My condo's electrical supply is a 100A, 120/208V, 1-phase 3-wire system. I have an electric-type HWT which I want to convert to a tankless electric HWT. Fixtures which currently use hot water are 1 bathtub, 1 bathroom faucet, 1 kitchen faucet, 1 clothes washer, and 1 dishwasher. Based on my research so far, I believe I would need to upgrade the existing electrical panel to support the required amperage for an electric tankless HWT. The building is approximately 30 years old.
The first question I have is whether such a hot water tank conversion is worth the investment? The second question is what electrical work would be required to upgrade the panel? For example, would BC Hydro need to perform any work in the building's electrical room? Would new conduit have to be run from the building's electrical room to the condo?
Thank you.
No good idea. Too much work for save lithe money in hydro bill.
Hi Ronald,
No one can tell you for sure what needs to be done without looking at it. My experience would tell me that you will need to upgrade to a larger panel. While you may have the option to upgrade the electrical panel, your condo corp may not allow you to have the option of upgrading your entire electrical service.
You may need to run a larger conduit, you may not; cannot tell without seeing it.
My recommendation would be to first talk to the condo corp and see in a worst case scenario (require to run a new complete service from the main distribution panel (location) to your condo is even possible. If you get the go ahead to do that, call in three reputable electrical contractors (with the letter of permission in hand) and get some estimates.
At first blush, I would agree with Tom that it is unlikely that you will realizes any cost savings for such a large amount of work.
Cheers,
John Kuehnl-Cadwell
Master Electrician
Datawise Solutions Inc
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