Double element, 240V water heaters are normally delivered from the factory with 4500W elements.  The leads from the incoming service connection to the upper thermostat are 12-gauge wire with 14-gauge used between the thermostats and heating elements.

When 5000W, 5500W or 6000W size elements are substituted for 4500W, the wires MUST be changed to a heavier gauge to handle the heavier load.  The leads from the service connection must change from 12 to 10-gauge and the internal wiring between thermostats and elements must change from 14 to 12-gauge.  Circuit breaker protection to the heater must also be increased (See separate announcement/bulletin on circuit breaker protection).  Failure to comply with the above information will result in unsafe and hazardous conditions.

Non-foam, insulated 240V water heaters (except tabletops) using 5000W or 6000W elements require a special jacket head assembly, which includes a grounding and conduit bracket.

Remember that element wattage changes affect the rating plate data as well as the Energy guide label.

The maximum allowable wattage for 6 and 12-gallon Utility Series water heaters is 3000W, whether they are for 120V or 240V operation.

The maximum allowable wattage for 20 and 30-gallon Utility Series water heaters is 3000W at 120V and 6000W at 240V operation.