Rewiring water heater? Do both thermostats need to be used?
The thermostat for the bottom element on my water heater no longer works. It failed in the "on" state, meaning it never shuts off, making the water scalding hot, and also tripping the main overheating breaker (the red button on the top element thermostat).
Since the thermostat for the top element still works, I want to simply connect the bottom element to that thermostat.
Are there any drawbacks to this? Increased power consumption? Burning out the top thermostat?
I don't believe there is a safety issue, as the main electrical breaker and the overheating breaker on the water heater itself are both functioning, but if you know of one, please let me know.
Thanks in advance
Top element is 3800 watts, bottom is 3000. Even with both running, the draw is less than 30 amps. No problem for wire or main breaker (10 wire and 30 amp breaker)
Mostly I was wondering if the top thermostat could handle the load.
I know this is somewhat from left field, but I remember when Legionnaire's Disease first hit that hotel in Philadelphia, it was determined that the bacterium was able to grow in the water system because the type of hot water tanks they had didn't heat completely on the bottom and allowed an area of cooler water to be a perfect breeding ground.
It was said at the time that home water heaters didn't have this problem due to the top and bottom heating elements.
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