How close to an electrical panel can a water heater be?
A gas water heater needs a 30-inch by 30-inch area, per International Residential Code (IRC M1305. 1.2), and an electric water heater has the same 30-inch by 36-inch requirement as an an electrical panel, per National Electrical Code (NEC 110.26[A]). There service areas of panel and water heater can overlap, of course.
Can an electric water heater be enclosed?
In most instances, a home's water heater is placed in the basement. When the basement is finished so it can be used for another purpose, leaving the water heater in plain view can detract from the appearance of the room. You can enclose the water heater by building a wall around it and constructing a utility closet.
How many inches off the floor should a water heater be?
18 inchesAccording to the Uniform Plumbing Code, a natural gas tank water heater should be installed at least 18 inches from the ground.
Should an electric water heater be raised off the floor?
Water heaters only need to be raised (per code) if they are using an ignitable fuel source (gas, propane, etc). And even then, the code is that the ignition mechanism is what needs to be raised. If your water heater is electric or a heat pump, no need to raise it per code.
Do electric water heaters need ventilation?
No. Unlike gas tankless water heaters and gas traditional tank style water heaters, electric tankless water heaters do not require any venting. This is often one of the deciding factors when choosing whether you should purchase a gas or electric tankless water heater.
Can electric hot water heater sit on concrete floor?
Electric water heaters can sit directly on the concrete floor. There is no risk of accidental ignition of spilled flammable liquids with electric water heaters.
Should I put water heater on blocks?
The main reason you need to have your water heater placed on a hot water heater stands is to prevent fire incidents. Lifting your water heater prevents flammable fumes and vapors' from spilled gasoline or any other combustible fluid from lying on the floor in the garage.
How high should a water heater be installed above the garage floor?
Which means, for all practical purposes, the actual water heater should be elevated approximately 12-14" above the garage floor. The burner/ ignition flame is likely 4"-6" above the base of the water heater.
Why does a water heater need to be elevated?
The pilot light from your water heater is the flame that will ignite the fumes from any spilled flammable liquids. If your water heater is NOT a flammable vapor ignition resistance water heater, it must be raised to 18 inches if it is located in the garage where a car would be parked.
Does water heater height matter?
Short water heaters vary between 30 to 49 inches and hold up to 50 gallons of water. The nickname for tall water heaters is “short boy.” Tall water heaters range from 50 to 76 inches and can hold up to 100 gallons of water. They're ideal for basements or garages where height isn't an issue.