Feeding hot water to the cold side of an electric WH

[Seasoned Oak]

I was wondering if there is any downside to feeding hot water into the cold side of an electric WH. My boiler produces water that is much hotter than my electric WHs normal setting. So the water will be entering the heater on the cold side very hot at times ,as much as 160 Deg(Est) I use the electric whenever i shut down the boiler which is in all mild weather. I never shut off my electric as they dont last long siitting with cold water in them ,tend to rust out in no time. The electric would actually run less overall as the water coming in is hotter than the setting.

 

[sparkyjim]

I know that when using a recirculation loop, the returning hot water is brought back into the tank via the cold water line. No bad effects.

 

[peakbagger]

My solar how water tank is rheem hot water heater that has copper coil wrapped around it at the factory (and then insulated). It has an upper element and fitting where the lower element would go which I use for thermowell. Other than the, coil its a standard tank. I have never hooked up the element. In the summer the tank can get up to 170 degrees. I don't think there is a problem unless the dip tube isn't rated for the high temp.