Found a AO Smith Power Shot water heater connected to a GFCI outlet. Didn’t think this was acceptable. One electrician said it was okay and another said it was not. Any thoughts?
If the water heater components are working properly, I don’t know what the problem would be.
If the outlet trips then the water heater could come on and the exhaust vent would not work
GFCIs trip when there is a problem and I don’t believe the water heater will ignite without the exhaust working…safety feature.
??? vent for what? Its a power shot, meaning under cabinet.
Why does it matter if its gfci protected anyway. Its doesnt matter IMO
Power Vent water heater. Mine won’t fire without power, so if the GFCI trips it’s not dangerous, I just run out of hot water.
I was thinking under the cabinet, but that works as well. 
I run out of water myself but its because I have a house full of girls.
Outnumbered 2:1 myself:o
I don’t understand the problem.
No problem in my opinion.
Didn’t think so.
According to the latest 2008 NEC (National Electrical Code), ALL of the 125 volt, single phase, 15 & 20 amp receptacles in residential building basements, garages and accessory buildings are required to be GFCI protected. That means dedicated outlets serving: sump pumps, freezers / other permanently located equipment (which is not easily movable), laundry appliances, garage ceiling outlets used for the garage door opener, and anything else previously excluded from this requirement is now included and has to be GFCI protected.
It comes down to what came first, the chicken or the egg.
When was the water heater installed.
I could be mistaken.
Sorry, Robert. The GFI requirement only applies to the unfinished portions of the basement, not all as you state.
Yes Jim I went looking for verification myself.
I did not find the amendment yet.
I will dig some more.
Thanks Jim.
Bad to get the wrong information out there.
GFCI fail with no warning, which means no hot water. I like hot water, if it was my house i would remove GFCI.
Regular receptacles can fail too. Would you remove them also? If the GFI protection is mandated by the code you cannot just remove it based on your feelings or wishes.
As someone in an industry that should be focused on consumer safety I find that attitude to be in conflict with the premise of doing the right thing and safety.
I looked into this a little more.
Its a gas fired water heater.
You are worried about the exhaust and venting ?
If the power goes off the igniter will also not function and other safety features will stop the transfer or any combustible fuel to the source of ignition.
Like a thermocouple on older gas fired furnaces and heaters.models.
You can always contact AO SMITH.
They have a great costumer service and tech support.
I am impressed.