Using a "Dump Load" Feature to Heat Water

[GeorgeB71]

I was hoping to use the excess power from the "dump load" circuit to heat water.  Would it be possible to get a regular 120v water heater and hook the wires from the heating element to the "dump load" circuit?  I have a 12 volt system.  Would this be enough to heat up the heating element?  If not, any ideas on how to make a "12 volt" heating element to use in the heater?  Does anyone have any experience with this?  Thanks...

[ghurd]

Ohm's Law.

V=AR

Or E=IR.  Same thing in standard notations.

And Watts = VA = IIR or EI = AAR

That all means a 12V system with a 120V element is a very small dump load. Tiny even.

Now that's been said, it takes a 12V water heating element.

They are made and easy to find.  Unless you deal in "E" or "L" (Euros or Pounds).

Tons of good info.

Go here...

http://www.fieldlines.com/special/google

Enter this...

water-heater dump-load element

G-

[asheets]

Lots of 12V RV hot water heater elements are thread compatible with household 120V hot water heters.  Element replacement would be the way I would go.

[ghurd]

Alan,

I googled my but off. My legs are no longer connected.

This is the best I found. Or with the shortest link.  Sorry. :-(

No idea if the seller is good.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120094091042&ru=http://search.ebay.com:80
/120094091042_W0QQfromZR41QQfviZ1

Some places sell 250~300W(?).  Wish I could find them.

G-

[wiredwrong]

That looks like a stock tank heater, check out this page http://www.hydrogenappliances.com/hotwater.html

[asheets]

Yep, that's what I'm talking about -- except that price is kinda high.  You should be able to find one at any RV or farm supply store.  In fact, I saw one at Home Depot today.