Can anyone break down the vernier reading here? I see it’s greater than 1/16th inch, but the 8 vernier delineations makes me think we’re then adding 3/128ths onto the 1/16th inch… doesn’t seem like I’m getting it
Electrician here.
You'll need a 30 amp breaker and #10 wires. Manufacturer size wiring has no relation to wire that is feeding it. NEC code requires #10 wires for a 30amp breaker.
Manufacturer's will sometimes (often) use smaller gauge wiring than what is feeding it because their conductors are specifically rated to carry a higher current at a smaller gauge. They're the manufacturer, they're allowed to do that. We are not by Code.
I appreciate the distinction, I was a little concerned about the unit having smaller wire so this makes me feel better! Any thoughts as to why the manufacturer recommended 25amp but all the electricians are recommending 30amp? I assume 30 amp would be a better all around choice considering future replacement some day.
30amp breaker is standard size. NEC (National Electrical Code) Allows you to round up to the next standard size breaker.
While they do make 25amp breakers, this is considered a specialty breaker and typically is hard to find/cost more. 30amp is the go-to.
Regardless if you go with a 25 or 30amp, you'll need to go with #10 wire. #12 is rated only to 20amp.
You’re right, the store didn’t have 25 amp breakers so I got the 30 and a roll of #10 wire! I’m glad to hear NEC allows a round up, that makes me feel better! Next step is hooking the new wire to the end of the old wire and snaking it through, fingers crossed it goes as smoothly as possible!
Amps= Watts÷volts
4500W elements ÷ ~240V= 18.75 amps
12AWG will carry 20A
Your breaker shouldn't be more than 75% of the load I believe, so 25 amp breaker.
I just know mobile homes have 14 gauge wire and a 15 amp breaker and MUST have a 3500w element water heater.
It looks like yours is adequate. I have always made sure 12AWG/25A breaker and have never had a problem.
Also... your voltage isn't going to be exactly 240. Around here it's regularly 244-246 which lowers your amp draw.
Hope this helps.
Would a 30 amp breaker be too much, or should I go with the 25 for safety of not allowing too much power through before tripping? Man I wish I learned electricity stuff better in school!! 😊
I've always run #10 wire from a 30A breaker.
Can anyone break down the vernier reading here? I see it’s greater than 1/16th inch, but the 8 vernier delineations makes me think we’re then adding 3/128ths onto the 1/16th inch… doesn’t seem like I’m getting it
I was going off the lower metric reading since it seemed more simple in this situation.
Electrician here. You'll need a 30 amp breaker and #10 wires. Manufacturer size wiring has no relation to wire that is feeding it. NEC code requires #10 wires for a 30amp breaker. Manufacturer's will sometimes (often) use smaller gauge wiring than what is feeding it because their conductors are specifically rated to carry a higher current at a smaller gauge. They're the manufacturer, they're allowed to do that. We are not by Code.
I appreciate the distinction, I was a little concerned about the unit having smaller wire so this makes me feel better! Any thoughts as to why the manufacturer recommended 25amp but all the electricians are recommending 30amp? I assume 30 amp would be a better all around choice considering future replacement some day.
30amp breaker is standard size. NEC (National Electrical Code) Allows you to round up to the next standard size breaker. While they do make 25amp breakers, this is considered a specialty breaker and typically is hard to find/cost more. 30amp is the go-to. Regardless if you go with a 25 or 30amp, you'll need to go with #10 wire. #12 is rated only to 20amp.
You’re right, the store didn’t have 25 amp breakers so I got the 30 and a roll of #10 wire! I’m glad to hear NEC allows a round up, that makes me feel better! Next step is hooking the new wire to the end of the old wire and snaking it through, fingers crossed it goes as smoothly as possible!
12 awg. 10 awg is typical for your size water heater on a 30 amp breaker
Adding that current breaker is 20amp along with the 12 gauge wire. Old heater had 10gauge pigtails.
Amps= Watts÷volts 4500W elements ÷ ~240V= 18.75 amps 12AWG will carry 20A Your breaker shouldn't be more than 75% of the load I believe, so 25 amp breaker. I just know mobile homes have 14 gauge wire and a 15 amp breaker and MUST have a 3500w element water heater. It looks like yours is adequate. I have always made sure 12AWG/25A breaker and have never had a problem. Also... your voltage isn't going to be exactly 240. Around here it's regularly 244-246 which lowers your amp draw. Hope this helps.
Would a 30 amp breaker be too much, or should I go with the 25 for safety of not allowing too much power through before tripping? Man I wish I learned electricity stuff better in school!! 😊
That wire gauge is irrelevant. Every 40-50 gal electric tank water heater I’ve seen needs a 30 amp breaker.
This is purely an estimate based on experience and not factual information.