"azjim" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hello,
I am trying to find out the acceptable plus and minus voltage for a
240v water heater. My voltage went up to 250v and whirlpool told me
that is the reason my element burned up. My power provider said it
should be within tolerance. I can't find any + or - specs on their
site.
Thanks,
Jim


IEEE 519 says utilities are to regulate voltages to plus 10 and minus 7%.
Unfortunately the next paragraph says "except for short periods of time".
Is a day a short period of time compared to a year, you get the idea.

Your nominal voltage is probably 240v so a 10 volt increase is about 4%.
Well within the tolerances in the US.

Another case of the help line not having a f'''ing clue.

You do not mention how old the element/heater are. Elements immersed in
mineral rich water tend to last less long as elements in less mineral rich
water. Flushing the heater regularly can prolong the elements life.

Out of curiosity how do you know that the power went up to 250v? Measured by
peak or rms method?
Peak method is not the most accurate method of measuring voltage. RMS is
what I use.