess convenience and manageability.
Putting in such devices the right way is easy. It requires familiarity with the purposes of common installation tools. The system should be able to manage all the necessary safety measures and processes.
If you want to maximize the likelihood of a desired outcome, it’s best to do as instructed. Remember that you can always try to find a better solution elsewhere, even if the situation seems manageable.
The durability of a device depends heavily on the quality of its connections and the ability of its housing to withstand the effects of ambient room temperature.
Is It Safe to Use 10-2 Cables in Hot Water Heaters?
Dedicated wiring using 10-2 MC/NC cables is common for wiring an electric water heater. This cable is big enough to carry the voltage safely, and the current electrical water heaters need.
It’s advantageous because it’s cheaper and simpler to set up than other hot water heaters cables. Due to the necessity of power fluctuations during operation, householders should safeguard their electronics with devices like surge protectors.
This measure is critical in areas close to saltwater, which may lead to corrosion. When installing an electric water heater, it is crucial to adhere to local electrical regulations. Article 422 of the NEC addresses home appliances specifically.
If the item’s specifications don’t address how to use it, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Fire, electrocution, and property damage are all possible outcomes of carelessness in this situation.
What Gauge Wire Do Water Heaters Require?
A properly wired water heater is essential to its effective operation. To either overburden or underload the equipment is to risk its malfunction. Some water heaters require larger wires than others.
A 12-gauge cable is required for a 20-ampere water heater, while you will require a 10-gauge cable for a 25-ampere water heater. Wire with an 8-gauge is the best option for larger heaters that need between 30 and 40 amps.
Standardization on a voltage basis governs wattage ampacity in electrical codes. If you need assistance during setup, check the user manual or contact a professional.
Make sure the wires you use are the suitable size for your project by reading the handbook thoroughly and putting your safety first.
The correct installation offers several benefits, including an extended lifespan, greater resistance to wear and tear, and elimination of electrical failures that can cause dangerous accidents.
What Is the Function of a 10-2 Cable?
An example of an NM-B cable is the 10-2 wire. Its purpose is to wire 240-volt systems. Appliances, HVAC systems, and other similar devices fall within this category.
The amperage rating of the conductor determines the maximum allowable load. Temperature and distance affect it. During setup, apply the correct grounding techniques. This measure eliminates any potential harm from electric shock.
All wiring must meet NEC standards. Proper standards include avoiding potential hazards like other lines or wires. Wet rooms and other damp spots are a potential hazard when dealing with electricals.
It’s not just better than standard building cables for higher-wattage electric power needs. You may discover this aluminum variety is more robust when rebuilding fences in gardens or fixing a defective doorbell system. It’s cost-effective to install and won’t significantly reduce conductivity if run alongside backyards.
Why Does the Gauge of the Wires in My Water Heater Matter?
Theres a greater probability that a fire will start if the wire is excessively thin (has an elevated gauge number). This outcome might happen because the water heater can trigger the cable to transport more power than it can safely handle. That’s a surefire recipe for overheating.
Remember that greater resistance is associated with smaller diameters. The wire’s resistance is directly proportional to the amount of heat it produces.
The use of larger wires is not an issue. Unless your circuit you do not do the wiring properly, you won’t face any serious implications for upgrading to a wider wire. The price, however, is going to be higher.
Thicker wires are more expensive than thinner ones. Use the appropriate wire diameter for your heater’s wattage to reduce costs and avoid dangerous fires.
Must I Hardwire My Water Heater?
There’s no need for hardwiring for your water heater. A 240-volt circuit specifically for a water heater is necessary. You can plug your heater into a 30-Ampere double pole circuit breaker, depending on how much power your heater uses.
A hardwired water heater is optional to fulfill these minimum standards. Since hardwiring appears to be the only option for water heaters, most people assume it is the only option.
They fear that a water heater plugged into an outlet could damage the outlet or the power wire and hence be unsafe. But this isn’t so.
Electric water heaters that plug into an outlet are widely available. It is location dependent.
Secondly, most of them are typically smaller and weaker.
Third, the water heaters that need cords and plugs have their power cables installed at the factory. They’re robust enough to withstand the heater’s electrical current without melting.
Fourth, if the heater is on its circuit, you shouldn’t be concerned about it using too much power from the outlet. No other devices should be using that outlet at the same time. Having the electrical water heater’s outlets the sole outlet in the circuit is one way to prevent unauthorized circuit use.
If there are additional outlets on the circuit, you can block them using tape.
FAQs
Should One Use a 12 2 Cable For Water Heaters?
Using 12/2 cables is okay. However, most experts recommend the 10/2 cables for use. With 10/2 cables, you can upgrade the water heater. You won’t have to go through the hassle of upgrading the wiring.
