TROUBLESHOOTING

Most common cause for improper electric water heater operation can be linked to heating element failure.

When troubleshooting an electric water heater with the incidence of “No Hot Water” or “Insufficient Amount of Hot Water” Its always a good idea to check the heating elements first following the procedure on page 15.

Common Heating Element Failures Are:

1.Dry Firing. Element may be partially submerged in water or most likely, completely exposed with no water in tank. In some cases sediment or lime build up around an element can eventually cause an air pocket, and within seconds, result in a dry fired element. At this point the element becomes inoperative. When element replacement is required, be sure tank is full of water prior to energizing the water heater.

2.Grounded Element. An element with a short circuit to ground will in most cases cause the circuit breaker in the service panel to open or shut off. In some cases there may not be enough current draw for the circuit breaker to open. This will allow the heating element to be in continuous operation resulting in over heated water, limited only by the ECO or Energy Cut Off located in the thermostat. Repeated actuation of the ECO reset button on the thermostat usually is the result of a grounded element.

3.Sediment build up. Slow hot water recovery can usually be traced back to sediment or lime build up around heating element. Sediment build up can also over time cause a dry fired element.

Illustration 1, below shows a common “Screw-In” type heating element identifying certain features commonly referred to throughout this manual.

1-½ Hex

 

Terminal Block

Screw-in Flange

 

 

 

Zinc Plated Copper or

Incoloy Sheath

0642 4500W 240V

RC02404524

Terminal Block

 

 

 

 

Element Rating Ink Stamped

Screw

 

 

 

 

on side of Terminal Block.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illustration 1

 

 

Typical Direct Immersion “Screw-In”

 

 

 

Type Heating Element

 

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Bradford-White Corp M-2-50T6DS service manual Troubleshooting
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M-2-50T6DS specifications

Bradford-White Corp is renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation in water heating solutions, and the M-2-50T6DS model exemplifies this philosophy. Designed to meet the needs of both residential and light commercial applications, this 50-gallon gas water heater is engineered for efficiency, reliability, and ease of use.

One of the standout features of the M-2-50T6DS is its high recovery rate, which is achieved through a powerful atmospheric vent design that allows for quick heating of water. The heater’s 40,000 BTU per hour input ensures that there is always a sufficient supply of hot water available when needed. This makes the unit ideal for households with multiple bathrooms or for commercial settings where high hot water demand is common.

The Bradford-White M-2-50T6DS incorporates a state-of-the-art ignition system known as the Direct Spark Ignition (DSI). This technology provides a reliable start-up with minimal energy consumption, enhancing both safety and efficiency. The DSI system reduces the risk of pilot light outages and simplifies the ignition process, making it user-friendly.

In terms of construction, the M-2-50T6DS is built with a robust design featuring a glass-lined tank for superior corrosion resistance. This durable tank is insulated with CFC-free foam, ensuring optimal heat retention and minimizing energy loss. Coupled with the unit's Energy Factor rating, it reflects Bradford-White's dedication to energy efficiency, offering long-term savings on utility bills.

Another notable characteristic is the heater's integrated thermal expansion tank, which helps manage water pressure and reduces damage to your plumbing system, thereby enhancing the overall longevity of both the heater and your home’s plumbing infrastructure.

Safety is a priority with the M-2-50T6DS as well. The model is equipped with a dual-sensor thermostat that monitors the temperature and adjusts accordingly to prevent overheating. Additionally, it features a temperature and pressure relief valve for added safety, ensuring that the unit operates within safe parameters.

In summary, the Bradford-White M-2-50T6DS water heater epitomizes advanced engineering and high performance. With a focus on efficiency, reliability, and safety, this model is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a dependable source of hot water, demonstrating Bradford-White's unwavering commitment to quality in the water heating industry.
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