An electric water heater can place a long steady load on home wiring. Connecting it to an old socket or weak extension lead can cause overheating, voltage drop, or breaker trips.
In many homes, a dedicated line from the panel is safer. The right choice depends on heater power, cable size, panel condition, and other loads on the same circuit.
The breaker must match the cable and load. A larger breaker should never be installed without checking the wiring, because the breaker protects the cable.
If the socket heats up, the breaker trips, there is a burning smell, or an extension lead is used, call an electrician for diagnostics and safe connection.
