Dual Wattage Elements

tonyBagadonuts · 03-17-2008, 04:44 PM

I have a GE water heater with a 4500/3380 watt rating element. Can I replace this with a standard 4500 or can I go to a lesser wattage?? Tank only serves a kitchen and 1 vanity so not a high end user of hot water.
thanks

chris75 · 03-17-2008, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonyBagadonuts

I have a GE water heater with a 4500/3380 watt rating element. Can I replace this with a standard 4500 or can I go to a lesser wattage?? Tank only serves a kitchen and 1 vanity so not a high end user of hot water.
thanks

how many gallons is this?

tonyBagadonuts · 03-17-2008, 05:28 PM

This is a 40 gal tank and it is a 2 element tank. Both elements show the dual wattage of 4500/3380.

frenchelectrican · 03-17-2008, 06:05 PM

the reason why you see the dual wattage marking on the water heater element due two diffrent voltage running in the system

the 4500 watt marking is on 240 volts system while the 3380 watts is used on 208 volt system.

that element with dual wattage rating it dont hurt to run either 240 or 208 volts

Majorty of the resdential area useally are 120/240 v system but there are some spots that used 120/208 v system [ that is network feed from 3 phase supply ]

Merci,Marc

tonyBagadonuts · 03-17-2008, 06:14 PM

That makes sense........ Thanks much Marc