![]() ![]() ![]() When a circuit is closed it means current is flowing flawlessly through it in a loop but an open circuit is one which as its name suggests is non-continuous. In a simple language, a continuity test is test done to check if a circuit is closed or open. In this test, we will use the continuity test. Let us now look at how you test if a water heater heating element is good or bad using a multimeter. How to Test a Water Heater Element with a Multimeter Note: If your water heater reset button or breaker keeps tripping check out this post on how to fix it. Turn the power supply back on at the circuit breaker or reconnect the gas supply for a gas water heater.Reattach the access panels or covers that were removed earlier to access the heating elements.If the elements are functioning correctly, securely reconnect the wires to their respective terminals on both the upper and lower elements.If the reading shows “OL” or is significantly outside the specified range, the lower element is likely faulty and needs replacement.Look for a resistance reading within the specified range.Repeat the same testing process for the lower heating element by disconnecting its wires and using the multimeter probes on its terminals.If the reading shows “OL” (overload) or is significantly outside the specified range, the upper element is likely faulty and needs replacement.Check the multimeter for a resistance reading within the specified range. Place one multimeter probe on one terminal and the other probe on the other terminal of the upper heating element.Disconnect the wires from the upper heating element (typically two wires connected to two terminals).Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the expected resistance range. Turn on the multimeter and set it to measure resistance or ohms (Ω).Confirm there is no electrical power or gas supply to the water heater by using a non-contact voltage tester or voltage detector.These panels are usually located on the side of the tank. ![]() Remove access panels or covers on the water heater that provide access to the heating elements.Gather the necessary tools and materials, including a multimeter (set to measure resistance), a screwdriver, and safety gear like gloves and safety glasses.Allow the water heater to cool down if it has been recently in use.Turn off the power supply to the water heater at the circuit breaker or disconnect the gas supply for safety.Here is a quick guide on how to test a water heater element for continuity: A good element should have a resistance of between 10 and 16 ohms. Set your multimeter to the lowest setting and put its probes on each of the element’s 2 terminals. To test a water heater element, turn off the power to the unit and remove the element cover plate. Both elements are always in communication and if there is a problem with one element it will affect how your water heater works. Replacing a heating element is a relatively quick and cheap fix to water heater problems.An electric water has 2 heating elements, an upper heating element and a lower heating element. Gas-powered water heaters use a burner to heat the water, which can also decline with age. Heating elements usually last around 6 to 10 years, at which point the electric connections can go bad. The heating element of your electric water tank is a metal tube or coil that conducts the energy to create a temperature increase. Ideally, the thermostat should be set between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water heater thermostat wasn’t originally set correctly or accidentally got changed, the water from your faucets will not be able to reach adequate levels of heat. The loss of heat may be due to a couple of inexpensive problems that can be easily repaired: a misadjusted thermostat or a broken heating element.īefore getting too worried about having to spend thousands of dollars on a new water heater, take a look at your unit’s thermostat settings. One of the most common water heater complaints is that the water never heats up or starts warm but quickly turns cold.
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