Changing the Wattage of a Water Heater Element

Search

Website Contents

DIY Home Wiring Articles

Home Wiring Project E-books & Instructional DVDs

Wiring Diagrams

Consulting Services

SHOP for Electrical Materials, Tools and More

Home Wiring Project E-Books

Wiring a Hot Tub
Build Your OWN Hot Tub
Wiring a Kitchen Stove
Wiring a Bathroom GFCI Outlet
Using a Digital Multi Meter
Wiring a Basement
Wiring a Back-up Generator

FREE Articles -
Learn HOW TO:

Wire a Light Switch
Wire a Receptacle
Wire a 3-Way Switch
Install a Ceiling Fan
Plan a Circuit
Replace a Breaker
Install a Subpanel
Wire a Doorbell
NEW! Wiring an Electric Floor Heating System

CLICK HERE to view MORE articles ...

Testimonials

Great help on a 3-Way wiring diagram from your website. Much appreciated, as I have had the same 3 Way switch, non-operational, for over 5 years.. arghhh...I know it is a simple thing yet looking at both sets of wires and trying to imagine the wire runs was a bit aggravating but you made it simpler!

Kudos
Brian, Winnipeg
-------------
Awesome. Thanx Terry. Cool site and extremely informative.

Johnny
-------------
Thank you for the info on the three way switch you saved the day.

EDDIE B. in MIssissippi
-------------
Thank-you for your free video, it helped.

Bob
-------------
What a great explanation!! You have been so helpful. Thanks so much. I will hunt down that timer and give it a go.

Ken
-------------
Your website is great. I have it bookmarked and now visit frequently. I have no previous electrical experience and your website helped me redo some wiring correctly and way easier than I thought it would be.

Thanks again.

Nicholas V
-------------
Hi Terry,

I stumbled onto your website while doing a Google search for an electrical panel that's being installed in my new home that's currently being built.

Even though I've been doing my own electrical work for many years (I am not a contractor), I found your site to be a valuable resource of information for all things electrical. Your site is much appreciated. Thank you.

Regards,

Mike A

Toronto, Canada

Do-It-Yourself Repairs & Basic Wiring Projects:
Changing the Wattage of a Water Heater Element

By Terry Peterman, the Internet Electrician

Tankless instantaneous water heaters save money and are more energy efficient than tank type water heaters. Click here to find out more.

Summary: The wattage of a an electric water heater element should not be changed, and doing so can even be dangerous!

Q: Is there any way to reduce the wattage of a electric
water heater element without changing the element?

I have a 1500W and I would like to reduce it to 750W.

A: The short answer here is no - you should change the element.

Watt ratings of heater elements are fixed at the rating specified. In theory
however, if the element is 1500W at 240V, the only way to reduce it to 750W would be to feed it with 120V.

Keep in mind that this will change the UL, CSA (or equivalent) approval as the appliance is now not operating with the rated voltage.

Never attempt the opposite, trying to get 1500W out of a 750W 120V rated element by applying 240V as this will immediately burn out the element, maybe even violently!

Do you need additional help or clarification on this or other home wiring topics? Click here ...

Back to Do-it-Yourself Repairs & Basic Wiring Projects Articles Page - Click Here ...

Back to Articles Main Page - Click Here ....

CLICK HERE for Olds Electric & Lighting Ltd.

Subscribe
to my FREE Internet Electrician Home Wiring e-zine. Each issue features valuable home wiring projects, tips and expert advice.

Subscribe today and receive FREE access to my latest home wiring instructional video and FREE companion e-book.

NEW! Purchase electrical materials and more through our online auction stores. Save $$$

Electrical Materials Store
Tools Store
Portable Generator Store
Hot Tubs and Accessories Store
Lighting Store
Solar Products Store

CLICK HERE to Get shopping!

Would You Like to Profile Your Product or Business on This Site? CLICK HERE

Build Your OWN
Custom Hot Tub, Swim Spa or Exercise Pool for a Fraction of the Cost!!!

Click Here to Learn How

The Basics of Household Wiring DVD

This excellent resource is designed to help you clearly understand electricity in your home, and demonstrates how to safely perform most simple electrical projects.

The DVD is packed with valuable information! View clips.

Do-It-Yourself Repairs & Basic Wiring Projects: Changing the Wattage of a Water Heater Element

Do-It-Yourself Repairs & Basic Wiring Projects:
Changing the Wattage of a Water Heater Element