This is for testing only, maybe for a minute.

 

I have an 8000W water heater with a defect part. According to the service technician it will take about 2 to 3 months before I will get a spare part - free on warranty.

But because I don't want to live in "winter" for a couple of months without hot shower I bought a new water heater, and I installed it where the defect water heater used to be.

 

Now I expect to get a call in maybe 2 months that the technician will have the new part and visit me to install it. And obviously it would make sense to test this.

But I don't really want to remove my new water heater just to install and test the old water heater and then reverse that again.

 

The 8000W heater needs max about 36A, way more than a normal power outlet with 16A breaker supplies.

So long term this wouldn't work.

The question is, could I temporary connect this thing to a water supply and 16A breaker 2.5sqmm cable to test it for a minute, maybe just opening the water a little so that less power is consumed?

When the water is warm, test done, disconnect, all done.

 

Good idea?

 

It would be great if only people with electric knowledge answer this questions. Thanks

And yes, I have enough electric knowledge that I know this would probably "work". But is it a good idea? Any alternatives?

 

If you run your heater on one of the lower power settings (3,500W) you'll be good.

 

Your 16A breaker at 36A will trip in about 30 seconds.

 

You could hook it up temporarily with a 32A breaker on the 2.5mm2 for a couple of minutes.