Re: testing elec. water heater thermostats

Posted by hj on February 19, 2002 at 08:35:22:
In response to Re: testing elec. water heater thermostats
It reads 120 volts because the element is burned out and is shorted out. Since it reads voltage it should also show amp draw and it may be heating at a low level even when the thermostat is off which is why the water overheats. : Water way too HOT!! Trips high limit switch. Reset & I checked upper thermostat w/ volt meter (240 volts) at same time lower thermostat reads 120 volts !!!!??? When upper thermostat is off lower thermostat reads 240 volts. I thought when upper thermostat is ON (240 volts) that lower thermostat is OFF!!(0.0 volts). When : water heater is on (upper thermostat 240 volts)& (lower thermostat 120 volts), Wire (#10-3w/gd & 30 amp. breaker)to water heater becomes VERY warm, & power co. meter is flying @ 90+ mph. I replaced upper thermostat w/ a new one. Same thing! Then replaced lower thermostat w/ a new one. Still the : same thing!!! It is a RELIANCE ELECTRIC 501 w/two 4500 watt heating elements, from local TRUE VALUE HDWE. ANY & ALL HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!! : SINCERELY : JAMES CRATT

Posted by hj on February 19, 2002 at 08:35:22:

In response to Re: testing elec. water heater thermostats

It reads 120 volts because the element is burned out and is shorted out. Since it reads voltage it should also show amp draw and it may be heating at a low level even when the thermostat is off which is why the water overheats.

: Water way too HOT!! Trips high limit switch. Reset & I checked upper thermostat w/ volt meter (240 volts) at same time lower thermostat reads 120 volts !!!!??? When upper thermostat is off lower thermostat reads 240 volts. I thought when upper thermostat is ON (240 volts) that lower thermostat is OFF!!(0.0 volts). When
: water heater is on (upper thermostat 240 volts)& (lower thermostat 120 volts), Wire (#10-3w/gd & 30 amp. breaker)to water heater becomes VERY warm, & power co. meter is flying @ 90+ mph. I replaced upper thermostat w/ a new one. Same thing! Then replaced lower thermostat w/ a new one. Still the
: same thing!!! It is a RELIANCE ELECTRIC 501 w/two 4500 watt heating elements, from local TRUE VALUE HDWE. ANY & ALL HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!
: SINCERELY
: JAMES CRATT

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