What is best size circuit breaker for electric water heater?

Question

What is best size circuit breaker for electric water heater?

Answer 1

how many amps does the water heater draw?

Answer 2

it all depends on the wattage your water heater uses?

Answer 3

The best size is going to be the correct size.

If you don't know what you are doing, then stop now, and contact an electrician.  Water + Electricity + Ignorance = Death/Serious Injury.

Most water heaters have electrical data on a nameplate somewhere on the tank.  The average residential one is 240 Volt (2-pole), 30 Amp or so depending on the tank size, max. temp. etc.

Answer 4

A standard size 40 gal. electric water heater will have two 4500/3500 watt elements installed in the tank, which will be controlled by a non-simultaneous upper thermostat, and a lower thermostat.  The upper thermostat won't allow both elements to heat at the same time, so depending on the available voltage at the box, 220/240, the maximum amperage draw is less than 30.   So a double pole 30 amp breaker is commonly used.

Answer 5

if its a 220v dual element, not over 40 gal. use a

30 or 40amp

Answer 6

A double pole 30 amp breaker is used here in the U. S.