Water heater question

[Truxx1956]

Hey guys, I bought a small water heater (I think its about 15 gallon) thats 110v for my garage. I was wondering if I could change the element and switch to 220v or if thats a dumb idea? The reason I ask is the cost of running a 110v water heater over a 220v? And I have a 220v plug close enough to run it from. I'm very paranoid of fires and stuff and I thought since 220v would obviously be less amperage and more efficient it "may" be less likely to be fire prone? I got this thing at a garage sale and it was new at the time. The people had bought it for their trailer and used it 3 months and sold the trailer (it was junk) and they kept the water heater. It looks like brand new. The main reason I even want a water heater is so I dont have to wash my hands in cold water. That's pretty much it.

Thanks for any advice

 

[Stuart in MN]

First of all, what's the make and model of the water heater, and how many watts? If it doesn't have a wiring diagram on the access panel you can probably find information on their website. They may have provisions for running it on either voltage.

Secondly, it's not going to cost any more to run it at 110. You pay the power company for kilowatt-hours, and that will be the same regardless of the voltage. Watts = volts x amps, and if it's operated at 220 the amperage is half what it is at 110, so the end result is the same. There won't be any difference for fire hazards either way, either, as long as it's installed correctly.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

The advantage to 240V is the ability to put in a higher wattage element, for faster heating and recovery. The 120V is probably 1500 watt, most likely minimal for 15 gals, slow recovery. I have a 2 gal with 1500 watts and eventually want to put in a 20 gal with about 3500 watts. Most heaters will accomodate higher amperages, make sure the thermostat is capable of the higher amp load if you change out the element.

Charles

 

[Aceman]

Hey guys, I bought a small water heater (I think its about 15 gallon) thats 110v for my garage. I was wondering if I could change the element and switch to 220v or if thats a dumb idea? The reason I ask is the cost of running a 110v water heater over a 220v?

From a cost standpoint there is no reason too. Meters read kilowatts all the same.

 

[Truxx1956]

Thanks guys, I'll probably leave it alone and just run 110v to it. As I said its almost new. Its a Whirlpool brand and its got a 1500 watt element in it. I'm not exactly sure what gallon size it is, I couldnt read it where its sitting. (its up on a wall) I've had it a while and never got around to finishing the wiring to it. I only wanted it so I could wash my hands in hot water instead of COLD water.

I was just always told that a 110v would cost alot more to operate than a 220v

Thanks again