OPERATION & SERVICE
Heating Element Voltage Test
This test is typically performed after an amperage test (see page 23) has determined one or more heating elements is not drawing correct amperage.
1Secure power to the water heater at the main breaker or disconnect switch.
2Ensure tank temperature is less than 100°F/38°C - dump water to lower tank temperature if necessary.
3Surface Mount Control Models - raise the temperature settings to ensure a call heat is active for all heating elements. Press the red reset button firmly on all thermostat/ECO controls then raise the temperature setting on all thermostat/ECO controls to 140°F or higher - see page 18.
4Restore power to the water heater.
5Electronic Control Models - adjust the temperature settings to ensure a call heat is active for all heating elements. Raise the Operating Set Point in the Temperatures Menu to 140°F or higher. Set all Heating Element Bank Differentials in the Temperatures Menu to 2°F - see pages 52 and 53.
6Using an AC volt meter; set the volt meter to an AC voltage range above the expected voltage (600 VAC or higher range initially).
7Check voltage between the two terminals on the heating element - see the image below. Record the voltage at all heating elements. Voltage should match the listed voltage on the water heater’s rating label.
8If the measured voltage is zero volts or is not the correct voltage - check power to the water heater (pages 12 - 14), check fuses (page 17). Ensure heating element power circuit wiring is correct (see wiring diagram on water heater). Check thermostat/ECO control(s) supplying power to the heating element on Surface Mount Control models - see page 19. Check contactors on Electronic Control Models (see pages 29 - 33). Check all wiring and connections between the heating elements, contactors, fuses and the power distribution block. Ensure all wiring and connections are tight and making good contact - replace any wiring, fuses and/or contactors that are not working properly, damaged or show signs of excessive wear.
Measuring voltage on an electric heating element. Touch the two volt meter probes to the two terminals on the end of each heating element.
DO NOT TOUCH THE ENDS OF ANY
HEATING ELMENTS WHILE PERFORMING
THIS TEST
Be extremely careful as there will be high voltage present at the wiring terminals on all heating elements during this test.
Servicing should only be performed by a Qualified Service Agent
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