However, it’s fine to use a lower wattage; for example, 4500 watts can be replaced with 3500 watts as long as the voltage remains the same. Because a lower wattage produces less heat, the element can live longer. A 4500 watt 240-volt element heats approximately 21-40 gallons per hour.
Full Answer
CAN 4500 watt replace 3500 element?
It is ok to install lower watt: replace 4500 with 3500 as long as voltage is same. Lower watt means less heat, so element can last longer. 240 volt 4500 watt element heats about 21-40 gallons per hour. 240 volt 3500 watt heats about 16-30 gallons per hour.
Can I put a larger element in my water heater?
Yes you can but if you damage the head without getting the element out you may have to use a hammer and chisel. Does the length of a water heater heating element make a difference? No, not as long as you have the proper voltage, watts and style. Shorter elements have a larger diameter therefore the same surface area.
Can you replace a 5500 watt element with a 4500 watt element?
There are no problems with this as long as heater is connected to 30 amp breaker using 10 gauge solid copper wire. 2) You can convert ordinary residential water heater from 4500 watt elements to 5500 watt by replacing elements and get '4-7 more gallons hot water' per tank.
How many amps will a 4500 watt 240v water heater element pull?
18.75 AmpsAs an example, if your water heater has a wattage rating of 4500 and a voltage rating of 240, it will require 18.75 Amps.
Are water heater elements interchangeable?
The parts for dual-element water heaters are not interchangeable, meaning there are different replacement parts for the top and bottom elements.
Do you have to drain a water heater to change the element?
You don't have to go into the take to access them. Next, figure out which heating element you need to replace. If you're only replacing the top heating element, you only have to empty the tank until it's not in the water. If you have to replace both or just the bottom one, you'll need to empty the whole tank.
What is the difference between a 4500 watt water heater and a 5500 watt water heater?
It is essential to know how long each water heater takes to heat the water before buying one for your household. Generally, a 4500 Watt heater heats about 18 to 25 gallons every hour. 5500 Watt water heaters can heat about 25 to 35 gallons of water every hour.
What is the best wattage for a water heater?
Water heaters have become more energy-efficient than those in the olden days. You can calculate the energy usage of a water heater here. Water heaters, depending on their capacity, consume between 1000 watts and 6000 watts. A typical water heater consumes 3000 watts of power.
How long does it take a 4500 watt water heater to heat up?
If you have a gas water heater, plan to wait 45 minutes for the water to get hot after the heater has drained its capacity. If you have an electric water heater, double that to 1.5 hours.
What size breaker do I need for a dual element 4500 watt water heater?
To sum it up, you can either use a 25-amp or 30-amp breaker for a 4,500-watt heater. For wiring, you can choose between a 10-gauge wire or a 10/2 wire for this setup.
What size wire do I need for a 4500 watt hot water heater?
Essentially, you can see that most water heaters use 4500 watt heater and require 14 AWG copper gauge wire. This is a wire that can handle up to 20A and the heater only draws a maximum of 18.8A. Smaller 10-gallon and 20-gallon heaters use below 2000W heaters.
What size breaker do I need for a 3500 watt water heater?
The sizing of the breaker must match and protect the wiring, not your heater. Water heaters like that are normally designed for a 240 volt supply. Your 3500/240 = 14.58 amp.
What size is a standard water heater element?
1-1/2 inchNearly all hot water heater element wrenches have a 1-1/2 inch hex to fit the standard 1-1/2 inch residential heating element head.
Which heating element is best for water heater?
Heating elements coated with glass lining are very effective in preventing scaling which increases the lifespan of the appliance.
Does wattage matter on water heater?
The water temperature is certainly not impacted by the Wattage of the water heater. Still, the difference completely depends on how long it takes for the water heater storage tank to heat the water once again after the warm water contained is depleted.
What size is an electric water heater element?
Most electric hot water heaters are designed for 240 VAC. The de facto standard size heating element is 4,500 watts, which corresponds to 18.8 amps and 12.8 ohms. Although most electric hot water heaters have both an upper and lower heating element, they are usually wired for non-simultaneous operation.
What is a higher rated heating element?
A higher-rated heating element has a faster recovery rate. That means getting access to hot water again sooner than you would with a 3800-watt heating element. But in addition to the breaker conundrum, there is another caveat.
What does more wattage mean?
More wattage means more current to make the heating element operate. More current also means more energy spent. Unless you have a high-efficiency unit, you are likely looking at a bump in your energy bills. Whether that is worth the quicker recovery rate is up to you.
What is the difference between a gas water heater and an electric water heater?
It is important to note that you only have to contend with wattage in electric water heaters. Gas water heaters make use of gas burners, hence the name. Electric water heaters use either a singular or dual set of heating elements to heat the water.
How long does it take to heat water in a 40 gallon water heater?
The recovery rate of a water heater is how quickly the unit is able to heat the water in the tank. For most 40-gallon water heaters, it takes an average of an hour to heat that water completely. That can vary on the model and wattage of the heating element.
What happens when electrical current passes through heating element?
When that electrical current passes through the heating element, it is met by resistance. The resistance is actually what creates the heat. Think about what happens when you rub your hands together quickly – they get warm.
What is a low density heating element?
A low-density heating element is generally made from copper with a nickel and magnesium oxide coating. This heating element will provide a bit more heating surface while also being less prone to things like corrosion.
What to consider when buying a water heater?
After all, you want to find the one that fits your needs best. You consider things like tank size (if you aren’t going tankless) and BTU output.
