Water Heater Element

In the HW tank!
Seriously, what make and model of water heater do you have?

Ok I like that first response :)

Atwood the water heater tank is surrounded in styrofoam insulation. If you acces what I call the "Back" (where the pipes connecct) you will see a black box.. With a Romex cable attached to it or to be more precise entering it.

Just above the box under a insulantion panel that might or might not be removable easily is the element. Standard element you can get at Lowes, Home Depot, Mennards Et-al

When I replaced my tank I changed the new element that came with it for a 1500 watt 240 volt element. This gives me about 375 Watts of water heater.. Takes 4 times as long to make hot. (but not a problem for me living alone) but since then (over a year ago) I've only tripped a 30 amp park-side breaker twice... This week.. Weak breaker on this site plus I have an A/C that's misbehaving it is what it tripping the breaker (last trip the water heater was OFF when it happened).. At 1500 Watts I'd not be able to use electric heat.

Suburban
In outside compartment under oval cover below/behind burner tube
120V AC direct

Atwood
On backside inside RV under protective cover at bottom
12V DC to Relay and 120V AC from relay to element


So which one do YOU have :H

Still looking :H

Sounds like you may have the atwood (re-erad my post)

If you do you can cut away a tiny bit of insulation and remove the black box in the back side (the plumbing side) and follow the wires.

NOTE... W3 are assuming there IS an electric element.

Aome "Gas only" have a added on "hott Rodd" device. It will be screwed into the drain port on the outside. again look for the wires.