Manufactured Home Water Heaters

I have decided to switch from an LP water heater to electric. I have already called an electrician to put the outlet in for me. My manufactured house is on a permanent foundation..the water heater is inside the home..(not accessed through the outside of the home) My question is this...what is the difference between a manufactured home water heater and a stick built home water heater other that price. I was going to attempt to put the electric one in on my own after I remove the LP water heater. What is your take on this...any experience or advice is welcome.l

Usually the difference is a strap/bracket to secure the heater from moving, on the assumption that a "mobile home" could be mobilized and thus the heater could be jostled during the move.

Sometimes, mh gas water heaters are direct vent. A gas OR electric model may have water connections on the side, for convenience due to where it is located. Other than that, you can use whatever you can fit into your space.

They are also code listed for that use !
By the mfg. And code enforcement in your area you need to direct your questions to whatever agency in your area that handles mobile homes !
Do they work the same yes as noted above but if there is a house fire or other problem
it very well could impact your homeowners insurance and any
" DAMAGE" claims you
might have not to mention you need to pull a permit and have it inspected after it
is done ! Most especially for a fuel conversion such as you are planning on doing
this is not a DIY project if your family and home safety are important to you

HUD regulates new manufactured home regulations. As mentioned earlier bracketing is involved, with gas units they require fuel conversion capabilities since they don't know where their being delivered along with sealed combustion venting due to living space requirements.

As far as electrics go, that you wish to change to, the big manufacturing difference is side port taps.

If you read most plumbing codes once the home is delivered and becomes a permanent residence, the local codes and jurisdiction takes over, and in your case there is nothing special required with a electric tank install, beside permits, inspections........

I have NOT seen a "full size" electric water heater with side taps for over 50 years. Some of the small "utility" heaters have them, but in some cases, even they have the connections on top.

As a matter of fact, A.O. Smith stopped production of the 20, 30, 40 & 50 gallon residential HUD approved electrics in late 2007.

http://www.hotwater.com/lit/spec/res_elec/ARESS00606.pdf