Replacing heat element

I have a Whirlpool 50 Gallon hot water heater and I replaced the 3500watt top heating element with a 4500 watt element. Will this be ok or will it cause damage? Thanks

I really suspect that the original element in a 50 would have been 4500 watts. Has it been replaced before?

The thermostats are undoubtedly rated for at least 4500 watts. The circuit breaker wants to be a 25 amp( or 30), with # 10 wire. ALthough it would have been unusual, but if the original element was really 3500 watts, then it could have been connected to a 20 amp breaker, #12 wire. THAT would be unsatisfactory for the 4500 watt upgrade.

There is no way we can tell what your wiring looks like, but normally a water heater and its circuitry is adequate for 4500 watt elements. The wiring is "beefed up" for 5500 watt elements, however. Replacing the upper element with a larger one, however, usually does nothing to increase the heater's performance, BUT, when the upper element fails, it USUALLY means the lower one is bad also.

Hello, I just wanted to jump in here to thank hj. I saw your comments in another post (now I can't find it!) where you described perfectly what was happening to my son's water heater. Through this forum and some youtube videos, we were able to diagnose a burnt out element, buy a new one and replace it. He now has the hot water restored without a huge repair bill! Hurray!! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom!