30 Amp dual pole breaker and 10 Gage wire size are required for 4500 watt elements.
How many amps does a 4500 watt water heater draw?
18.75 amps 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.
What size breaker do I need for a dual 5500 watt water heater?
24 amps x 240 volt = 5760 watts. So 30 amp breaker and 10 gauge wire will safely support the 5500 elements.
Can I use a 40 amp breaker for water heater?
You cannot put a 40A breaker on #10 wire. If you are sure there is (at least) #8 wire all the way from the breaker to the water heater, you can just replace the 30A breaker with a 40A breaker, but if and only if you have verified the size of the wire throughout the entire circuit.
Can I replace a 3500 watt water heater with a 4500 watt?
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.
Does wattage matter on a 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.
How many amps does a 40 gallon hot water tank 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 many amps does a 6 gallon hot water heater draw?
16.7 A Amps 6 gal., 120 VAC, 16.7 A Amps, Residential Mini Tank Water Heater.
Can I replace a 4500 watt water heater with a 3800 watt?
If you have a 4500-watt heating element on your water heater, you can switch to a 3800-watt element. Typically, this is done under a few conditions. For one, it is done when the electricity is not a 10-gauge wire with a 30-amp breaker.
What is the best wattage for water heater?
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.