what size wire ??

[rladkins82198]

I am moving my water heater about 75 ft ( as the wire runs ) from my panel box should I use 10-3 or 8-3 wire


Russ

[bkrahmer]

Most water heaters are 240v only, meaning you only need two conductors. At 4500 watts, 240V, you would be fine with 10/2 (or 10/3).

[rladkins82198]

thanks for the reply that will save me some money to spend on something else

[bkrahmer]

I forgot to mention that my post assumed that you already had 'spec' power at the panel (240.0 V or more.) 10/2 running 4500 watts at 240 came to a 1.5% voltage drop. Depending on how much you use it, 8/2 may save money after a long time because of a reduced heating effect. I don't know how to calculate that, though.