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There is no single resistance value for every water-heater element. The expected reading depends on the element’s rated voltage and wattage. A nominal estimate is R = V² ÷ P: a 240-volt, 4,500-watt element calculates to about 12.8 ohms. That is a calculation, not a universal pass/fail specification; check the service instructions for your heater model.
Why the expected ohms depend on the element
Resistance is tied to an element’s voltage and wattage ratings. To estimate its nominal resistance, divide the rated voltage squared by the rated wattage:
Resistance (ohms) = voltage² ÷ wattage
For a nominal 240-volt, 4,500-watt element, the calculation is 240² ÷ 4,500, or approximately 12.8 ohms. Treat this as a calculated estimate—not a manufacturer’s measured specification or a guarantee of the exact reading on a meter. Use the element label and the heater’s service manual to interpret the result.
When 5–25 ohms is the right reference
A 2013 Electronic Thermostat diagnostic-code chart hosted in a U.S. Department of Energy water-heater meeting document says: “Check element circuits for resistance of 5-25 ohms (replace if required).” The chart applies that range to the upper and lower element circuits in the equipment it covers. It is a system-specific diagnostic instruction, not a universal range for all water heaters. Read the DOE-hosted diagnostic document.
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- LWD UNIVERSAL SCREW-IN WATER HEATER ELEMENT - This screw-in, low watt density-style heating element can be used in most replacement situations of the same wattage and voltage. It reduces lime deposit buildup when used in areas with hard water.
- UNIT OF POWER - This Camco water heater element outputs 4500W of power from your 240V appliance.
- CONSTRUCTION AND SIZE - The element features a standard 1-inch NPSM threaded carbon steel bushing, a durable rubber gasket (# 06822), and a fold back-style plated copper tubing. The water heater element fits a minimum tank diameter of 13-inches.
- COMPATIBILITY - Element fits most models of American, AO Smith, Bradford White, Craftmaster (prior to 1991), GE, GS Wood (certain models), Kenmore, Lochinvar, Maytag, Mor-Flo, Reliance, Rheem, Richmond, Rudd, Sears, State, Whirlpool, and hot water heaters manufactured after 1994.
- CERTIFIED WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT PART WITH A WARRANTY - Hot water heater element is UL listed for US and Canada. This WH element includes a limited 1-year warranty.
How to check a reading safely
An ohmmeter or multimeter set to resistance mode can measure an element circuit, but the proper procedure and acceptable limits depend on the heater. The cited diagnostic chart does not establish a complete procedure for every model.
- Follow the service manual for your specific water heater; do not apply another model’s diagnostic range as a pass/fail rule.
- Disconnect electrical power safely before service, and isolate the element as the manual requires before measuring.
- If you are unsure how to de-energize the heater or make the measurement, stop and contact a qualified technician. The diagnostic document describes its brief instructions as intended for a qualified person.
Choosing a replacement element
If the model-specific diagnosis calls for replacement, match the original element’s style and its voltage and wattage ratings. Those ratings may appear on the element flange or terminal block, or on the water heater’s data plate. Do not select a part based only on an ohms reading. Consult the DOE-hosted manufacturer replacement material and confirm compatibility in your heater’s manual.
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- ✅[Comapatible] 100108283 heater element, Screw-In 4500W 240V, replaces 100108284 9000092015 heating element, fits for AO Smith Electric Water Heaters
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Refill and restore the heater before powering it on
The manufacturer replacement instructions call for turning off electrical power before service. After replacement, fully refill the tank and purge air by running a hot-water faucet until water flows steadily. Check for leaks, restore the covers and insulation, and only then restore power. Follow the complete instructions for your model; do not energize an element in an empty or partially filled tank.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Contents】(2) Water Heater thermostats: one is upper and another is lower thermostat. 120V ~ 480V, Temperature Adjustment Range: 90F ~ 150F. Thermo-O-Disc(TOD) Style, can exchangeable with Apcom Style.
- 【Contents】 (2) Copper Heating Elements with Gaskets: 4500W@240 (3800W@208V), Screw-in Type.
- 【Contents】(1) Element wrench socket: One end size 1-1/2-inch hex removing all residential screw-in water heater elements. 5" Length providing the clearance needed for a correct connection and easy loosening.
- 【Application】Plumber's TOD Style Thermostats Kit provides a quick tune-up to prelong the water heater's life. The Tune-up Kits in Plumber's pack has good compatibility, fitting Most Electric Water Heaters.
- 【ONE YEAR WARRANTY】If you find any issue not limited on quality problems, please contact us in time to support or return/refund, we will try our best to solve it for you, please rest assured to buy.
Rank #4
- 2xPack 【CONTENTS】 - Screw-in HWD Universal Water Heater Heating Element - Pack of 2, this thread watt density style heating element can be used in most replacement situations of the same power and voltage. Reduces lime scale build-up when used in areas with hard water.
- 【Power & Material】 Heating Element: 4500W @ 240V, High Watt Density at 240V (W/sq. in. ): 208, Cold Resistance (ohm): 12.80, Outer sheath material: Copper
- 【Dimensions】: Heating Element Diameter 2.5cm, Element Length: Flange to Tip (in. ): 13-9/16", Mounting type: Threaded, Socket size: 1-1/2"
- 【Compatibility】 The Water Heater Element fits most models from American, AO Smith, Bradford White, Craftmaster (before 1991), GE, GS Wood (certain models), Kenmore, Lochinvar, Maytag, Mor-Flo, Reliance, Rheem, Richmond, Rudd, Sears, State, Whirlpool and hot water heaters manufactured after 1994.
- 【ONE YEAR WARRANTY】UL Listed Water Heater Replacement Part with One-Year Warranty:The hot water heater element is UL listed for USA and Canada.
Rank #3
- 【ONE YEAR WARRANTY】Z Turn-up Kit Includes (2) 4500W 240V COPPER Water Heater Element, Insert Length: 13-9/16". 3500W@208V. Fit Most Brands of Water Heater >= 30 Gallons.
- 【ONE YEAR WARRANTY】Includes (1) Upper Water Heater Thermostat, (1) Lower Water Heater Thermostat, 120V ~ 480V
- 【Interchangeable】Therm-O-Disc Type Thermostat, Can interchange with APCOM type.
- 【More Durable】Extra Longer Life of Heating Element with Chromed Coating on the Heating Area
- 【Versatile Fits】The Tune-up Kits in Plumber's pack Fits Most Water Heaters with Dual Elements - Rheem, A.O Smith, Whirlpool, GE, Richmond, Ruud, BRADFORD WHITE; CRAFTMASTER; GENERAL ELECTRIC; GS WOOD; KENMORE; LOCHINVAR; RELIANCE; RICHMOND; STATE; MOR-FLO; APCOM etc
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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