Curtis73 (Forum Supporter)
Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
6/26/23 7:30 p.m.

I had to replace my water heater tonight.  Thanks to the previous owner who replumbed the whole house with PEX, it was literally a 20 minute job.

It's supplied with 12/2 WG NM-B.  Manual didn't specify wiring colors.  NM-B has (obviously) white, black, and ground.  Water heater has red, gray, and ground.

I know the actual answer is "it doesn't matter," but is there a more-right way to match up colors?  Both of the supply conductors are obviously 120v each, and I know the red wire in the heater goes to one element and the gray wire goes to the other element, but is there some industry standard?

It's plumbed, powered, and making hot water, so I'm confident in my install, just curious if there is a "right" way to pair colors.

barefootcyborg5000
barefootcyborg5000 PowerDork
6/26/23 7:50 p.m.

My general rule with electricity:

Does it work?

If no: it's wrong

If yes: did it hurt?

If yes: it may be right but you did it wrong 

If no: did the smoke come out?

If yes: you definitely did it wrong

If no: congratulations. You are master electrician. 

Curtis73 (Forum Supporter)
Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
6/26/23 7:54 p.m.

TIL:  I'm a master electrician.

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