From: oj@invalid.invalid   
      
   "The Streets"  wrote in message   
   news:AbKdnX3LSvVB7M3MnZ2dnUVZ_rednZ2d@earthlink.com...   
   > "Rich."  wrote in message   
   > news:kippqg014oo@news3.newsguy.com...   
   >>   
   >> "The Streets"  wrote in message   
   >> news:IPidnX4DQZxJxs3MnZ2dnUVZ_tednZ2d@earthlink.com...   
   >>>I have a pool water tankless instant heater that has two elements,   
   >>> each fed by a 220v 40amp double breaker.   
   >>>   
   >>> When I measure the current to each element it is around 35amps.   
   >>   
   >> The maximum current draw for fix equipment is not supposed to exceed 80%   
   >> of rating of the circuit. In your case the maximum is 32 amps per 40 amp   
   >> circuit and you're a good 10% over that. The excessive draw over time   
   >> likely has weakened the breakers. The easy fix is to replace both   
   >> breakers. The correct fix is to upgrade the wiring to 50 amp circuits.   
   > Thanks for the suggestions.  Upgrading the wiring is probably cost   
   > prohibitive   
   > due to the distance from the panel, etc.   
   >   
   > I'll at least try replacing the breakers first.   
   >   
      
   Keep in mind that the circuit breaker might have been protecting the   
   existing wiring.  Upsizing it might let the wiring overheat.  If you know   
   some or all of the following and want some thoughts, let us know:  Do you   
   know what AWG the existing wiring is?  What type?  And how is it installed   
   (is it all in the same room, and surface mount?  Or does it go underground,   
   either direct buried or in a conduit)?  While we're at it, how far is it   
   (wiring length) from the circuit breakers to the heaters?   
      
   j   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)