A standard residential electric water heater generally requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit served by a 30-amp double-pole breaker. The specific amperage is determined by the total wattage of the water heater divided by its voltage. According to the National Electrical Code, a circuit’s continuous load should not exceed 80 percent of the breaker’s rating to prevent safety hazards. Before installation, a licensed electrician must perform load calculations and a safety inspection to verify that your panel has the capacity to support this load and that the existing wiring is appropriate for the breaker size.
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