I have a whirlpool E2F30HD035V 30 gallon Electric Water Heater. I need to replace the element(s) but I am unsure what Volts/Watts to buy because:

* The Owner's manual instructs to replace with what is already installed at the factory or to look at the exterior label (photo below). The bottom element (2 photos below) is labeled: "Alternate Rating 2500W 208v"

* But Whirlpool's website says this model has dual 3500 watt elements:
30 Gallon Electric Water Heater | Whirlpool E2F30HD035V

(1) So which do I get?

(2) How do we read the electrical label? It makes no sense! Anyone know how to interpret these?

Thank you!

The top element is not pictured:

 

You need a 3500 watt element at 240 volts. Unless you are living in an apartment in a large building are a mansion you have 240 volts. Even if you had 208v it would be the same element it would just draw less watts because of the lower voltage.

 

Those would be 3500 watt elements you need. They produce lower wattage at lower voltage.

 

Then why does the top one say "3500 watts" and the bottom one say "2500 watts?"

Thank you.

 

The bottom one was probably replaced with the wrong element would be my guess..Probably burnt out and a tech installed whatever he had in the truck...

 

...except I bought it new and installed/plumbed it myself.

I think I figured it out: each element have both 3500 AND 2500 written on them. So I was looking at the top of one but the bottom of the other ...so ONE (each) element says:

"3500W 240V / Alternate Rating 2500W 208V"

...on them. So every heating element has an alternate rating to them.

Thanks everyone ...case closed!

 

The rating in your picture says it is for 208 volts. While it should be 2669 at 208v, 2500 is close. About 2900 at 240v. As Mike said, "what was on the truck".