Heating Element
Replacement
WARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard
Disconnect power before servicing.
Replace all parts and panels before operating.
Failure to do so can result in death or electrical shock.
Replacement heating elements must be of the same style and voltage/wattage rating as the ones originally in the water heater. This information can be found on the flange or terminal block of the element or on the water heater data plate.
1.Turn off the electric power to the water heater.
2.Drain the water heater as directed under “Draining and Flushing” section.
3.Remove the access cover(s), then remove the insula- tion and element cover(s). Remove the plastic guard covering electric wiring.
4.Disconnect the electric wires from the heating element (See Figure 13). Remove the
Figure 13
Element Wiring
Connection
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| Lower Thermistor |
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| Sensor |
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| Wires |
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Ground |
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Wire (green) |
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| Element | ||||||
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Screws
5.Clean the area with a soft cloth to remove any debris where the gasket fits to the tank. If replacing the bot- tom element, remove the accumulated sediment on the bottom of the tank. Refer to “Draining and Flush- ing.”
6.Make sure the replacement element has the correct voltage and wattage rating. Lubricate the new gasket with a few drops of dishwashing soap, position the new gasket on the element and insert it into the water heater tank (See Figure 14). Tighten the element by turning it clockwise until secure.
Figure 14 | Lower Thermistor Sensor | ||||||||||||
Element and Thermistor | (Must Have Good Contact With Tank, | ||||||||||||
Sensor | Check After Replacing Element) | ||||||||||||
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| Sensor Bracket | |
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Gasket
Tank
7.Close the drain valve. Open the nearest hot water faucet and allow the tank to fill completely with water. To purge the lines of any excess air and sediment debris, keep the hot water faucet open for 3 minutes after a constant flow of water is obtained. Close the faucet.
8.Check for leaks around element(s) and other connec- tions.
9.Connect the electric wires to the heater element. make sure all wires are secure. Reinstall plastic guard covering wiring.
10.Replace the insulation and access door(s).
IMPORTANT: Operation of this water heater without access doors or insulation could result in much higher temperatures than the desired set point, increasing the risk of scald injury. Do not operate water heater with the access doors or insulation removed.
11.Reconnect the electric power to the water heater.
12.Turn the electrical power on to turn the water heater on. NOTE: the water heater will conduct a system diagnostic prior to operation.
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