A 4500-watt element requires 10/2 wire and a 30 amp (220volt) breaker. The 3800 can be wired with 12/2 wire and a 20 amp breaker. ... The combination of lower watt density and less mineral buildup will increase the service life of these Marathon water heater elements in harsh water conditions.
Can I replace a 3500 watt water heater element with a 4500 watt?
It is ok to install higher watt up to 5500 on 4500 watt heater if breaker is 30 amp and wire is 10 gauge. 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.
Can you replace a 3800 watt water heater with a 4500 watt?
You can buy 3800 watt elements to replace the 4500 watt units. This is commonly done when the electric is NOT 10 gauge wire with 30 amp breaker.
Is higher wattage better for water heater?
The differences in wattage is not important but the higher wattage elements will heat the water faster . Most water heater connections are 30A. That would safely power up to a 24A continuous load.
Is a 4500 watt water heater good?
In the case of a family of just 2, we would recommend the opposite as they would not require much warm water, and a 4500 Watt heater may be fine . When it is about water heater price, a 4500 Watt heater costs up to $829, a 5500 Watt heater would cost up to $ 1,350.
What size breaker do I need for 4500 watts?
30 Amp dual pole breaker and 10 Gage wire size are required for 4500 watt elements.
How many amps does a 40 gallon water heater use?
Depending on the code, a 2500w heater w/240v will draw 2500/240 or 18.75 Amps and either 25 or 30 Amps .
How can you tell if a water heater element is bad?
Touch a probe on the multitester to each screw on the element . If you get no reading, or a maximum reading, the element is bad. Elements do have some resistance, so a reading of 10-16 ohms is normal, with higher ohm readings for 3,500 watt elements and lower readings for 5,500 watt elements.
Will a bad water heater element use more electricity?
If the elements are dirty or there is an excess buildup of sediment in the tank, the hot water heater will use a lot more energy to maintain the same tank temperature.
What is the best wattage for water heater?
A water heater heats up water in your home to provide you with hot water for your daily needs. Electric water heaters are typically running for 3 hours a day to heat water, newer more efficient models may run for only half the time during each day. A typical water heater will use around 4000 watts .
How many watts should my water heater be?
Water heaters running on 120-volt power have a long recovery time, which is impractical for most households; 120-volt elements consume 1125 watts, while residential 240-volt heaters use 4,500 watts .
Is Rheem better than AO Smith?
Both AO Smith and Rheem are great names in the water heater industry. Rheem has a better overall product offering with a higher reach in the industry. But AO Smith is known to have a better customer experience. Regardless of what type of water heater you choose, both options will provide you with excellent longevity.
Can I replace my 4500 watt water heater with a 5500 Watt?
Can I replace 4500 watt elements with 5500 watt? You can definitely replace 4500 watt with 5500 watt and get 4-7 gallons more hot water from a tank.
How many amps does a 4500 watt water heater draw?
A typical 50 gallon electric water heater runs at 4500 watts. In an electric circuit of 240 volts, 4500 watts is equivalent to 18.75 amps .
How many amps is 5500 watts?
In case of 120 or 240 volts, a 5500 watt generator provides 45 Amps . The small window AC unit can be powered by a 5500 watt generator.
