Help needed for a water heater in the pasture?

**TJS** · 08-13-2010, 09:38 AM

I have to place a heated self water in a pasture for the livestock and I am getting some conflicting information from a number of professionals.

Heater: 120 V and 400 w
300 ft. from service panel to the heater

Need to know:

1.) Size of wire?
2.) Size of conduit?

Thanks for your input
TJS

hj · 08-13-2010, 09:49 AM

I would use #12 wires in 1/2" conduit, with metal rigid coming out of the ground to the "J" box. (No outlet and cord, because they will play with it or chew on it.)

**Terry** · 08-13-2010, 10:27 AM

I just can't resist adding this video of a water heater in a pasture.
Remember the PRV

Water heater explosion in Kannapolis
This news story video shows the debries from the explosion in the home.

During their investigation, they found part of the water heater nearly 70 feet away from the building – it shot up through the roof, over a building and landed in a driveway. Debris was scattered more than 300 feet from the residence.

**jadnashua** · 08-13-2010, 01:03 PM

You might want to run it off of a GFCI breaker. I'm guessing this is to keep the drinking water from freezing in the winter?

**drick** · 08-13-2010, 08:34 PM

I agree, #12 in 1/2 inch conduit.
-rick

**TJS** · 08-14-2010, 06:37 AM

Thanks to all of you that have replied to my question.
I know I did not mention a GFCI breaker, but I do intent on placing one in the service panel.

My concern was that I had serveral professionals told me that I had to use #10 wire because of the distance.

So off to the supply store for the materials and rent a back hoe.
Thanks again,

TJS