Is there a difference between upper and lower water heater elements?

Upper and lower heating elements are identical, and the temperature is regulated by the upper and lower thermostat and high limit device. Electric water heater elements can be different in size, but the most common is 12″ (300 mm).

Are both water heater elements the same?

There are three types: screw in, bolt in and clamp in. They all have different wattage ratings and can work on either 120 or 240 voltage. Check your state and local codes before starting any project.

Can you put any heating element in a water heater?

Are water heater elements brand specific?

A flange type is not as common in newer water heaters. If you can’t find one, look for an adapter kit. With this kit you can replace the old flange style with a newer screw type. In most cases you do not have to buy brand specific elements.

Can you replace a 4500 watt element with a 5500 watt element?

Can I replace 4500 watt elements with 5500 watt? You can definitely replace 4500 watt with 5500 watt and get 4-7 gallons more hot water from a tank.

Should upper and lower thermostats be set the same?

The majority of electric water heaters have two thermostats: an upper and a lower, located under two control panels. To ensure your electric water heater works as efficiently as possible, you should set both of the thermostats at the same temperature.

Can you change a water heater element without draining the tank?

It is possible to change your water heater’s heating element without draining your tank.

Do all electric water heaters have two heating elements?

Most residential electric water heaters have two heating elements: one near the top of the tank and one near the bottom. Power enters the top and runs to the high-temperature cutoff switch, and then to the thermostats and elements. The top and bottom elements are controlled by separate thermostats.

Which element should be set higher on a water heater?

Which element heats first on a water heater?

When a hot water faucet is turned on, hot water will be drawn off the top of the tank. The thermostat for the lower element is activated by this cold water near the bottom of the tank. The lower element will start to heat the water.

Why are there 2 thermostats on a water heater?

Most electric water heaters above 20 gallons have two thermostats that sense the temperature of the water in both the top and bottom of the tank. The upper thermostat is the boss and always tells the lower thermostat what to do.