Yes John,
I would require that a GFCI was put on any outlet in a bathroom, regardless of wether it was in a cupboard or not.

NEC says "All" bathroom receptacles.

GFCI for me too John.

I'm with everyone else here, the NEC says if the receptacle is in a bathroom, it "shall" be protected by a GFCI.

Although there probably isn't one... I would look for an alternative location for that WH.

GFCI. There is no exception for a dedicated receptacle for a specific use item in bathrooms (like there is in garages for that extra freezer).

Is it OK to cord and plug connect a water heater?

If it was in a cabinet....

AND a single outlet receptacle (like the exceptions listed in the Code)

Then maybe.

The way it is now (accessible & duplex)?

Not a chance.

"Cal-rod" metal-sheathed heaters and GFCIs can be a troublesome combination. Replacement of the cord and lower receptacle with fixed wiring might make better sense.

" Should" be wired.....

Recessed single gang box, single gang, water proof extension box with sealtite, strapped and connected directly to Water Heater.

No GFCI

Welcome, Hi-Potter,
Yes that makes a very nice (a little expensive)installation, but you'd better put a switch in that W/P Extension Adapter.

Unless the wH came with the cord, I don't think that it can be connected this way.
All bathroom recps require GFCI protection, but no receptacles are required at all in this bathroom.

On another note: That water heater and the added plumbing under the sink sure make it ADA ngerous place for any one in a wheelchair.

Aren't water heaters normally mounted on the wall, high above the sink?

"Yes that makes a very nice (a little expensive)installation, but you'd better put a switch in that W/P Extension Adapter"

In a public place, ( such as this looks like)...I don't see any other way to install this. I'd wire this just like it was a "insta-hot" unit, which are almost always located directly under the sinks.

GFI or no GFI...I would never cord and plug this installation. How do you tamper proof a corded unit?

In regards to the "switch"....I've always treated these types of units similar to restroom hand dryers. If you have to service those, you'd be tagging them out at the panel. ( since you can not install a switch)

But as usual, I could be wrong regarding all of this...

Regards

HP

What do you think that waterheater will look like in a few years,with the soap and water being dripped on it?

not a freindly place if you are drunk and have bad aim

Electure,
I thought you must have made a typo there, but on closer scrutiny...... Ahaa!!.

These water heaters do in fact come with a cord attached. There was one installed at a former employer of mine and it came with the cord on it. While I don't know if it violates code at least it was plugged in to a GFCI outlet. Still kinda scared me though.
Ian