DEDICATED HOT WATER ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT
New 20A Circuit Installation with RCBO, Scroll Timer, Isolator & Up to 15m Cabling
This electrical add-on provides the supply and installation of a new dedicated 20 amp circuit for a suitable hot water appliance, including up to 15 metres of cabling, a 20A RCBO, a scroll timer and a weatherproof local isolator.
It is intended for installations where the selected hot water system requires a dedicated hardwired electrical supply and the appliance manufacturer's requirements are compatible with a 20A circuit.
This can include suitable electric storage hot water systems and selected heat pump hot water systems. The exact appliance electrical requirements must always be checked before selecting the circuit package.
Where more than 15 metres of installed cabling is required, additional cabling is charged at $20 per metre installed.
Package at a glance: new dedicated 20A hot water circuit, up to 15m of cabling, 20A RCBO, scroll timer and weatherproof isolator. The licensed electrician confirms the final cable route, appliance suitability, switchboard capacity, timer arrangement and circuit design before installation.
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
What Is Included in the New 20A Circuit Package?
20 Amp
Dedicated Circuit
Up to 15m
Cabling Included
20A RCBO
Circuit Protection
Timer + Isolator
Control & Isolation
New Dedicated Circuit
A new electrical circuit is installed from the switchboard for the suitable hot water appliance rather than extending an existing general-purpose circuit.
Up to 15m Cabling
The standard package includes up to 15 metres of installed cabling from the switchboard to the hot water installation area.
20A RCBO
A 20 amp RCBO is included at the switchboard to provide the circuit-protection arrangement included with this package.
Scroll Timer
A dedicated timer is included so a suitable hot water appliance can be operated according to a programmed schedule.
Weatherproof Isolator
A local weather-resistant isolating switch is installed at or near the water heater where appropriate for safe electrical isolation and servicing.
Testing & Compliance
The completed electrical installation is tested and the applicable certificate of testing and compliance is provided for the work completed.
DEDICATED CIRCUIT
What Is a Dedicated 20A Hot Water Circuit?
A dedicated circuit provides an electrical supply specifically for the connected hot water appliance rather than sharing the circuit with unrelated household loads.
The new circuit is run from the switchboard to the hot water system using cabling and protection selected for the final installation.
This package is specifically based around a 20A circuit and 20A RCBO.
A 20A circuit is not suitable for every hot water system. The exact manufacturer's electrical requirements take priority. Appliances requiring a smaller, larger or otherwise different electrical supply need the electrical package that matches that appliance.
COMMON APPLICATIONS
Which Hot Water Systems May Suit a 20A Circuit?
Electric Storage Systems
A dedicated 20A supply may suit selected hardwired electric storage water heaters where the element rating and manufacturer electrical requirements are compatible with the circuit.
Selected Heat Pumps
Some heat pump hot water systems, particularly models with higher electrical loads or electric backup elements, may require a dedicated circuit in this range.
Other Hardwired Hot Water Equipment
The package can only be used for other hot water equipment where the manufacturer's specified electrical supply and connected load are compatible with the proposed 20A circuit.
A continuous-flow gas water heater with a standard low-current plug-and-lead supply would not normally require a dedicated 20A circuit simply because it has electronic controls. Always use the actual appliance specification.
CABLING ALLOWANCE
How Much Cabling Is Included?
The standard package includes up to 15 metres of installed cabling between the switchboard and hot water system.
The relevant measurement is the actual compliant cable route selected by the electrician, not the straight-line distance between the two points.
The cable route can be affected by walls, ceilings, roof spaces, external building surfaces, switchboard position and the final hot water location.
Where the required route exceeds 15 metres, additional cabling is charged at $20 per metre installed.
Longer cable routes are additional. Measure access and switchboard location carefully when estimating whether the standard 15m allowance is likely to be sufficient.
20A RCBO
What Does the RCBO Do?
The circuit package includes a 20A RCBO installed at the switchboard as part of the new dedicated circuit.
An RCBO combines residual-current protection and overcurrent protection within one protective device.
The electrician also needs to confirm the new circuit conductors, switchboard configuration and connected appliance are compatible with the proposed protection before the circuit is commissioned.
The appliance determines the required circuit. A 20A RCBO should not be used as a reason to connect an appliance whose manufacturer specifies a different electrical arrangement.
SCROLL TIMER
What Is the Hot Water Scroll Timer For?
The included scroll timer provides scheduled control of the dedicated hot water circuit.
For a suitable water heater, the timer can be programmed so electrical supply is available during selected periods rather than continuously.
This can help coordinate water heating with household routines, selected electricity periods or expected rooftop-solar production where appropriate.
A timer does not create an off-peak electricity tariff. It only controls when the circuit is energised. Controlled-load or off-peak tariff access depends on the property's meter, electricity retailer and network arrangement.
HEAT PUMP TIMER COMPATIBILITY
Should a Heat Pump Be Connected Through the Scroll Timer?
Only where external power scheduling is compatible with the exact heat pump manufacturer's installation and operating instructions.
Modern heat pumps can include their own timers, Wi-Fi scheduling, frost protection, compressor-protection logic, sanitisation cycles and other functions that may depend on continuous electrical availability.
For these appliances, repeatedly switching the complete electrical supply on and off with an external timer may not be the manufacturer's preferred control method.
Manufacturer controls take priority. Where a heat pump includes an approved onboard scheduling system, that may be more appropriate than interrupting its complete electrical supply with the included timer.
SOLAR SCHEDULING
Can the Timer Run the Hot Water System During Solar Hours?
For an appliance suitable for external timer control, the timer can be programmed so the water heater operates during selected daytime periods.
This can help align part of the household's hot water heating demand with expected rooftop solar generation.
It is still a fixed schedule rather than active solar diversion.
The timer does not measure solar export and does not automatically vary the hot water load based on real-time surplus generation.
LOCAL ISOLATION
Why Is a Weatherproof Isolator Included?
The local isolator allows the hot water appliance to be electrically isolated close to the unit for servicing and maintenance.
For an outdoor hot water installation, the isolator selected and installed must be suitable for the environment and positioned according to the final electrical design.
The electrician determines the final location based on accessibility, weather exposure, appliance position and applicable electrical requirements.
SWITCHBOARD REQUIREMENTS
What Does the Existing Switchboard Need?
The standard package assumes the existing switchboard can accept the new 20A circuit and RCBO without requiring substantial additional works.
The electrician needs to assess relevant conditions including:
- Available switchboard space
- Condition of the existing switchboard
- Main-switch and supply arrangement
- Existing protection
- Earthing arrangements
- Practical cable entry
- Connected electrical loads
- Suitability for the new circuit
If significant work is required before the new circuit can be installed, that additional electrical work falls outside the standard package.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
What Is Outside the Standard 20A Circuit Package?
Switchboard Upgrades
- Complete switchboard replacement
- Major switchboard upgrades
- New sub-board installation
- Repair of unrelated switchboard faults
- Major supply alterations
Additional Cabling & Access
- Cabling beyond 15m
- Major wall-access work
- Extensive ceiling-access work
- Concrete cutting
- Excavation or trenching
- Specialist access equipment
Different Circuit Requirements
- Circuits larger than the advertised 20A scope
- Alternative specialist control equipment
- Three-phase electrical work unless separately specified
- Different appliance-specific protection arrangements
Pre-Existing Electrical Faults
- Damaged existing wiring
- Existing electrical defects
- Unrelated non-compliant electrical work
- Repairs outside the new circuit scope
LICENSED ELECTRICAL WORK
Who Installs the New 20A Circuit?
A new fixed electrical circuit, RCBO, timer, isolator and associated wiring are electrical installation work.
The work must be carried out under the appropriate electrical licensing arrangements.
The electrician is responsible for confirming the electrical installation is suitable for the connected appliance and for testing the affected installation before it is placed into service.
This is not DIY electrical work. Switchboard work, fixed wiring, circuit installation and hardwired appliance connections must be completed by appropriately licensed electrical trades.
TESTING & COMPLIANCE
Is the New Circuit Tested After Installation?
Yes. The affected electrical installation must be tested following completion of the electrical installation work.
For electrical installation work in Queensland, the electrical contractor provides the applicable certificate of testing and compliance for the work completed.
The certificate records the relevant electrical installation work and certifies the affected installation has been tested for electrical safety and the applicable installation requirements.
COMPLETE DEDICATED HOT WATER CIRCUIT PACKAGE
Why Choose the 20A Circuit Package?
This package provides the core electrical infrastructure for a suitable hardwired hot water appliance that requires its own dedicated 20A supply.
It combines the new circuit, up to 15m cabling, 20A RCBO, scroll timer and local weatherproof isolator in one defined electrical add-on.
This can be particularly useful when changing from an older hot water system to a new appliance that cannot use the property's existing electrical arrangement.
ELECTRICAL SCHEDULING
When Will the Additional Electrical Work Be Completed?
Where this electrical package is purchased in addition to a standard like-for-like hot water installation, the electrical component may be scheduled separately from the plumbing installation.
Confirmed Within 48 Hours
Installed Today's service terms provide for a confirmed electrical installation time from the electrician within 48 hours of the order being processed.
Within 5 Business Days
The additional electrical work is scheduled for completion within 5 business days of order processing.
Separate Appointment
The electrical circuit installation can be scheduled independently of the standard plumbing installation.
HOT WATER WHILE WORK IS PENDING
Will the Hot Water System Operate Before the New Circuit Is Installed?
That depends on the appliance and the existing electrical installation.
Where the replacement water heater can safely operate using an existing compliant electrical arrangement until the upgrade is completed, the plumbing installation may be able to proceed independently.
However, where the new dedicated 20A circuit is required for the selected water heater to operate, the appliance cannot be put into normal electrical service until the required circuit has been installed, tested and connected.
Hot water operation cannot be guaranteed while required electrical work is pending. The appliance must only operate from an electrical supply that is suitable, compliant and compatible with the manufacturer requirements.
BEFORE ORDERING
What Should You Check Before Selecting the 20A Circuit Package?
- Does the appliance require a dedicated 20A circuit?
- Is the appliance hardwired rather than plug-in?
- Does the manufacturer permit external timer control?
- Does the appliance need continuous power?
- Where is the switchboard located?
- Where will the new hot water system be installed?
- Is the likely cable route within 15m?
- Is there likely to be switchboard space for the new RCBO?
- Is the switchboard reasonably accessible?
- Is a weatherproof local isolator appropriate for the selected appliance?
20A CIRCUIT OR OTHER ELECTRICAL OPTION?
Which Electrical Add-On Should You Choose?
| Electrical Requirement |
Typical Add-On Pathway |
| Appliance uses a standard 10A plug and suitable circuit arrangement |
New 10A power point installation where required |
| Existing suitable hot water circuit only needs extending |
Circuit extension package with timer, RCBO and isolator |
| New dedicated 20A supply required |
New 20A circuit package with RCBO, scroll timer and isolator |
| Appliance requires a different circuit rating or specialist control |
Electrical scope matched to the exact manufacturer requirements |
The correct electrical option is determined by the appliance specification and existing site conditions rather than hot water technology alone.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions About the New 20A Circuit Installation
What Is Included?
The package includes a new dedicated 20A circuit, up to 15 metres of cabling, a 20A RCBO, scroll timer and weatherproof local isolator.
How Much Cabling Is Included?
Up to 15 metres of installed cabling is included.
How Much Is Additional Cabling?
Additional installed cabling beyond the included 15 metres is charged at $20 per metre.
Is the Cable Distance Measured in a Straight Line?
No. The relevant length is the actual route the cable needs to take from the switchboard to the hot water system.
Does This Include a New Dedicated Circuit?
Yes. Unlike a circuit-extension package, this service provides a new dedicated 20A electrical circuit from the switchboard.
Does It Include a 20A RCBO?
Yes. A 20A RCBO is included as part of the advertised circuit package.
Does It Include a Timer?
Yes. The package includes a scroll timer for suitable scheduled hot water operation.
Does a Timer Give Me an Off-Peak Tariff?
No. The timer controls operating periods only. Electricity tariff arrangements are determined separately through the property's meter, network and retailer.
Can I Set the Timer for Solar Hours?
Where the appliance supports external timer control, the schedule can be set around selected daylight periods. This is not the same as automatic surplus-solar diversion.
Can Every Heat Pump Be Connected Through the Timer?
No. The exact heat pump manufacturer requirements must be checked first.
What If My Heat Pump Has Its Own Timer?
Where the manufacturer provides onboard scheduling, that may be preferable to interrupting the full electrical supply with an external timer.
Does It Include a Weatherproof Isolator?
Yes. The package includes a weatherproof local isolator at or near the hot water unit where appropriate for the final installation.
Can I Use This Package for a Plug-In 10A Heat Pump?
Not simply because it is a heat pump. A factory 10A plug-and-lead appliance normally requires an electrical arrangement appropriate to that manufacturer's 10A connection rather than automatically needing a new 20A hardwired circuit.
Can It Be Used for Electric Storage Hot Water?
Yes, where the exact electric storage model is compatible with a dedicated 20A circuit and the included timer arrangement.
Can It Be Used for Continuous-Flow Gas Hot Water?
Only where the exact appliance manufacturer specifies an electrical supply that justifies this circuit. Many continuous-flow gas units use a lower-current plug-and-lead electrical connection instead.
What If My Hot Water System Requires More Than 20A?
This package is not suitable. A different circuit scope matched to the appliance's required electrical rating will be needed.
What If My Switchboard Is Full?
Additional switchboard work may be required and is not automatically included in this package.
Does the Package Include a Switchboard Upgrade?
No. Major switchboard upgrades or replacement are outside the standard scope.
What If Existing Electrical Defects Are Found?
Repair of unrelated pre-existing defects is additional work and may need to be completed before the new circuit can be commissioned.
Who Installs the Circuit?
The fixed electrical installation work must be completed under the appropriate electrical licensing arrangements.
Is the Work Tested?
Yes. The affected electrical installation is tested before the new work is placed into service.
Will I Receive a Certificate?
The electrical contractor provides the applicable certificate of testing and compliance for the electrical installation work completed.
When Will My Electrical Appointment Be Confirmed?
Installed Today's service terms provide for a confirmed electrical installation time within 48 hours of order processing.
How Soon Is the Electrical Work Completed?
The additional electrical work is scheduled for completion within 5 business days of the order being processed.
Is the Electrical Work Completed at the Same Time as the Plumbing?
Not necessarily. Electrical upgrades can be scheduled separately from the standard hot water plumbing installation.
Will My Hot Water Work While the New Circuit Is Pending?
Only where the appliance has another existing compliant electrical arrangement that allows it to operate safely. If the new 20A circuit is required for the new appliance, it cannot be placed into normal service until that electrical work is completed.
FINAL CHECK
Is This New 20A Circuit Package Right for Your Hot Water System?
Choose this package where the selected hot water appliance requires a new dedicated 20A electrical circuit and the manufacturer specifications support that circuit arrangement.
The package includes up to 15 metres of cabling, a 20A RCBO, scroll timer and weatherproof local isolator, with additional installed cabling charged at $20 per metre beyond the included allowance.
Do not select the package solely because the appliance is a heat pump, electric storage water heater or continuous-flow system. The correct circuit rating and control arrangement depend on the exact appliance model.
The licensed electrician will confirm switchboard suitability, cable route, timer compatibility, circuit protection and local isolation before completing, testing and commissioning the electrical installation.
