- General Electric Water Heater Owner's Manual
NOTE: This guide recommends minimum branch
circuit sizing based on the National Electric Code.
Refer to wiring diagrams in this manual for field
wiring connections.
Installation Instructions
17
The manufacturer’s warranty does not cover any
damage or defect caused by installation, attachment or
use of any type of energy-saving or other unapproved
devices (other than those authorized by the
manufacturer) into, onto or in conjunction with the water
heater. The use of unauthorized energy-saving devices
may shorten the life of the water heater and may
endanger life and property.
The manufacturer disclaims any responsibility for
such loss or injury resulting from the use of such
unauthorized devices.
If local codes require external application of insulation
blanket kits, the manufacturer’s instructions included
with the kit must be carefully followed.
Application of any external insulation, blankets or
water pipe insulation to this water heater will require
careful attention to the following:
• Do not cover the temperature and pressure-relief
valve.
• Do not cover access panels to the heating elements.
• Do not cover the electrical junction box of the
water heater.
• Do not cover the operating or warning labels attached
to the water heater or attempt to relocate them on
the exterior of the insulation blanket.
• Do not block the air inlet outlets below and in the top
covers.
BRANCH CIRCUIT SIZING GUIDE
Total Water Recommended Over-Current Protection
Heater Wattage (fuse or circuit breaker amperage rating)
208V 240V 277V 480V
3,000 20 20 15 15
4,000 25 25 20 15
4,500 30 25 25 15
5,000 30 30 25 15
5,500 35 30 25 15
6,000 40 35 30 20
8,000 50 45 40 25
9,000 – 50 45 25
10,000 – – 50 30
11,000 – – 50 30
12,000 – – –35
Typical vertical
piping arrangement
Typical horizontal piping
arrangement
Total Water Copper Wire Size AWG Based
Heater Wattage on N.E.C. Table 310-16 (75°C.)
208V 240V 277V 480V
3,000 12 12 14 14
4,000 10 10 12 14
4,500 10 10 10 14
5,000 10 10 10 14
5,500 8 10 10 14
6,000 8 8 10 12
8,000 8 8 8 10
9,000 – 8 8 10
10,000 – – 8 10
11,000 – – 8 10
12,000 – – – 8