The standard hot water heating element seems to be 1500W for small tanks. Does anyone know of lower wattage ones being available? Our trailer only has a 30 amp connection and I find in the hot summer with the AC on and the hot water cycling (and any other small loads) we trip the main sometimes. It's annoying and I am sure a smaller element would keep up to the modest demands just fine.Not really a big deal, I am just curious.

Just a suggestion, run the WH on propane when using the AC.

One of the conversion kits might be adaptable.I think Hott Rod is just 450 watts.http://dg-usa.com/hott-rod/

When I bought a 6 gallon residential water heater at Lowes, it had a 1650w element. I searched Amazon and found a 1000w element that appeared to be a replacement for an RV wh. It fit my resi wh fine and I'm sure it would fit an RV wh.Going from 1650w to 1000w, the hot water regen from cold went from 30min to 40 min--not even a notceable time difference.

A 240 volt element will draw 1/4 of its rated wattage at 120 volts, so a 240 volt 2000 watt element would draw 500 watts, and a 240 volt 1500 watt element would draw under 400.

12thgenusa wrote:Just a suggestion, run the WH on propane when using the AC.x2

low(er) wattage hot water heating elements? | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

dclark1946
Explorer
Mar 13, 2015
smkettner wrote:
Half the voltage = half the amps. Resistance remains fairly constant.

Then do the volts x amps = watts. 25% is about right.

Or P=V²r

Dick
ScottG
Nomad
Mar 10, 2015
Lynnmor wrote:
I plan on adding a 20 amp line in and use that for the water heater when available.

That's what I did and it makes all the difference!
Lynnmor
Explorer
Mar 09, 2015
I plan on adding a 20 amp line in and use that for the water heater when available.
ScottG
Nomad
Mar 09, 2015
smkettner wrote:
Half the voltage = half the amps. Resistance remains fairly constant.

Then do the volts x amps = watts. 25% is about right.

I see my problem, besides doing it in my head, I was not deviding both values and maintaining the wrong constant.
It's been too long since I used this stuff I guess!

Thanks,
Scott
time2roll
Nomad
Mar 09, 2015
Half the voltage = half the amps. Resistance remains fairly constant.

Then do the volts x amps = watts. 25% is about right.
ScottG
Nomad
Mar 09, 2015
Chris Bryant wrote:
A 240 volt element will draw 1/4 of its rated wattage at 120 volts, so a 240 volt 2000 watt element would draw 500 watts, and a 240 volt 1500 watt element would draw under 400.

The math there has me stumped.
Wouldn't a 240V element run exactly half the wattage at half (120V) the voltage?
Or are they non-linear because of the resistance change do to heating of the element or something?
a-d-s
Explorer
Mar 09, 2015
Thanks all. Good call on the 240v element, just ordered a 2000 watt one up off Amazon.

I could use propane, but it's nice when we're on full hookup for a couple weeks not to worry about propane.
wildtoad
Explorer II
Mar 09, 2015
The PO installed a Hot Rod kit on Atwood wh. Draws very little current, gets the water darn hot. I have no idea if the element will go into your wh.
Iraqvet05
Explorer
Mar 09, 2015
12thgenusa wrote:
Just a suggestion, run the WH on propane when using the AC.

x2
Chris_Bryant
Explorer II
Mar 09, 2015
A 240 volt element will draw 1/4 of its rated wattage at 120 volts, so a 240 volt 2000 watt element would draw 500 watts, and a 240 volt 1500 watt element would draw under 400.