The Mystery of Water Heater Elements!

Did you ever wonder what the heck is the difference between some water heater elements that are made in a fold-back design and those that are straight when both have the same wattage rating? Well, thanks to a new Trouble Shooting Manual by Camco™, the answer is clear. It all has to due with the watt-density construction of the element.

According to Camco the lower the watt-density, the greater the amount of element surface. The heat per square inch of the surface is reduced, but the total surface is increased so that the total heat of the element is the same for a particular wattage. Lower watt-density generally means longer element life and less mineral buildup in a high lime or hard water environment.

High watt-density elements tend to be shorter, straight and less expensive. Low watt-density elements are often fold-back design and accordingly more expensive. The next time you need an electric water heater element call us for a fold-back design by Camco.