DEDICATED HOT WATER ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT
New 20A Circuit Installation with RCBO, 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 and a weatherproof local isolator.
It is designed for installations where the selected hot water system requires its own hardwired electrical supply and there is no suitable existing circuit available for reuse or extension.
This can include selected electric storage water heaters and heat pump hot water systems where the appliance manufacturer's electrical specification is compatible with a dedicated 20A circuit.
Additional installed cabling beyond the included 15 metres is charged at $20 per metre.
Package at a glance: new dedicated 20A circuit, up to 15m of installed cabling, new 20A RCBO and a weatherproof local isolator. The licensed electrician confirms the final circuit design, switchboard suitability, cable route and appliance compatibility before installation.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
What Is Included in the New 20A Circuit Package?
20 Amp
Dedicated Circuit
Up to 15m
Cabling Included
20A RCBO
Circuit Protection
Isolator
Local Isolation
New Dedicated Circuit
A new circuit is installed from the existing switchboard specifically for the suitable hot water appliance.
Up to 15m Cabling
The package includes up to 15 metres of installed cabling between the switchboard and the hot water system.
20A RCBO
A new 20 amp RCBO is installed at the switchboard as part of the dedicated circuit package.
Weatherproof Isolator
A suitable local isolator is installed at or near the hot water system for electrical isolation during servicing and maintenance.
Electrical Installation Labour
Licensed electrical labour is included for the standard new-circuit installation described by this package.
Testing & Compliance
The affected electrical installation is tested after completion and the applicable testing and compliance documentation is provided.
DEDICATED CIRCUIT
What Is a Dedicated 20A Hot Water Circuit?
A dedicated circuit supplies the hot water appliance independently rather than sharing the circuit with unrelated household electrical loads.
The new circuit runs from the switchboard to the hot water system and includes its own circuit protection and local isolation arrangement.
This package is specifically based around a 20A circuit and 20A RCBO.
20A is not the correct circuit for every hot water system. The exact appliance manufacturer specification determines the required electrical supply. An appliance requiring a different circuit rating needs an electrical package matched to that requirement.
WHEN TO CHOOSE THIS OPTION
When Is a New 20A Circuit Required?
This package is intended for installations where a suitable existing electrical supply is not available for the new hot water system.
It may also apply where the existing circuit cannot be safely reused because the replacement appliance has different electrical requirements.
- No suitable existing hot water circuit is available
- The existing circuit cannot support the new appliance
- The manufacturer requires a dedicated electrical supply
- The existing circuit is unsuitable for extension
- The new appliance has a different electrical load
- The replacement location requires a new supply route
- A local hardwired isolator is required
- The appliance specification supports a 20A circuit
COMMON APPLICATIONS
Which Hot Water Systems May Use a 20A Circuit?
Electric Storage Hot Water
Selected hardwired electric storage water heaters can suit this package where their element rating and manufacturer requirements are compatible with a 20A dedicated circuit.
Selected Heat Pump Systems
Some heat pump hot water systems require a dedicated hardwired supply, particularly where their compressor and backup-element electrical requirements exceed a standard plug-in arrangement.
Do not select this package simply because the appliance is a heat pump or electric storage system. Always match the electrical package to the exact model's manufacturer requirements.
CONTINUOUS-FLOW GAS
Does a Continuous-Flow Gas Water Heater Need a 20A Circuit?
Not usually simply because it has electronic controls.
Many continuous-flow gas hot water systems use electricity for electronic ignition, control boards, fans or frost protection but operate from a comparatively low-current plug-and-lead electrical supply.
A dedicated 20A circuit should only be used where the exact gas water heater manufacturer specifically requires an electrical supply compatible with this package.
Check the product specification before ordering. A gas water heater with a normal 10A plug should not automatically be assigned a 20A dedicated-circuit package.
CABLING ALLOWANCE
How Much Cabling Is Included?
The standard package includes up to 15 metres of installed electrical cabling.
The relevant length is the actual route the electrician needs to use from the switchboard to the hot water system rather than a straight-line measurement between the two locations.
The installed route can be affected by:
- Switchboard location
- Hot water system position
- Wall construction
- Roof or ceiling access
- External cable routes
- Building layout
- Required cable protection
- Safe and compliant routing requirements
Where the required route exceeds 15 metres, additional cabling is charged at $20 per metre installed.
20A RCBO
What Is the 20A RCBO For?
The new circuit package includes a 20A RCBO at the switchboard.
An RCBO combines overcurrent protection and residual-current protection within one protective device.
The electrician must also confirm the circuit conductors, switchboard arrangement and connected appliance are compatible with the proposed 20A circuit before energising the installation.
The advertised circuit rating does not override the appliance specification. If the hot water system requires a different electrical arrangement, the correct circuit must be installed instead.
LOCAL ISOLATOR
Why Is a Weatherproof Isolator Included?
The local isolator allows the hardwired hot water appliance to be electrically isolated close to the unit for servicing and maintenance.
Where the system is installed outdoors, the isolator selected for the job must be suitable for the installation environment.
The electrician determines the correct isolator location according to the appliance position, accessibility, site conditions and applicable electrical requirements.
NO TIMER INCLUDED
Does This 20A Circuit Package Include a Timer?
No. This version of the 20A circuit package includes the new circuit, RCBO, isolator and up to 15 metres of cabling, but it does not include a scroll timer.
This can be the more appropriate option where the selected appliance does not require external timer control or where the water heater has its own onboard scheduling system.
If timer control is specifically required and compatible with the selected appliance, choose the electrical package that includes the required timer arrangement.
HEAT PUMP CONSIDERATIONS
Why Might a Heat Pump Be Better Without an External Timer?
Many current heat pump hot water systems include their own operating logic, onboard scheduling, Wi-Fi controls, defrost management, sanitisation cycles or compressor-protection functions.
Depending on the model, the manufacturer may prefer the appliance to remain continuously powered while its internal controls determine when heating occurs.
For this reason, a dedicated circuit without an external timer can be appropriate for some heat pump installations.
Use the manufacturer's control method. Do not add or remove external scheduling solely based on the appliance being a heat pump.
SWITCHBOARD REQUIREMENTS
What Does the Existing Switchboard Need?
The standard package assumes the existing switchboard can accept the new dedicated 20A circuit and RCBO without requiring a major upgrade.
The electrician needs to assess relevant conditions including:
- Available switchboard space
- Condition of the existing switchboard
- Main-switch and supply arrangement
- Existing protective devices
- Earthing arrangements
- Suitable cable entry
- Existing electrical defects
- Overall suitability for the new circuit
If substantial additional work is required before the new circuit can be safely installed, that work is outside the standard package.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
What Is Outside the Standard 20A Circuit Installation?
Switchboard Upgrades
- Full switchboard replacement
- Major switchboard upgrade
- New sub-board installation
- Major supply alterations
- Repair of unrelated switchboard faults
Additional Cabling & Access
- Cable beyond the included 15m
- Major wall-access work
- Extensive ceiling-access work
- Concrete cutting
- Excavation or trenching
Different Electrical Requirements
- Circuits requiring a different rating
- Three-phase work unless separately specified
- Specialist control equipment
- External timer unless separately included
- Alternative appliance-specific protection
Pre-Existing Electrical Faults
- Damaged existing wiring
- Unsafe existing electrical work
- Unrelated electrical faults
- Repairs outside the new-circuit scope
- Other electrical upgrades not specified
LICENSED ELECTRICAL WORK
Who Can Install the New 20A Circuit?
Installing a new fixed electrical circuit, RCBO, isolator and associated wiring is electrical installation work.
The work must be completed under the appropriate Queensland electrical licensing arrangements.
The electrician is responsible for confirming the final electrical arrangement is appropriate for the selected hot water appliance and the existing property electrical installation.
This is not DIY electrical work. Switchboard work, fixed wiring, new circuit installation and hardwired appliance connections must be carried out by appropriately licensed electrical trades.
TESTING & COMPLIANCE
Is the New Circuit Tested After Installation?
Yes. The affected electrical installation must be tested after completion of the electrical work.
The applicable electrical contractor provides a certificate of testing and compliance for electrical installation work completed under the contractor's licence.
The certification relates to the electrical installation affected by the work and the required electrical-safety testing.
COMPLETE 20A HOT WATER CIRCUIT
Why Choose This Dedicated Circuit Package?
This package provides a defined electrical pathway for a suitable hardwired hot water appliance that cannot use the property's existing electrical arrangement.
It combines the new dedicated circuit, up to 15 metres of cabling, 20A RCBO and local weatherproof isolator into one installation add-on.
Unlike the timer-equipped version, this package leaves the hot water appliance continuously supplied unless its own controls or another approved control arrangement determine otherwise.
ELECTRICAL SCHEDULING
When Will the Additional Electrical Work Be Completed?
Where this electrical package is purchased with a standard like-for-like hot water installation, the electrical component may be scheduled separately from the plumbing work.
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 electrical work is scheduled for completion within 5 business days of order processing.
Separate Electrical Appointment
These timeframes apply to the additional electrical work and can be separate from the standard hot water plumbing installation.
HOT WATER WHILE WORK IS PENDING
Can the Hot Water System Operate Before the New Circuit Is Installed?
That depends on the selected appliance and the existing electrical installation.
If the water heater has another safe, suitable and compliant electrical supply that allows temporary operation, the plumbing installation may be able to proceed before the new circuit work is completed.
However, where the new dedicated 20A circuit is required for the replacement appliance to operate, the system cannot be placed into normal electrical service until that circuit has been installed and tested.
Hot water operation cannot be guaranteed while required electrical work is pending. The appliance must only be energised from an electrical supply that is suitable for its actual manufacturer requirements.
BEFORE ORDERING
What Should You Check Before Selecting This Package?
- Does the exact appliance require a dedicated 20A circuit?
- Is the appliance designed to be hardwired?
- Does a suitable existing circuit already exist?
- Could an existing circuit instead be extended or converted?
- Where is the switchboard?
- Where will the hot water system be installed?
- Is the likely cable route within 15 metres?
- Is the existing switchboard accessible?
- Is there likely to be space for the new RCBO?
- Does the appliance require continuous electrical power?
COMPARE ELECTRICAL OPTIONS
Which Hot Water Electrical Add-On Should You Choose?
| Electrical Requirement |
Typical Installation Pathway |
| Factory 10A plug requires a new nearby outlet |
New 10A power point installation |
| Existing suitable circuit only needs a short extension or connection conversion |
Circuit Extension / Conversion package |
| Existing suitable circuit needs a longer extension and scheduled control |
Circuit Extension with Timer, RCBO & Isolator package |
| New dedicated 20A supply required without timer |
New 20A Circuit with RCBO & Isolator |
| New dedicated 20A supply plus external scheduled control required |
New 20A Circuit with RCBO, Timer & Isolator |
| Appliance requires another circuit rating or electrical arrangement |
Electrical scope matched to the exact manufacturer specification |
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 new 20A RCBO and a weatherproof local isolator.
Does It Include a Timer?
No. This version of the package does not include a timer.
How Much Cabling Is Included?
Up to 15 metres of installed electrical cabling is included.
How Much Is Additional Cabling?
Cabling beyond the included 15 metres is charged at $20 per metre installed.
Is Cable Distance Measured in a Straight Line?
No. The relevant length is the actual compliant route used to install the cable between the switchboard and water heater.
Does This Include a Completely New Circuit?
Yes. This package provides a new dedicated circuit rather than extending an existing circuit.
Does It Include a 20A RCBO?
Yes. A 20A RCBO is included as part of the package.
Does It Include an Isolator?
Yes. A weatherproof local isolator is included where appropriate for the final hardwired hot water installation.
Can It Be Used for a Heat Pump?
Yes, where the exact heat pump manufacturer specifies an electrical supply compatible with a dedicated 20A circuit.
Do All Heat Pumps Need a 20A Circuit?
No. Some use standard 10A plugs, some require other hardwired circuits and some have different electrical requirements.
Can It Be Used for Electric Storage Hot Water?
Yes, where the exact electric storage model is compatible with a dedicated 20A circuit.
Does a Continuous-Flow Gas System Normally Need 20A?
Not simply because it has electronic controls. Many gas continuous-flow systems use a lower-current power supply. The exact manufacturer specification must be checked.
Why Would I Choose This Package Instead of the Timer Version?
This package can suit appliances where an external timer is unnecessary or where the manufacturer prefers the appliance to remain continuously powered and use its own internal controls.
Can I Add a Timer Later?
A timer or other control arrangement can only be added where it is suitable for the appliance and electrical installation. That work is outside this package unless separately purchased.
Does This Include a Switchboard Upgrade?
No. Major switchboard upgrades or replacement are not included.
What If the Switchboard Is Full?
Additional switchboard work may be required before the new circuit can be installed.
What If My System Needs More Than 20A?
This package is not suitable. The electrical circuit must be designed to match the appliance's specified requirements.
Can I Install the Circuit Myself?
No. New fixed wiring, switchboard protection and hardwired appliance connections require appropriately licensed electrical trades.
Is the Electrical Work Tested?
Yes. The affected electrical installation is tested after the work is completed.
Will I Receive Electrical Compliance Documentation?
The electrical contractor provides the applicable certificate of testing and compliance for the electrical installation work completed.
When Will the Electrical Appointment Be Confirmed?
Installed Today's service terms provide for a confirmed electrical appointment within 48 hours of order processing.
When Will the Work Be Completed?
The additional electrical work is scheduled for completion within 5 business days of the order being processed.
Is the Electrical Work Always Done With the Plumbing Installation?
No. The electrical work may be scheduled separately from the standard hot water plumbing appointment.
Will I Have Hot Water While Waiting for the Electrical Work?
Only where the appliance already has another suitable electrical supply that permits safe operation. If the new 20A circuit is required to operate the replacement water heater, the appliance cannot be placed into normal service until the circuit is installed.
FINAL CHECK
Is This New 20A Circuit Package Right for Your Installation?
Choose this package where the selected hot water appliance requires a new dedicated 20A hardwired electrical supply and an appropriate existing circuit is not available.
The package includes up to 15 metres of cabling, a 20A RCBO and a weatherproof local isolator. Additional installed cabling beyond 15 metres is charged at $20 per metre.
This version does not include an external timer, making it suitable for appropriate installations where continuous electrical availability or the appliance's own internal controls are preferred.
The licensed electrician will confirm the appliance specification, switchboard suitability, cable route, circuit protection and local isolation before completing and testing the electrical installation.
