It clearly states.
(A) Rated at Not Over 300 Volt-Amperes or 1/8 Horsepower. For permanently connected appliances rated at not over 300 volt-amperes or 1/8 hp, the branch-circuit overcurrent device shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means.
Does this not describe an electric water heater?
A water heater is over 300 VA so that section does not apply. You would need to look at 422.31(B) which requires the disconnect to be *within sight, *or it’s required to have a device to lock in it the open position if not within sight.
Mark,
You may want to correct your post 17 to avoid confusion for folks referencing this thread in the future. Just a suggestion as people do refer back to these a lot.
Done.
Just my opinion but deleting those posts makes this thread even more confusing.
Ken, you are correct to call them out. I know we are not code inspectors so let’s not start that discussion, however I would reference 2003 IRC T401.5 or 2003 UPC, Electric water heaters require in-sight or lockable disconnect.
Since a disconnect issue is referred to a Electrical Contractor and the contractor states it’s not required then we as Inspectors are out of it at that point and it’s up to the buyer to correct it if they want. Many things are “not required” due to it not being required when the house was built. A new water heater install would be required to meet the new standards and if it wasn’t they should be contacting the installer and the local building official to double check. Myself I would suggest that a disconnect should be done when they replace the water heater but for now get a lockout. It’s an easier cheaper solution that works and is more likely to get done.
Thank you! And I do continue to call them out, for obvious reasons. Knowing the codes is good information, but I also do not quote them as like you said we are not code inspectors.
Ken