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    thorntont's Avatar
    thorntont Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jan 10, 2014, 12:19 PM
    Can I replace a 4500 watt element with a 3800 watt element in water heater
    My house is wired 12/2 and 20 amp breakers. I bought a new water heater with 2 4500 watt elements. Did not realize I needed #10 wire and 30 amp breaker. To not replace wire and breaker will I be able to change elements out from 4500 to 3800 watt? If this will work it would be a lot cheaper. The water heater I am taking out has 3800 watt element in it.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #2

    Jan 10, 2014, 05:57 PM
    Your current heater is 240 with a 12/2 and 3800 watt elements?.
    drtom4444's Avatar
    drtom4444 Posts: 3,282, Reputation: 145
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    #3

    Jan 11, 2014, 04:33 PM
    It should be no problem. It just will not heat as fast.
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