dangerous home improvement error in article

1. 55

   geno_3245posted 14 years ago

   article titled "save energy: install a hot water heater timer 83"
   
   article says 12-2 wire for water heater timer [although he disclaims with suggestion that consumer buy 'same size wire'] >> the suggested size wire is unsafe and a fire hazard for connecting to any 240V water heater
   
   vast majority of water heaters are 240V and require the larger 10-2 wire with 30 amp breaker
   
   12-2 wire is for 20 amp breakers; 14-2 for 15 amp breakers
   
   a simple call to home center or electrician or plumber can confirm this information about electricity and water heaters, which should have been done before rushing a paid article into print
   
   this error will cause a home fire and it discredits other articles

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   1. 90

      Rochelle Frankposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Did you e-mail the author, or at least try to post a comment?

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2. 59

   Ohmaposted 14 years ago

   Now, obtain the appropriate length of wire
   
   (usually 12/2 with ground, but be sure to match the size and rating of the existing wire that went to the water heater.
   
   You can cut off a small piece of the existing wire prior to connecting it to the timer and take it to the hardware store so you can match up exactly what you need) and route it from the electrical connection on the top of the water heater to the second romex connector on the bottom of the timer box. Connect the two wires to the terminals marked “Load” in the bottom of the box. Be sure to connect the ground wire(s) to the ground screw in the box, as well.
   
   Is this the article you are talking about?

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   1. 57

      Grills Guyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Well that's the internet for you!

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