RESIDENTIAL GAS AND ELECTRIC WATER HEATER
SERVICE HANDBOOK
Residential Electric – continued
Grounded Element Test – Amperage Method – Using “clamp type” Amperage Meter. Many multimeters could be used to conduct this test but be certain that the thermostat is satisfied or the amperage limits of the multimeter may be exceeded.
Complaint: A grounded element is suspected whenever the water temperature becomes excessively hot and/or the end user must push the high limit reset to reactivate the heater.
Amperage measures the flow of current through a wire.
Watts divided by volts = Amps
Conditions
Power on
Thermostats are satisfied
Clamp the jaws of the Amp Meter around each wire connected to an element – one wire at a time.
If … | … then |
meter reads the proper amperage | the thermostat is calling for heat |
(+5, |
|
meter reads approximately ½ of the | replace the element |
proper amperage |
|
meter reads NO amperage | thermostat and element are not grounded |
Note: Amperage will only be indicated while electricity flows through a wire.
A.O. Smith Water Products Company | 44 | Training Department | |
©2002 | Ashland City, Tennessee | ||
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