If you’re getting inconsistent hot water from your electric hot water heater you may have a failed heating element.
In this article, we’ll outline the steps you need to follow to test an electric water heater element.
Step 1: Turn off the power to your water heater. This can typically be done by turning off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the unit at your home electrical breaker box.
Step 2: Locate the element in your water heater. The first water heater element to fail is typically the bottom one.
Step 3: Using a multimeter, test the resistance of the water heater heating element. To do this, set the multimeter to the resistance or ohm setting and touch the probes to the element’s terminals.
Step 4: The readings on the multimeter should be between 10 and 50 ohms, depending on the type of element you have. If the readings are much higher or lower than this range, it could indicate that the element is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Step 5: Repeat the process for each element. This will help you ensure that all elements are functioning properly and that there are no issues with your water heating system.
In conclusion, testing an electric water heater element is a simple process that can help you ensure that your water heating system is functioning properly. If you experience any issues during the testing process, it’s important to seek the help of a licensed professional to diagnose and resolve the problem.
