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    amoureman's Avatar
    amoureman Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Feb 2, 2011, 07:56 PM
    Can I run 2 4500 watt water heater elements on a 30 amp breaker?
    I was asked to diagnose a problem with a water heater; I discovered 1 of 2 elwments not working, I measured the amp draw of the working element at 18. 36 amps, the elements were the same wattage from the factory, the upper reset switch had a the lower element shut down, if I were to replace the reset ; both elements would draw 37.76 amps. The wire is 10 gauge romex with ground ; the breaker is a 30 amp federal pacific breaker, what should I do?
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Feb 2, 2011, 08:02 PM
    HW heaters are designed to only operate a single element at a time. I have 2X5000 and it is on a 10/2 with a 30 double. When the upper t'stat goes off, the bottom will come on until full temp and then they are both off. .
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #3

    Feb 2, 2011, 10:08 PM

    both elements would draw 37.76 amps
    How did you arrive at that number?

    What are the symptoms of the water heater?
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