Water Heater Diversion Load

12/120 volt water heater element

Containing both a 12 volt and a 120 volt element, this water heater element can be used for diverting excess energy (say from a wind generator), turning the excess into hot water. The threaded portion is one inch by 11 threads and fits most US made water heaters. The 12 volt part is 300 watts and the 120 volt side is 500 watts. A typical original element is about 1000 watts, so it will take at least twice as long to heat a tank of cold water from shore power, inverter or gen-set.
With a switch the 12 volt side can be used as needed. It is even possible to use both the 12 and 120 volt elements at the same time.

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