rossneag

We just started including this in attics with probable or confirmed raccoon activity. It is borrowed from someplace most of us know... "Raccoon roundworm encephalitis is a very serious (and potentially fatal) disease that requires a long recovery period. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, infected raccoons commonly shed millions of roundworm eggs each day in their feces. These eggs can survive for years under adverse conditions. You can become infected by breathing dust in enclosed spaces in which raccoons have been living, such as attics. In parts of the U.S., such as the West Coast, Midwest and Northeast, local infection rates among raccoons run as high as 80%. In 2003, only 25 cases were reported, but this disease is difficult to diagnose. Of those 25 infected people, five of them died." You may not be able to tell if raccoons have lived in the attic you?re inspecting. If you see raccoon scat on the roof or in the attic, mention it in your inspection report.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but sub/distribution panels don't HAVE to have four wire feeds. Can't the metal conduit also act as the EGC?

Will, Unless your local code prohibits flex connectors I would see no problem IF the proper length and BTU output of the connector met or exceeded the demands of the hot water heater and complied with the tankless manufacturer install docs. Remember, these things consume A LOT OF GAS (100,00 to 250,00 BTUs/hr) under full demand and you must account for this. FWIW, rigid pipe is always better in my mind.

There's an energy survey or an energy audit and they are very, very different. Try RESNET and plug in your zip code to find someone in your area. An inexperienced "energy guy" can steer you far from the actual correct course of action, unknowingly. Stick with a pro, it will pay for itself in the end.