What size breaker do I need for a 240-volt water heater?

30-amp
Electric water heaters require a 240-volt dedicated circuit, which serves only the water heater and no other appliances or devices. The circuit wiring typically includes a 30-amp double-pole breaker and 10-2 non-metallic (NM) or MC cable.

What size breaker do I need for a hot water heater?

Electric water heaters require a dedicated 240-volt dedicated 30-amp circuit and a 10-2 non-metallic (NM) or MC cable. This means the breaker only powers the water heater and no other appliances. A 30-amp circuit breaker can power all 4500watt water heaters regardless of gallon size.

Can I use a 40 amp breaker for a 30-amp water heater?

If you are sure there is (at least) #8 wire all the way from the breaker to the water heater, you can just replace the 30A breaker with a 40A breaker, but if and only if you have verified the size of the wire throughout the entire circuit.

How many amps is a 50 gallon water heater?

18.75 amps
A typical 50 gallon electric water heater runs at 4500 watts. In an electric circuit of 240 volts, 4500 watts is equivalent to 18.75 amps.

How many amps does a 240 volt water heater use?

18.8 amps
Most electric water heaters use 18.8 amps with 240 volts and a 4,500 watt heating element. A gas water heater uses less amps—about 12 Amps with 115 volts. The average residential container heater has a 40-gallon tank and usually requires a 30-amp breaker.

What size breaker do I need for a 40-gallon electric water heater?

A 40-gallon water heater should have an average 4500 Watt capacity and 240 V emf. Thus, a 25 or 30A breaker is sufficient for a 40-gallon breaker. However, for your safety, we recommend getting a 30A breaker.

How many amps does a electric water heater use?

18.8 Amps
The standard amperage for an electric water heater is 18.8 Amps with 240Volts, 4500 Watt. A gas water heater in average uses less than 12 Amps with 115Volts (US and Canada).

What size breaker is needed for a 50 gallon electric water heater?

An electrical water heater typically uses a 30-amp breaker, so something like the Q230 30-Amp Double Pole Type QP Circuit Breaker will do the work well.

What size breaker do I need for a 50 gallon water heater?

The standard for water heater circuits is #10, two conductors with ground (10/2) and a 30 amp circuit breaker for a water heater. If you are running cable anyway, just run #10 and replace the breaker so it’s done right, once and for all.

What size breaker do I need for a 40-gallon water heater?

Is there a breaker on a hot water heater?

You can cut off power to your hot water heater in either one of two ways: Locate your water tank and turn the power to it OFF by pulling the electrical plug out of the wall socket. Another way to turn the power off is to flip the circuit breaker (the breaker that’s labeled “water heater”) to the OFF position.

How do I know what breaker is my water heater?

Most water heaters will have a two pole breaker. This breaker should be marked in your panel. It will usually be between 30 and 50 amps. Turn off the power at the breaker panel.