How to Check Electric Hot Water Elements
- 1). Turn off the power supply at the circuit breakers.
- 2). Locate the electrical access panels on the tank. There will be one next to each element. Remove the top access panel with a Phillips head screwdriver. Remove any insulation that may be over the element.
- 3). Remove the two wires that are screwed into the terminals of the element. Bend them out of your way.
- 4). Touch the red and black probes of your Ohm meter or multimeter to the terminals of the element. If you are using a multimeter, make sure it is set on "RX1." If the reading is less than 50 ohm, the element is working properly. If it reads higher, or infinity, the element will need to be replaced.
- 5). Use the multimeter to obtain a reading from the terminals of the element to its metal casing. This will check for a possible short circuit. If the meter shows any continuity, a short circuit exists and rewiring will be necessary. Replace the access panel.
- 6). Check the lower element using the same procedures.
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