How to Control Water Heater using Switches?
Controlling of Water Heater using Single Pole, Two Poles & Intermediate Switches?
In our electric water heater wiring series, we will be showing that how to control the water heater using single way, two way, three way and four-way (intermediate) switches.
Controlling of Water Heater using Single-Pole Switch
To control a non-continuous (non-simultaneous) water heater using single way or one-way switch, we must use a 10 gauge wire size with a minimum 30 amp circuit breaker. In our case, we have connected the water heater directly to a 30 amperes single way switch which is protected by 30 amp circuit breaker from the main distribution board. The down position of the switch is used to break the line supply to water heater. In case of 240V heater, a single line cut off is sufficient to switch off the water heater. Also, don’t forget to do the proper grounding to the switch and water heater.
Good to know:
- Always use 10 gauge wire for 240V, 30 amp circuit breaker according to the rating. 12 gauge can be used for single phase 120V according to the appliance rating.
- Use a minimum of 30A switch for 240V with 30A protection CB.
- A 240V breaker or switch can be used for 120V while, 120V rated breakers and switches can’t be used for 208, 240, 277 or 480V.
- Switch must be installed only and only on line (hot or phase) wire instead of neutral wire.
Controlling of Water Heater using Double Pole Switch
A double pole switch can be also used to control the ON/OFF operation of electric water heater. In our case of 240V water heater, we have used a 30 amp double pole switch protected by 30 amp circuit breaker form the main supply panel.
This way, both lines (hot or phase) wires are turn off by switch. As only breaking a single line supply will work perfectly, but we still able to use the double pole switch instead of single pole switch as it makes sure complete power off to the water heater. This way, double pole acts as a safety switch as well.
Safety switches are required in tankless water heater, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), commercial water heater or when main circuit breaker box is not within sight.
Good to know:
- Always use the proper wiring diagram according to the user manual comes with device.
- A 240V AC water heater element can be connect to the 120V AC.
- A 120V AC water heater element can’t be used for 240 or 230V.
Controlling of Water Heater from Two Places using Two, 3-Way Switches
Using the following diagram, we can control an electric water heater from two different places same like the the staircase wiring diagram where a single light bulb can be controlled from two places using three way switches.
In case of single phase 120V supply, the neutral is directly connected to the water heater where the hot wire (live or line) is connected to the common of a three way switch. Both 3-way switches are connected via traveler wires (blue) while the common of second 3-way switch is connected to the water heater. A proper grounding and 30 A circuit breaker with 10 gauge wire should be used for 240V. In case of 120V, a 12 gauge wire should be used according to the rating. Only one live wire is enough to cut off the power supply through 3-way switch. Overall, it is known as 3-way circuit. Both switches and circuit breaker rating is 30 amperes.
Good to know:
A switch rated for:
- 120V can only be used for 120V.
- 240V can be used for 120V, 240V but not for 277V (Commercial applications)
- 120-277 can be used for 120V, 240V and 277V.
Controlling of Water Heater from Three Places using Two, 3-Way & Four Way Switch
If we connect an intermediate (4-way) switch in between two 3-way switches in the above circuit, we will be able to ON/OFF the water heater from three different places as shown in below wiring diagram for 240V, 230V and 120V AC.
The rating of circuit breaker and all switches including three way and 4 way is 30 amp. You may use proper rated switches and breaker size for single phase 120V. Don’t forget to do proper earthing/grounding to the water heater and switches.
Good to Know:
- A switch rated for 15A, 120V can be used on 20A, 120V circuit.
- A switch rated for 20A, 120V can’t be used on household 15A, 120V circuit.
- A switch rated for 120V can’t be used on 240V circuit and vice versa.
- A 240V switch can be used on 120V circuit if the ampere rating is same.
- A 120V switch can’t be used on 240V circuit even if current rating in amperes are same.
Precautions
Related Water Heater Wiring Diagrams
- How to Wire a Single Element Water Heater and Thermostat?
- How to Wire 120V Water Heater Thermostat – Non-Simultaneous?
- How to Wire 120V Simultaneous Water Heater Thermostat?
- How to Wire 240V Water Heater Thermostat – Non-Continuous?
- How to Wire 240V Simultaneous Water Heater Thermostat?
- How to Wire 3-Phase Simultaneous Water Heater Thermostat?
- How to Wire 3-Phase Non-Simultaneous Water Heater Thermostat?
- How to Toggle Electric Water Heater Between 120V and 240V?
What is a thankless water heater?
Thanks to the auto correction. It was tankless – Instant water heater.
I think the adding switches for different control points is good but how can the individual know if the switch is in the on or off position or other words know if they turned the tank on or off with no indication at the switch as to whether power is flowing at 240v. and not in the off position with only 120v.flowing to the tank?
There needs to be an indicator light showing that both 120 v. lines are flowing to the tank.
I would not recommend this. If not installed with correct switches, you can start a fire. If you want to save money, Call a licensed electrician and install a U.L. listed time clock large enough to handle the load. I don’t want to say I told you so.