Power Source for Water Heater Element?

AI Thread Summary
A user inquires about using 8 AA batteries in series to power a water heater element, seeking a 12V source for radiant heat. Responses clarify that standard water heater elements require significantly more power, typically 110V or 220V, making a 12V battery setup inadequate. The consensus is that 8 AA batteries would not sustain the element's power needs for any meaningful duration. The discussion emphasizes the impracticality of using low-voltage batteries for this application. Alternative power sources or methods are suggested for heating elements.
rollingideas
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hi guys I am looking to find a source of radiant heat about 2 inches wide and 6-8 inches long and i got to thinking if i hook up 8 AA batteries in series it should produce 12v needed to power the element of a water heater, my question is will this power source work to run the element? thanks
 
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What kind of water heater runs on 12 volts?
 
Averagesupernova said:
What kind of water heater runs on 12 volts?
Real little I guess.
 
Averagesupernova said:
What kind of water heater runs on 12 volts?
lol no, i don't want to power the heater, just the element. i want to know if the batteries would power the element alone.
 
rollingideas said:
lol no, i don't want to power the heater, just the element. i want to know if the batteries would power the element alone.

The largest power requirement in a water heater is by far the heating element, and it will use straight 110V power (or 220V outside US).

So no a 12v source will not power it, and especially not for any appreciable length of time with only 8 AA batteries.
 
thanks, back to the drawing board lol
 
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