What size breaker do I need for 5500 watts?
Since this is a purely resistive load 5500 watts at 240 volts is 23 amps, breaker is sized at 30 amps and 10 awg wiring is used. In your case if the elements are strapped for 4500 watts draw is 18.75 amps, permanent draw loads should be sized at 80% of breaker capacity so a 20 amp breaker is limited to 16 amps. Click to see full answer.
What size breaker do I need for a 50 gallon water heater?
Most 50-gallon water heaters have 4500-watt heating elements. As such, 4500 watts divided by 240 volts equals 18.75 amperes. Multiplying 18.75 amperes by 1.25 results in 23.4375 amperes. A 25-amp or 30-amp circuit breaker is ideal.
Does a water heater need a special circuit breaker?
It is also important to remember that your water heater requires a dedicated voltage and breaker system. Most of the appliances we have at home run on 110-120 volts. Water heaters require 240 volts to push the electrons through the cables. Because your water heater runs on 240 volts, it also requires a double-pole circuit breaker.
Is a 20 amp breaker bad for a water heater?
Well, 18.75 is only about 94% of the breaker’s amperage. But going by the NEC 125% rule, a 20 amp is a risk of frequent tripping and could damage the water heater.
How many amps is 5500 watts at 240 volts?
So in this case the 5500 watts would be divided by 240 volts, which would equal 22.9 amps.Feb 19, 2018
What size breaker do I need for a 4500 watt water heater?
30-ampTo sum it up, you can either use a 25-amp or 30-amp breaker for a 4,500-watt heater. For wiring, you can choose between a 10-gauge wire or a 10/2 wire for this setup.Apr 3, 2022
What size breaker do I need for a 5000 watt garage heater?
If it's 5000W , then you're OK with 10guage on 30A breaker.Dec 16, 2017
What size breaker is needed for a 50 gallon electric water heater?
In an electric circuit of 240 volts, 4500 watts is equivalent to 18.75 amps. This means that a 50 gallon water heater will not flip a circuit breaker of 20 amps, but it will force the circuit breaker to operate at 95% of its capacity, something most circuit breakers are not qualified to do.
What size breaker do I need for a 6000 watt water heater?
If you have a heater that uses a total of 6000 watts in a 240 volt connection, you'll need a minimum of 25 Amps. However, because the system will use all 25 Amps, it's safer to get a circuit breaker of 30 Amps.
Can I use a 40 amp breaker for my water heater?
Installing a 40A breaker raises the ceiling on the allowed current. Now more current can flow than your wiring can accommodate, which generates heat in that wiring. Run the circuit at 39A and your wires might melt or catch fire, given enough time and bad luck. The breaker won't trip though because it's rated for 40A.Feb 14, 2018
How many amps does a 5000 watt heater pull?
It is rated at 20.9 amps at full draw.Feb 8, 2015
What size wire do you need for a 5000 watt heater?
I'm planning to install a 5000 watt garage heater, and it draws 20.9 @ 240V. The install manual calls for 10 AWG wire minimum, suitable for 167 F (75 C). It will take about 15 feet of wire to go from the heater to the breaker box where it will be hooked up to a 30 amp double pole breaker.
How do you wire a 5000 watt garage heater?
2:556:58How to Install a Garage Heater | A DIY Guide - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou figure out that the draw for this heater is 21 amps so a 30 amp breaker is plenty the greenMoreYou figure out that the draw for this heater is 21 amps so a 30 amp breaker is plenty the green ground wire will attach to the ground bar in the panel.
How many amps does a 5500 watt water heater draw?
Meanwhile, an 80-gallon heater powered by 5500 watts and 240 volts, will result in 5500W/240V x (1.25 continual load) = 28.64 amps. Meaning, a 30-amp dedicated circuit breaker is enough.
What is better 4500 watt VS 5500 watt water heater?
5500 Watt water heaters can heat about 25 to 35 gallons of water every hour. You should have probably performed the calculation as it means that a 5500 Watt heater can heat about four to seven more gallons of water every hour compared to a 4500 Watt water heater.May 4, 2021
What amp breaker is needed for a hot water heater?
30-ampA 240-volt dedicated circuit is needed for electric water heaters to work. A 30-amp double-pole breaker and 10-2 non-metallic cable are included in the circuit wiring.
Can I replace a 30 amp breaker with a 60 amp breaker?
You can only do this if you also replace the wire for the higher current. If you change the 30 amp breaker for the 60 amp breaker without also chan...
What size wire should you use for a 60 amp breaker?
You need to use at least a 6 gauge (4.1mm) wire to run a 60 amp breaker without risk of damage—the more current, the thicker wire you will need.
Can I use a 40 amp breaker for a water heater? n
AnswerFor some water heaters, yes, you can use a 40 amp breaker. 40 amp breakers can run some tankless electric water heater units as well
How many amps can a 30 amp breaker handle?
A 30 amp breaker can handle up to 30 amps but is only recommended for operation at around 25-26. Generally, a breaker should only be used at about...
What is the safest breaker size for a water heater?
Given that water heaters operate continuously, it would be safe to size your circuit breaker at its 125% rating.
Why do water heaters need a circuit breaker?
A circuit breaker ‘trips’ to break the electrical flow from the source to the heating elements when there is too much electricity passing through the circuit. In other words, it disconnects the water heater from the power source, saving the appliance’s integrity and your home.
How many watts does a commercial water heater use?
Commercial-grade units can have more than 5500 watts, while others can only have 3000 watts or less. 2. Determine the maximum electrical current (amperes) your water heater needs by dividing its wattage rating by its voltage. Let us say you have a 4,500-watt water heater on 240 volts.
How many volts does a water heater need?
Water heaters require 240 volts to push the electrons through the cables. Because your water heater runs on 240 volts, it also requires a double-pole circuit breaker. This CB type has two live wires. If a problem occurs in one of the wires, it also trips the other to cut off electricity to the water heater.
How many thermostats does an electric water heater have?
A typical electric water heater has two thermostats and two heating elements located in the upper and lower sections inside a tank. Once the tank is full of water, the upper thermostat activates its heating element to raise the water temperature in the upper section.
Where to find the water heater information?
You can look for the information on a label sticker near the water heater’s power cord base or the thermostat control panel. If you cannot see this information, you may want to check the manual or perform a model search online. Most water heaters have a 4500-watt element running on a 240-volt system.
What is the 80% rule for a circuit breaker?
Manufacturers rate circuit breakers according to the maximum electric current (in amperes) they can accommodate without tripping or breaking the circuit. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires electricians to observe the 80% rule when sizing an overcurrent protective device, such as a circuit breaker.
What type of breaker is used for a water heater?
An electrical water heater typically uses a 30-amp breaker, so something like the Q230 30-Amp Double Pole Type QP Circuit Breaker will do the work well.
What type of wire is needed for a 30 amp water heater?
Also, consider your breaker size for water heater. 30-amp circuit breakers, commonly used for a large boiler tank, require a 10-2 non-metallic or MC cable. This type of wire is suitable for start loads of 40-amps and a constant load of 35-amps.
What happens if your water heater breaker is too small?
If the breaker is too small for the water heater’s ampere requirement, expect that your CB will trip continuously. Not only that, too much on and off of the heater can cause internal damage. Do not have your water heater share a circuit with other appliances, and please upgrade the breaker if necessary.
How to calculate water heater amp size?
Since you already know the wattage and voltage of your water heater, all you need is to follow the Ampere formula , which is I (amps) = P (watts)/ V (volts).
How many amps does a 40 gallon heater use?
Again, I = P/V; 4500W/240V = 18.75 amps. Then considering the continuous load (125% x 18.75A), we’ll get a total of 23.4 amps.
How many volts should a boiler be?
Voltage- The volts of your boiler plays an integral part in a healthy circuit. You can plug an average heater to a 220 or 240 Volts outlet based on your tank size and wattage.
Can a 25A water heater trip?
If you have a 20-amps breaker dedicated to your 25A water heater, expect that your heater will constantly trip it. Giving space for your breaker will allow a power surge without tripping.
What type of breaker is needed for a water heater?
Electric water heaters require a dedicated 240-volt dedicated 30-amp circuit and a 10-2 non-metallic (NM) or MC cable. This means the breaker only powers the water heater and no other appliances. A 30-amp circuit breaker can power all 4500watt water heaters regardless of gallon size.
How many amps does an electric water heater use?
You’ll need a double circuit breaker that is correctly rated for the power draw of the water heater. We’re looking at between 20 Amp and 30 Amp for most electric water heaters.
How much power does a tankless water heater use?
Gas tankless water heaters use less power draw and less voltage than electric tank water heaters. Usually, it’s about 12 amps and less than 120 volts. Gas tankless water heaters need a minimal amount of electricity to power the electronic ignition system.
How is breaker size determined?
The breaker size is determined by the wattage of the heating elements and not the tank size. More on that shortly.
What is the minimum voltage for a 30 amp breaker?
When we round off that number, we get 25 amp. You’ll need a 25 or 30 amp circuit breaker. The 30 amp is universally used because the minimum rating of 220 volts exceeds the 25 amp breaker.
Where to find wattage and voltage on water heater?
Check your water heater’s wattage and voltage ratings. A water heater’s wattage and voltage rating come labeled on the sticker on the thermostat panel. Some heaters have this information near the base.
Is an electric water heater more economical?
However, when you look at time savings over time, electric water heaters are more economical. Getting the right size circuit breaker can get technical. If you're looking to make upgrades to accommodate electric, gas, or tankless water heating systems, you should contact a professional.
How are water heater breakers measured?
Water heater breakers are measured in amperes. Amperes are a measure of current—how much electricity is flowing through a circuit. The current is equal to the voltage of the circuit divided by the total resistance of the circuit.
How to determine breaker size for a heater?
You first find the power rating (measured in watts or kilowatts) and the required voltage for the machine. Since current is just power divided by voltage, you can calculate the required breaker current size for your heater just by dividing these two numbers.
How many amps does a 50 gallon tank need?
A 50-gallon tank requires about 4,500 watts of power on a 120- volt circuit. Doing the math, that comes out to about 37.5 require amps. Going by the 125% rule, we need breakers that can handle at least 47 amps. So look for breakers with 40-50 amp loads.
How many amps can a 15 amp breaker handle?
Most homes are outfitted with 15-20 amp breakers and are designed to handle about 80% of their overall amperage. So a 15 amp breaker can handle about 12 amps and a 20 amp breaker 16 amps. Most likely, you will have to modify your home’s electrical grid to draw more current.
How many amps does a water heater need?
They prevent damage but also need to handle a specific current without shutting off. The average amperes for a water heater is about 19.9 amps. A tankless electric heater requires about 100 to 120 amps to run itself.
Why do tankless water heaters require special electrical installation?
Electrical tankless water heaters generally require special electrical installation because they have higher load requirements than other kinds of electrical devices.
Do electric water heaters need wires?
Electric hot water heaters require more electrical power than other appliances, and so you need to make sure you have the right breakers and wires. So make sure that you have the right breakers for your water heater system.
How many watts does a water heater have?
Of course, water heaters come in various capacities, featuring heating elements with wattage ratings less and greater than 4,500. For this reason, there’s a formula you can use to determine the correct size circuit breaker for your water heater.
What does a circuit breaker do to a water heater?
This is where a circuit breaker comes in, tripping to disconnect the water heater from the power source. It not only helps maintain the water heater’s performance and stability, but more importantly, it can save your home (and you) from a fire.
What happens when a water heater thermostat goes bad?
However, when the water heater thermostat goes bad, both heating elements start to run at once. This becomes more than the circuit breaker can handle, overloading it and tripping the breaker.
Why does my breaker trip?
It’s possible that some of the wiring is loose, causing the breaker to trip. Or, in some cases, there could be damage to the wires. There’s also the possibility that the installer did not connect the wires appropriately during the installation process.
How many watts does a 40 gallon water heater use?
Many 40-gallon water heaters have 3,500 to 4,500-watt heating elements, and they run on a 240-volt circuit. Therefore, you will need either a 20 to 25-amp (for 3,500-watts) or a 25 to 30-amp (for 4,500 watts) circuit breaker.
What happens if a water heater element burns out?
Usually, if one of your water heater’s heating elements burns out, your only clue might be cooler water. But, sometimes, the element’s casing splits, exposing the electrical to the water, resulting in a short circuit and tripping the breaker.
How to determine how much current a water heater can handle?
To determine the maximum current your water heater can handle, there’s a special formula you can use. Divide the power rating/wattage by the operating voltage. For example, for a 4,500-watt heater, you would divide 4,500 by 240.
What size breaker do I need for a 4500 watt water heater?
To answer the common homeowner query, “W hat size breaker do I need for a 4500 watt water heater ?”, you’ll need either a 25-amp or 30-amp circuit breaker. This answer is in accordance with the 125% rule set by the National Electric Code for circuit breakers, which requires using the breaker for no more than 80% of its rated current for continuous loads.
How many amps does a water heater use?
Since a water heater is a continuous load device, we need to multiply that value further by 125%. The result is 23.4 amps. The right circuit breaker for this appliance with 4500 watts at 240 volts is either 25 amps or 30 amps.
What type of breaker do I need for a 4500 watt water heater?
The circuit wiring typically includes a 30-amp double-pole breaker and 10-2 non-metallic (NM) or MC cable. Also, what size breaker do I need for a 4500 watt water heater? A water heater of this type is required ...
How many amps does a 50 amp water heater use?
Most 50 amp water heater will come with 4500 watt elements. On a 240 volt circuit that is 4500 / 240 = 18.75 amps, so, no, that will not trip a 20 amp breakers, however, it will be operating the breaker nearly 95% of its 20 ampacity rating and most breakers are not rated for that.
What is the standard for water heater circuits?
The standard for water heater circuits is #10, two conductors with ground (10/2) and a 30 amp circuit breaker for a water heater. Click to see full answer.
What Size of Circuit Breaker Do You Need for an Electric Tankless Water Heater?
As mentioned, your tankless water heater comes with a user manual that specifies its electrical requirements, including the recommended hot water heater breaker size.
Can I Calculate the Correct Breaker Sizing for My Electric Tankless Water Heater?
The National Electric Code requires electricians to account for the electrical load to ensure safety when sizing a circuit breaker. The rule is to multiply the amperage requirements of appliances by 125% to determine the correct water heater circuit breaker size.
What Size Breaker Should I Get for a Gas-powered Tankless Water Heater?
A gas tankless water heater has lower electrical requirements than an electric tankless water heater.
Do I Have to Use the Correct Wire for a Tankless Water Heater Breaker?
Using the correct electrical wire is also essential when making your tankless water heater’s electrical connections. Experts recommend either a non-metallic (NM) or metal-clad (MC) electric wire to connect the tankless water heater to the circuit breaker.
Do I Need a Separate Circuit Breaker for My Tankless Water Heater?
Many people ask if they need to install a separate circuit breaker for their tankless water heaters. Some homeowners think that gas-powered tankless water heaters do not need electricity since these appliances run on propane or natural gas to heat the water.
Conclusion
Answering the question “What size breaker do I need for a tankless water heater?” is easy if you have the user manual.
