Would this water heater work?

[Wingdreamer]

Found this on the internet and VERY interested in it.  Really small design and the price is decent, but need a 20 amp circuit to run it. I don't have air conditioning, so can I use the a/c circuit on the converter and run a hard line directly from the converter to the heater? My converter is a 25 amp unit, so would I need to upgrade to a 35 or 40 amp unit? I want to be able to use my toaster or kettle at the same time as running the hot water without blowing any breakers. If I used only the 20 amp a/c breaker for the heater wouldn't that do the trick?

http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Eemax-SP2412-Single-Point-Electric-Tankless-Water-Heater/746/Cat/474


Found the next model up (SP3512)that puts out more "bang for the same buck" but requires 29 amps. Am I wishful thinking?  (see below)

http://www.pexsupply.com/Eemax-SP3512-SP3512-Single-Point-Electric-Tankless-Water-Heater-12161000-p


Thanks!

[coach]

You converter's 25 amp rating refers to the 12 vDC side.
The 120v should have a 30 plug and 30A main breaker and supply one 20A circuit and one 15A circuit.

If the breaker requirement is 20A it could be wired to the 20A breaker in the 'power center' using the required sized wire.

[oreo57]

Dont forget that the h20 heater is an ON DEMAND type so the only time its using electricity is when you need hot water, so unless you leave the hot water on while making toast you will be just fine.

[Wingdreamer]

Hi Coach, thanks for the reply.
So, if I look at the second model (SP3512) which requires 29 amps, can I still use this if I have a 30 amp circuit? As it is an "on demand" heater, it would be only be using this amperage when turned on and the water running, so as long as my toaster isn't on at the same moment, should I be ok?

[Wingdreamer]

Hi Mike, just saw your reply. Looks like we are on the same page regarding load. Just uncertain if the 29 amp model is "pushing the cards" a bit too much? I can run the 10awg wire required from the converter to the heater no problem.  I would think that I would need to use ONLY the heavy 30 amp black ext cord (same as what comes out of the trailer that you would hook to the campground 30 amp post??) whenever I am camping, thus supplying the trailer with a full 30amp source?

[mike4947]

Unfortunately neither of your choices are rated for RV use. From experience I can safely say either will fail within the first year from the vibration of over the road travel. There are RV rated units rated for less than 20 amps that will do what you want and last.

[wavery]

Unfortunately neither of your choices are rated for RV use. From experience I can safely say either will fail within the first year from the vibration of over the road travel. There are RV rated units rated for less than 20 amps that will do what you want and last.

Ditto.......get the smallest most compact unit that you can find. These units are for home use and may not withstand the jarring of towing.

On demand water heaters take a few seconds to heat up and only heat while the water is flowing. They are only practical for camping with full hook-ups, including electric, water and sewer. If you have full hook-ups, you may want to look into a small electric tank type heater. They can be found for around $100+.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ELECTRIC-2-5-GALLON-MINI-TANK-UNDER-SINK-WATER-HEATER_W0QQitemZ290367842122QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item439b45a74a

[oreo57]

This Eemax is for RV use.
 
Wingdreamer-Exactly what type up popup do you have, I dont see it in your sig. or on in your profile. That would be alot of help.

[popupcop]

We used a 30 cup electric coffee urn (about $30.00 at Wal-Mart). We plugged it in the morning when we were starting to make breakfast and left the percolator parts inside since it warmed quicker. In a few minutes the water is hot enough for the kids to have hot chocolate and later it is great for washing dishes when diluted with cold water. The only caution is set it someplace where it won't get knocked off.

[dthurk]

Rather than wiring it into the camper, wire the 20 amp unit to a 20 amp plug.  Plug your converter into an appropriate outlet on the power pole, then plug the water heater into another recepticle outlet also on the power pole.  Solves a lot of problems that way.

[AZCAMPPINAL]

I use the Coleman Hot Water on Demand for hot water. Works great for us, use for "kitchen" chores and showers. Use either tent camping or the popup camper.

[dkutz]

I use the Coleman Hot Water on Demand for hot water. Works great for us, use for "kitchen" chores and showers. Use either tent camping or the popup camper.

that is really cool.  Too bad its $250

[JohnandLeann]

I dunno, Wally has'em for 188 and Amazon has'em for 178.  Still a lot of dough no matter what though.

[Wingdreamer]

I guess I'm still not sure if this unit (which requires 29 amps when running) will work with my trailer. If I use the dedicated air cond circuit, can I wire this in? Any electricians out there have any opinions on this?




http://www.pexsupply.com/Eemax-SP3512-SP3512-Single-Point-Electric-Tankless-Water-Heater-12161000-p

[AustinBoston]

I guess I'm still not sure if this unit (which requires 29 amps when running) will work with my trailer. If I use the dedicated air cond circuit, can I wire this in? Any electricians out there have any opinions on this?

http://www.pexsupply.com/Eemax-SP3512-SP3512-Single-Point-Electric-Tankless-Water-Heater-12161000-p

Unless your trailer has 50 amp service, you would have to re-wire the trailer for 50 amp service.  There is not enough leeway between 30 amps and 29 amps to sanely allow it.  

In addition, you would have to put a 30 amp dedicated circuit in your camper.  My camper's breaker box is part of the converter, and I am 85% certain that there is no 30 amp breaker available for it.

Austin