Water heater elements

Retiredff · 2003-12-21T00:56:24+00:00

Other then taking longer to heat up the water, does any one know of anyproblems that would result from replacing the heating elements in a tankwater lower wattage ones?I ask because my tank has 4700 watt elements, and the generator I know havewired for emergency use is a 4500 watt unit. (No, I didn't screw up. I'vehad it for several years, but never had it set up w/transfer switch, etc.)It was suggested that going to 3000 or so watt elements would not cause anytrouble, and allow the heating of water when on the generator.Thanks.

Dec 21, 2003 23 Replies

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TURTLE 22 years ago

This is Turtle.

The higher watt elements are for speed and nothing else. If your happy with a slower speed, go for it.

TURTLE

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m Ransley 22 years ago

Well stormin he has a 4500 watt unit and wants to pull 3000, a 4500 watt unit is more effecient in itself, less mass to move than a 10000w. and he needs 3000 not 5000 40% less . A good guess is 1/2 gal per hr, not

1gph

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m Ransley 22 years ago

I just ran my 7500 -13500 w gen for 2.5 hr on 1/2 gal of gas I was pulling 300 - 1200 w. Load is what determines fuel usage. At that rate , which was normal heat on- off and lights etc I could go for 40 hrs easy on 8 gal gas. Run a gen no load or it will go for days, full load 4-6 hrs

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Robert J Rolleston 22 years ago

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