Do Both Elements In A Water Heater Heat At The Same Time?
When figuring the total power that a 2 element water heater uses, Should you use the power of one element or add the power of the two elements. From looking at the wiring diagram, it looks as though only 1 element is powered at any one time.
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October 26, 2009 @ 9:33 am
220v 40amp breaker………. i know u want to undersize evrything?( wire ….breaker) dont!
October 26, 2009 @ 4:00 pm
You are partly correct. The elements usually range from 1,500 to 5,500 watts for residential heaters. On initial start up when the entire tank is filled with cold water or if you drain the tank of hot water due to usage, both elements will come on and heat the water up to the set temperature. After that then only the top element will due the heating unless it can’t maintain the temp. then the bottom will also come on. Water heaters are filled from the bottom up through a dip tube. The water pressure in the tank pushing the hot water through out the house. Hope this helps
October 26, 2009 @ 9:07 pm
The elements work separately of each other. The top thermostat is the master control and heats until the top thermostat is satisfied and then shuts and goes to the bottom element. The bottom element works the most since the diptube carries the incoming cold water to the bottom that element gets the most usage.
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