Are water heater elements universal?

+1 vote
asked Oct 4, 2017 in Do it yourself by Sheena r (250 points)
Are water heater elements universal?

My water heater needs new heating elements and I'm wondering if I need a specific heating element for my electric water heater or can I just use any electric heating element for the water heater?

1 Answer

0 votes
answered Oct 4, 2017 by Mechanic21 (29,150 points)
Mostly water heater elements are universal. But there is a difference in some of them.

Some water heaters are only 120 volts and will require a 120 volt heating element and the 220 volt water heater element will not work in the 120 volt water heater.

Then there's the 220 volt water heaters that require the 220 volt water heater elements.

If your water heater has 2 elements then it's most likely a 220 volt water heater and will require you to get the 220 volt heating elements.

If in doubt take the old heating element with you to the hardware store to get a correct replacement water heater heating element.

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