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    Cairnsy23's Avatar
    Cairnsy23 Posts: 7, Reputation: -1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Dec 13, 2011, 09:45 PM
    Water heater mixed elements
    I have a 6 year old electric water heater. 50 gallons It is rated at 4500 watts. I had to replace the lower element. I went to home depot and got a 4500 watt element. When I pulled the old element it was only a 3500 watt. I replaced it with the 4500 watt I got from home depot and filled the tank and flipped the switch. It seems to be working fine. Is it OK that I have a 3500 watt upper and 4500 watt lower element installed? Remember... It also started with 2 3500 watt elements. Thanks!
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #2

    Dec 14, 2011, 05:03 AM
    Not to worry! Most heaters have 4500 watt elements. The fact that you have one a little stronger simply means your recovery will be a bit faster. If you ever have to replace the other one replace with another 4500 watt. You're going to be just fine. Cheers, Tom
    Cairnsy23's Avatar
    Cairnsy23 Posts: 7, Reputation: -1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Dec 14, 2011, 10:25 AM
    Thanks! I am worried its going to blow up or something. Internet will scare you!
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