I have a 5000 watt generator. Just went through a three day power outage. Generator was a life saver, but I can could not heat water in my electric water heater, as the generator is not large enough (5000w). My generator manual says WH draws 4500 watts and has a surge draw of 11,700; above my 5000 watt generator.

I have a 85 gallon Marathon WH. Manufacturer plate says upper heat element draws 4500 w and a lower element 4500w; has a maximum draw of 4500w.

I am going to hook up a generator transfer switch and would like to hook up the WH.

Question: Can I disconnect one of the WH elements and now draw 2,750 watts? Or will the one element still draw 4500w with surge draw of 11,700?

If this would work, my thoughts were to disconnect the lower element when I used the generator

Thanks,
Chuck

Each is 4500 but they are not on at the same time. Top one comes on first and then the bottom. Disconnect, it will take longer and recovery will suffer but you will have hot water. Many bottom elements do not have a high temp limit so be careful.

Okay, that is what I was planning to do. But, it does not sound like I will reduce my wattage by disconnecting the lower element; so may not gained anything? I was worried about putting too much wattage draw on my generator. Since both elements do not go on at the same time; each one, when it is on, would still draw 4500w and have a surge draw of 11700? Am I right?

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Originally Posted by pukwana

Okay, that is what I was planning to do. But, it does not sound like I will reduce my wattage by disconnecting the lower element; so may not gained anything? I was worried about putting too much wattage draw on my generator. Since both elements do not go on at the same time; each one, when it is on, would still draw 4500w and have a surge draw of 11700?? Am I right??

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I don't know where the "surge draw" comes from. Resistance heating is a straight draw, unlike a motor that has a surge draw (startup).

This site has what looks like some good information regarding the use of generators:
Survival Generator FAQ

Here is what they say about electric water heaters:
"Domestic hot water: If your water heater is electric, consider that it requires 5 kw - then forget about connecting it, the cook stove or clothes dryer to the generator unless your pockets are deep! "

Have you considered a propane water heater? Still requires plug in for controls but is a small electrical load.
Depends on how often these multi-day outages occur I guess.