Water heaters have special power requirements.
General Electric manufactures a number of household appliances, including water heaters. The standard type of water heater maintains water at a constant temperature and ranges from 20 gallons to 80 gallons. Although a 40-gallon to 50-gallon water heater will accommodate a small family, large households may want to opt for a 60-gallon model. Once you select your water heater, you need to know the power requirements for proper installation
Power Requirements
GE's electric 60-gallon water heaters run on 240-volt or 220-volt electricity. This is a standard power requirement for most electric tank-style water heaters ranging from 20 to 80 gallons. You also need the circuit to which the outlet connects to handle a 30-amp load.
Correct Outlet
If you're replacing an older water heater, it's unlikely you'll need to install a 220-volt or 240-volt outlet. However, if you are switching from a gas to an electric water heater, you will need to determine whether you have the correct outlet. The 220-volt or 240-volt outlets look different from the 120-volt outlets in your home you use for your toaster or computer. The larger voltage outlets have a single round face with large slots and a half-circle hole for the prongs. If you can't find an outlet like this, you need to install one yourself or have an electrician install one.
Water Heater Installation
One of the final steps of installing your water heater is to connect the wiring of the heater itself. The water heater needs to be disconnected from any power source when you do this step. The manual for your GE water heater provides detailed instructions on this step. However, the general guidelines are to access the wiring through a panel on the top of the heater, connect the electrical and ground wires, and feed the wires through the protective conduit.
Gas Water Heater
Gas water heaters run on natural gas fed by gas lines to the water heater. The gas flow to a 60-gallon heater needs to be between 85 and 90 gallons per hour. Your gas company can help you determine whether your current lines can deliver this amount. Although the water is heated by gas, the water heater may need 110-volt or 120-volt power for the thermostat.
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