[mwr]

I have a customer that wants an outlet for a power vent water heater that he plans on having installed in the center of an unfinished basement with no framing members around the heater.

I was going to just mount a 1900 box on the ceiling joist above the old water heater, totally guessing where the cordset might be since the outlet will be installed way before the heater replacement.

For some reason the customer has it in his mind that having the outlet in the ceiling is unacceptable. I am hesitant myself because I have no idea of location of the cord set either.

So I am trying to figure out another simple way to achieve this short of framing a wall off to the side!

Any ideas?

 

[Pete m.]

Attach a 2x4 vertically to a floor joist and extend it down as far as needed.

Pete

 

[mwr]

My carpentry skills suck. Do I need to cripple a second board to another joist if I do that? Im assuming just having a board hanging down is not adequate.

ps- this is EMT.

 

[Pete m.]

My carpentry skills suck. Do I need to cripple a second board to another joist if I do that? Im assuming just having a board hanging down is not adequate.

ps- this is EMT.

Depends on how far down you are going to extend the 2x4. If its only coming down a couple of feet (which would seem to be more than enough for most power vent water heaters I see) you won't need any additional support.

If you plan on extending to the floor I would probably switch gears and use uni-strut with a floor anchor.

Pete

 

[Ontariojer]

A)Put it in the ceiling. Leave extra wire. Move it if neccessary.

Or, because insane customer:

B) have customer provide wall(since your carpentry sucks). Install.

 

[running dummy]

We do the 2x4 trick all the time. Still need to be somewhat close though.

 

[mwr]

typically how long are the cords?
do some or all power vents require a disconnect? I assume its per manufacture.

It might be better to have the guy install the heater first, temporarily use an extension and then come back so I don't have to guess and will be able to see the manufacture recomendations..... I don't think I will have that luxury though.

 

[480sparky]

Contact your favorite nail-bender. Ask how much a couple of studs and a top and bottom plates will cost. Add cost to electrical estimate.

Turnkey operation. HO is happy. You are happy. Wood butcher is happy. Win-win-win scenario.

 

[sstlouis03]

Get you a couple of these and anchor one to the floor the other to the ceiling and put you a piece of uni-strut in. Use some strut straps for the EMT and a 4" box for the recp. That's the way I'd do it

Cheaper than a carpenter and would look clean as well.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I usually install the receptacle above the water heater on the back wall just at the outer edge of the heater so it is easily reached.

 

[Going_Commando]

My carpentry skills suck. Do I need to cripple a second board to another joist if I do that? Im assuming just having a board hanging down is not adequate.

ps- this is EMT.

One cut with a skil saw ain't rocket science, I bet you can figure it out. That's what I would do, anyway.

 

[Vintage Sounds]

Get you a couple of these and anchor one to the floor the other to the ceiling and put you a piece of uni-strut in. Use some strut straps for the EMT and a 4" box for the recp. That's the way I'd do it Cheaper than a carpenter and would look clean as well.

You know you're an industrial guy when...

 

[ponyboy]

You know you're an industrial guy when...

I'd rather have the ability to build it all myself than give the work away.

 

[piette]

The cords are quite long. A good 6 ft usually. Unless it's a really deep basement, you have a whole lot of wiggle room with power vent cords. Also, you are asking about where to place the receptacle and then asking if you need a disconnect? Isn't that sort of redundant?

 

[sstlouis03]

You know you're an industrial guy when...

I except that compliment. Lol. In all reality I can't think of any other way than using wood and honestly my way idea is much easier and just as if not more sturdy.

 

[Sparky J]

I like the strut anchor idea but make it round so the customer can pole dance if its in the wrong location.... Jk
Use the 2x4 method one vertical and a block (usually PT) at the bottom to nail it too.

 

[mwr]

Also, you are asking about where to place the receptacle and then asking if you need a disconnect? Isn't that sort of redundant?

Why yes it is. However, some of the manufactures call for an additional disconnect even if your using plug/cord and who am I to go against a manufactures instructions?

 

[ponyboy]

Why yes it is. However, some of the manufactures call for an additional disconnect even if your using plug/cord and who am I to go against a manufactures instructions?

I'd like to see that

 

[nrp3]

We have four Italian wall hang type boilers that I would like to cord and plug, but the mechanical inspector says no...

 

[Pete m.]

We have four Italian wall hang type boilers that I would like to cord and plug, but the mechanical inspector says no...

Just say's no or has a code reference to back it up?

Pete