Westinghouse uses industry-standard ¾" screw-in heating elements on storage tanks — fully interchangeable with Rheem, AO Smith, Bradford White, and aftermarket Camco elements at equivalent wattage.
Storage tank elements (WER series)
| Model | Element wattage | Healthy resistance |
|---|---|---|
| WER040 (40-gal) | 4500W upper + lower | ~13 Ω each |
| WER050 (50-gal) | 4500W upper + lower | ~13 Ω each |
| WER080 (80-gal) | 4500W upper + lower | ~13 Ω each |
Tankless elements (WET series)
Whole-house electric tankless uses multiple smaller elements modulated together:
| Model | Element configuration |
|---|---|
| WET-18 | 2× 9 kW elements |
| WET-27 | 3× 9 kW elements |
| WET-36 | 4× 9 kW elements |
Tankless elements are model-specific — order through Westinghouse.
Testing
Use multimeter on Ω across element terminals after disconnecting one lead.
- 4500W storage element: 10-16 Ω healthy
- OL (open) = burned out; replace
- Near 0 Ω = shorted; replace
- Element-to-ground test should read OL — any continuity = shorted to sheath
Storage element replacement
- Power OFF at 240V breaker; verify with voltage tester
- Drain tank to below the failed element
- Disconnect both leads
- Use 1-1/16" element wrench to unscrew
- Install new element with new gasket
- Refill tank — open hot tap until steady (verify no air pocket)
- Restore power only after tank confirmed full
Critical: never power up dry
Dry-fired elements burn out in seconds. Always:
- Verify tank fully refilled before restoring power
- If accidentally powered dry, new element destroyed; warranty doesn\'t cover dry-fire damage
High-watt density vs low-watt density
- HWD: shorter element, factory default. Scales faster in hard water
- LWD: longer element, more surface area. Lasts much longer in hard water. +$5 per element
Switch to low-watt density on replacement in hard water installs.
Cost
- OEM Westinghouse 4500W element: $25-40
- Aftermarket 4500W (Camco): $15-25
- Within 6-year parts warranty: Westinghouse covers element
- Plumber labor if hired: $100-180
Bottom line
Storage element replacement is the most common Westinghouse service task. Universal elements fit. Test before replacing. Never power up dry.