Water heater kicks reset
#1
03-21-19, 05:58 PM
Water heater kicks reset
I replaced my electric water heater about 5 yrs ago. About every 2 weeks it would kick the reset. I pulled the cover from the top element and did not see anything. I left it off and it did not do it for a year so I put the cover back on. Sure enough a couple weeks later it kicked it again. I have looked for anything that might be coming into contact with the wires but don't see anything. Any ideas? Thanks
#2
03-21-19, 06:52 PM
Group Moderator
Thread moved to the water heater forum.
There could be one of several problems causing the therm-o-disc button to trip.
1) One or both thermostats are set to high.
2) One of the heating elements is electrically leaking to ground.
3) One of the thermostats is defective and not turning off at the correct temperature.
You can visually see what the therrnostats are set for. 120° is ideal....... 140° is MAX.
If those are set correctly you will need a test meter (VOM) to check for element resistances and leaks.
There could be one of several problems causing the therm-o-disc button to trip.
1) One or both thermostats are set to high.
2) One of the heating elements is electrically leaking to ground.
3) One of the thermostats is defective and not turning off at the correct temperature.
You can visually see what the therrnostats are set for. 120° is ideal....... 140° is MAX.
If those are set correctly you will need a test meter (VOM) to check for element resistances and leaks.
#3
03-22-19, 03:55 PM
OK, I have reset to 120, they were both at 140. I put cover back on and will see what happens. Thank you
#4
03-23-19, 11:05 AM
Member
The "Reset" is a high temperature limit switch manufactured by Therm-O-Disc. Thermostats set to 140 degrees shouldn't provide enough heat to trip the limit switch. I'd check for loose connections in the wiring too. Once the limit switch trips a couple times, my experience is they may need to be replaced.
