OPERATION & SERVICE
Element Sensor Operation
When current (amperage) flows through a wire in an electrical circuit a magnetic field is developed that radiates out from the wire. The individual current sensors detect this magnetic field. When current flows in a wire routed through the hole in one of the individual current sensors, the sensor is activated and sends a signal back to the CCB confirming the presence of current.
The current sensors require approximately 3 AC amps minimum to activate. An active signal from a current sensor only indicates current has been sensed, it DOES NOT indicate the amount or level of current is correct for a given heating element.
As explained on the previous page Element Sensors contain three individual current sensors. The three sensors are installed just above the power circuit fuse blocks. One heating element power wire is routed through a hole in one sensor.
The plug from each Element Sensor plugs into one of three sockets on the CCB. The J12, J13 and J14 sockets are for heating element Banks 1, 2 and 3 respectively. See the images below.
Service Note: The Element Sensors cannot be serviced in the field. If it is determined one of the three individual current sensors in an Element Sensor is defective the entire Element Sensor assembly must be replaced. If current through a heating element has been verified with an AC amp meter (see page 23) and the current sensor for that element does not activate and send a signal to the CCB:
•Ensure the Element Sensor plug and socket connection is making good contact.
•On models equipped with 2 or 3 Banks of heating elements secure power to the water heater and try switching Element Sensor plugs between the J12, J13 and J14 sockets to verify the Element Sensor is defective - a “No Current Detected” Alert message and Status Icon indication should “follow” the defective Element Sensor and report a different heating element is not drawing current when current is expected.
CCB Element Sensor Sockets | Heating Element Wire Routing |
J12 Heating Element Bank 1
J13 Heating Element Bank 2
J14 Heating Element Bank 3
Servicing should only be performed by a Qualified Service Agent
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