Scooterbugg
New Member
I searched forums for this but found no answers:
I have a Rheem Marathon MR85245 85 gallon water heater. 240 volt feed on 30 amp breaker with10 gauge wire. Under “Element Watts“ on the manufacturer’s placard, it reads “4500” for upper, lower, maximum, but it has OEM Rheem 3800 watt elements (stamped 240V 3800W) which is what I’d expect if there was a 12 gauge feed. Heater was made in 2004, we bought place in 2016. Based on previous owner’s feedback, I’m doubtful that they were replaced, pretty sure they were there from original installation. Why would there be 3800’s if feed wiring supports 4500s AND placard says 4500? I understand downgrading to 3800W if feed wiring is limited. Also, is it beneficial to replace both with 4500s? There is a Comverge DCU-S2000 box in series with the power feed that is supposed to allow the electric company to cut power to the heater under heavy load days if that is a factor? I’m not even sure that the power cut box or whatever it is even works. Thanks for the feedback.
I have a Rheem Marathon MR85245 85 gallon water heater. 240 volt feed on 30 amp breaker with10 gauge wire. Under “Element Watts“ on the manufacturer’s placard, it reads “4500” for upper, lower, maximum, but it has OEM Rheem 3800 watt elements (stamped 240V 3800W) which is what I’d expect if there was a 12 gauge feed. Heater was made in 2004, we bought place in 2016. Based on previous owner’s feedback, I’m doubtful that they were replaced, pretty sure they were there from original installation. Why would there be 3800’s if feed wiring supports 4500s AND placard says 4500? I understand downgrading to 3800W if feed wiring is limited. Also, is it beneficial to replace both with 4500s? There is a Comverge DCU-S2000 box in series with the power feed that is supposed to allow the electric company to cut power to the heater under heavy load days if that is a factor? I’m not even sure that the power cut box or whatever it is even works. Thanks for the feedback.
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