How to tell when water heater is at max?
When using the electric heating element is there a way to tell when its reached max temp and shuts off? (besides trying to listen) I keep meaning the buy an instant meat thermometer. I suppose i could...
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It's not perfect but I usually have a good idea based on our voltmeter. If you are paying attention, it will jump by a couple volts typically when the heater goes off. It's not perfect because each campground will have a different voltage and other things can move the voltage depending on what else is running but I can usually tell when a large draw is applied.
Better would be to install an amp meter on the main power inlet but it's a lot easier and cheaper to plug a volt meter into an outlet that's within easy visual range.
I would be very surprised if the temp of the water in the tank is inconsistent by more than a degree or two. The heating element is towards the bottom and hot water will tend to rise resulting in a nice mixing. What you are likely seeing is as you draw hot water out of the tank, it is replaced with cold water at a rate faster than the heating element can compensate. With only 6gal (typical hot water heater), by the time you use 3 gal, the temp can be significantly cooler.
Better would be to install an amp meter on the main power inlet but it's a lot easier and cheaper to plug a volt meter into an outlet that's within easy visual range.
I would be very surprised if the temp of the water in the tank is inconsistent by more than a degree or two. The heating element is towards the bottom and hot water will tend to rise resulting in a nice mixing. What you are likely seeing is as you draw hot water out of the tank, it is replaced with cold water at a rate faster than the heating element can compensate. With only 6gal (typical hot water heater), by the time you use 3 gal, the temp can be significantly cooler.
