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ascdds · 12-26-2018, 10:37 AM

I have a Suburban water heater with a 1440w 120v element that needs to be replaced but I can only find a 1500w element at Lowe’s. Will this be ok or do I need to order a1440 w element?

Mr_D · 12-26-2018, 10:40 AM

I can't imagine that it would be a problem.

Old-Biscuit · 12-26-2018, 11:21 AM

1500W at 120V AC=====12.5A

1440W at 120V AC=====12A

You can get OEM for $15
OR the one at Lowes for $7

9 1/2" from backside of flange to end of element
1 1/4" thread (1 1/2" wrench)

Jim18655 · 12-26-2018, 11:22 AM

Check the breaker size. 80% of 15 amp breaker is 12 amps. This might be the reason for the 1440 watt element. The 1500 watt would be .5 amps over the code unless you have 20 amp feed to the water heater.

ascdds · 12-26-2018, 11:32 AM

It is a 15A breaker so the 1500w element would apparently be .5 over code. Might be a fire hazard? Or is that worrying too much? Trying to decide if I should just use the 1500w I have or order the 1440w. What would you do?

Old-Biscuit · 12-26-2018, 11:52 AM

80% rule is for 'Continuous' Load

Added .5A is NOT going to cause fire/overheating/CB tripping

Jim18655 · 12-26-2018, 12:43 PM

NEC considers water heaters to be a continuous load. See 422.13.
422.13 Storage-Type Water Heaters. A fixed storage-
type water heater that has a capacity of 450 L (120 gal) or
less shall be considered a continuous load for the purposes
of sizing branch circuits.

lwmcguire · 12-26-2018, 12:52 PM

I have always used the elements from the big box stores, no issues

jcussen · 12-26-2018, 03:05 PM

12.5 amps on a 15 amp circuit is fine. The fact that is probably a dedicated circuit with no possibility of any other load on it is the best part. How many people have plugged their 1500 cube heater into an outlet inside the coach that may have 2 or 3 other outlets connected to it?

hohenwald48 · 12-26-2018, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ascdds

I have a Suburban water heater with a 1440w 120v element that needs to be replaced but I can only find a 1500w element at Lowe’s. Will this be ok or do I need to order a1440 w element?

Don't let the theorists worry you. Make the swap. No problem at all. 1500 watts on a 15A circuit is something you should worry about for a little less than a millisecond in the real world.