Westinghouse install requirements vary dramatically by product family. Stainless tanks install like any standard tank. Tankless adds venting (gas) or major electrical service (electric). Heat pump adds air-space requirements.
Stainless Electric Tank (WER) install
- 240V dedicated 30A breaker
- 10/2 NM cable
- Service disconnect within sight per NEC 422.31(B)
- T&P relief discharge ¾" copper or CPVC
- Drain pan required indoor or above living space
- Standard ¾" plumbing connections
- 0" rear and side clearances
- Same install location as any standard electric tank — Westinghouse fits existing replacement footprint
Stainless Atmospheric Gas Tank (WGR) install
- B-vent chimney with adequate draft (3-4" diameter on 40-50k BTU; 4" on 76k BTU)
- ½" gas line on 40k BTU; ¾" on 50k BTU+ depending on run length
- Combustion air supply — 50 cubic feet per 1,000 BTU input
- Standard 0-1" clearances
- Sediment trap on gas line
- T&P relief ¾" copper
Stainless Power Vent Gas Tank (WGRPV) install
- 120V dedicated outlet within 6 ft for blower
- 2" or 3" PVC venting per manual, sidewall termination
- Termination clearances: 12" above grade, 12" from windows/inlets
- Slope vent ¼"/ft back to unit for condensate
- Condensate trap at low point
- Standard ½"-¾" gas line + same plumbing as atmospheric
Condensing Gas Tankless (WGRGH) install
- Wall-mount on adequate structure
- 2" or 3" PVC venting — sidewall or concentric direct vent
- ¾" gas line minimum on WGRGH075; ¾"-1" on WGRGH096/011 depending on run
- Condensate drain — gravity to floor drain or condensate pump
- 120V outlet for blower and controls
- Inlet water filter recommended in any application (Westinghouse specifies)
- Water softener required in >7 gpg water for warranty
- Recirculation pump optional for instant hot water
Whole-House Electric Tankless (WET) install
| Model | kW | Breakers required | Continuous draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| WET-18 | 18 | 2× 40A 240V | ~80A |
| WET-27 | 27 | 3× 40A 240V | ~120A |
| WET-36 | 36 | 4× 40A 240V | ~160A |
WET-36 continuous draw at 160A is service-panel-intensive. Verify panel capacity before purchase. WET-27 fits more existing 200A services.
Heat Pump (WH50HP / WH80HP) install
- 240V 30A dedicated breaker
- 700+ cubic feet unconditioned air space around the unit — closet install requires louvered doors
- Condensate drain — gravity or pump
- Ambient temperature 45-95°F for full heat pump operation
- Drain pan required indoor or above living space
- Service clearance: 12" sides, 24" front, 18" top
DIY vs contractor
- Stainless electric tank like-for-like swap: homeowner-capable
- Stainless gas tank like-for-like swap: licensed plumber typically required for gas work
- Power Vent gas / Gas tankless: contractor work — venting design and gas line sizing critical
- Electric tankless WET-18 / 27: licensed electrician for service-panel changes
- Electric tankless WET-36: contractor + possible service upgrade
- Heat pump: contractor work — condensate drain, drain pan, ambient verification
Bottom line
Stainless electric tank is the simplest Westinghouse install. Gas tankless and electric tankless are contractor work. Heat pump requires the 700+ cu ft air space verification before purchase.