Replacement Element Compatibility Before purchasing a lower wattage replacement element, check its compatibility with your current water heater model. Elements vary in size, wattage, and voltage ratings, typically 240 volts or 208 volts. Using an incompatible element can lead to insufficient
No, you will be fine. Higher wattage translates into delivering more heat into the water each minute. So this would have a faster recovery time than your original unit.
Increasing the wattage of the element will increase the draw on the circuit. I wouldn't recommend using a higher wattage element. The water heater was designed and built for the 1440W element and that's what I would put back in. You can always use the propane to heat your water while you wait for the right element.
No, all electric hot water heater elements are not universal. There are three main types of elements: screw-in, bolt-in, and clamp-in. Elements also come in different wattages and voltages. It is important to choose the correct element for your water heater, or it will not work properly or may even damage the heater.
3500 watts/208 volts = 16.83 amps. 16.83 x 1.25 = (just over) 21amps minimum circuit size. #12 wire is only good for up to 20 amps so; A 21 amp circuit will require #10 conductors on a 30 amp breaker (next size up).
Before purchasing a lower wattage replacement element, check its compatibility with your current water heater model. Elements vary in size, wattage, and voltage ratings, typically 240 volts or 208 volts. Using an incompatible element can lead to insufficient heating or safety hazards.
The calculation is 4500/240 volts = 18.75 amps.
The replacement element must be the same voltage and wattage as the element being replaced. Never exceed the nameplate rating on the water heater. Check the nameplate on the heater to determine the proper voltage/wattage combination is correct for your heater.
Typically, storage water heaters have a wattage of 2kW. Selecting a 3kW water heater will speed up the heating time by 33%. A 3kW water heater will consume the same amount of energy in comparison to a 2kW water heater.
Only one element will come on at any one time.
Let the water heater drain completely if you are replacing the lower element or partially if you are replacing the upper element. Sediment in the bottom of the tank may clog the drain valve and prevent it from draining properly.
The inefficiency of the Heating Element
Cracks and calcium deposits can affect the heating element's efficiency. A water heater with a compromised heating element is an energy vampire.
A 3,500-watt element will read 16 ohms. A 4,500-watt element will read between 12 and 13 ohms, and a 5,500-watt element will read between 10 and 11 ohms.
Standard Electric Water Heaters
For example, a 4500 watt heating element in a water heater that works on a 240V connection would require a 20 amp breaker. It is important to note that the National Electric Code (NEC) dictates that a circuit breaker must be sized at 125% of the intended load.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Heating Element
Wattage - The wattage of a heating element is one of the most important factors to consider. This will determine how much heat the element can generate and how quickly it can heat your desired area. Make sure to pick an element with a wattage appropriate for your needs.
To minimize this, it is recommended to insulate your water heater and pipes to reduce heat loss. the average wattage of an electric water heater is between 4500 to 5500 watts, with an energy usage of 3.6 to 4.5 kWh per hour of operation.
It depends largely on the type of house, size of room and quality of insulation. However the maximum the heater will cost will per 1 unit of electricity per hour, per kilowatt of heat. For example, if you have a 2KW heater the maximum it will use is two energy units per hour.
Sediment buildup is typically a bigger problem for gas water heaters since most of the heat comes directly from the gas burner underneath the unit's tank. A thick layer of sediment will basically act like a blanket of insulation and prevent much of the heat from the burner from being transferred to the water.
The parts for dual-element water heaters are not interchangeable, meaning there are different replacement parts for the top and bottom elements.
Testing the Heating Element with a Multimeter:
The multimeter should read between 10 and 30 ohms if the heating element is working correctly. If you get a very low or zero reading, it indicates a faulty heating element that needs replacement.
Your water heater requires air to keep the pilot light burning. Otherwise, the flame goes out. Ensure that the water heater is not surrounded by clutter, lint, or debris to increase the amount of combustible air. Keep the surrounding area as clean as possible.
3kW = 3000 Watts and Watts = Volts x Amps. To find the Amps divide the watts / volts. 3000/230=13.04 Amps.
When comparing to the 4500 watt model, I find that the 4500 watt model has a Uniform Energy Factor of 0.93, while the 3800 watt model has a Uniform Energy Factor of 0.92. The 4500 watt element is an average of $5.00 a year cheaper than the 3800 unit.
Assuming a 240 volt 3500 watt water heater #12 wire and a 20 amp breaker is all that is required.