VEVOR 13.8kW Electric Tankless Water Heater: specs and installation needs

The VEVOR 13.8kW is an electric tankless water heater, a compact wall-mounted unit that heats water as it flows through rather than keeping a tank of hot water ready. It is meant for kitchens, bathrooms, showers and small commercial spaces such as salons. Its power demand is high, so this page spends time on what the installation involves.

How a tankless heater differs from a tank

A conventional tank heater warms and holds many litres of water, using energy to keep it hot. A tankless heater only works when a tap is open, so there is no preheating wait and no tank to run out. VEVOR describes this as endless hot water, available in seconds. The trade-off is that a tankless unit has a limited heating capacity at any moment, so how much it can raise the temperature depends on the incoming water temperature and how fast the water flows.

Power and temperature range

VEVOR rates the heater at 13.8kW and gives an output range of 86-140°F (30-60°C) or higher. In general, colder incoming water or a higher flow rate leaves less of a temperature rise. A unit of this size is typically aimed at a single point of use or a small number of fixtures rather than a whole large house.

Heating element and controls

The heater uses a cast aluminum heating element which, VEVOR says, separates water from electricity and resists scale and corrosion. Controls are on an LED display with a touch panel, where you set the temperature you want. The brand also lists a thermostat function and over-temperature protection to keep the output steady and avoid large swings during a shower.

Installation requirements

This is the part to read carefully. The listing states that the heater needs:

• one 70A circuit breaker;
• one 6 AWG power cable;
• NPT 1/2 inch water inlet and outlet connections.

VEVOR recommends professional installation. A 70A circuit is a major electrical load, and many homes need panel capacity and wiring checked before such a heater can be added. Follow your local electrical and plumbing codes and the manual.

Size and mounting

The unit is wall-mounted and compact, at about 9.7 x 9.7 x 3.3 inches (25 x 25 x 8.4 cm) and 9 lb (4 kg). The small footprint frees floor space, but the wall needs to support it and have room for pipework and cabling.

Who it suits

It suits households or small businesses that want hot water at a specific point of use and have the electrical capacity to support it, such as a bathroom, a kitchen or a salon sink. Anyone whose panel cannot carry the load, or who needs hot water from many outlets at once, may need a different arrangement.

What to check before you buy

• Electrical capacity: have an electrician confirm that your panel can supply a 70A breaker and the cable size listed.
• Water supply: check the pipe size and fittings against the 1/2 inch NPT connections, and your water pressure against the manual.
• Demand: think about how many fixtures will run at once and how cold your incoming water gets in winter.
• Location: the manual will say what clearance and mounting conditions are required.
• Water quality: hard water can build scale in any heater, so check the maintenance advice.
• Professional help: VEVOR recommends it, and local rules may require a licensed installer.

The short version

• Wall-mounted electric tankless heater rated at 13.8kW.
• Output range of 86-140°F or higher, set on an LED touch display.
• Cast aluminum heating element, thermostat function and over-temperature protection.
• Needs a 70A breaker, 6 AWG cable and 1/2 inch NPT connections.
• Compact, about 9 lb; professional installation is recommended.

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