An electric water heater is a device that uses electricity to heat water for household or industrial use. It typically consists of an insulated tank, one or more heating elements, and a thermostat. The water is heated by passing an electric current through the heating elements, which raises the temperature of the water in the tank. The thermostat controls the temperature of the water and turns the heating elements on and off as needed to maintain the desired temperature. Electric water heaters are typically more energy-efficient than gas-powered heaters and can be used in areas where natural gas is not readily available.