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RESIDENTIAL GAS AND ELECTRIC WATER HEATER
SERVICE HANDBOOK
Residential Electric – continued
A-6 service – continued
Grounded Element Test – Amperage Method - using “clamp type” Amperage
Meter.
Many multimeters could be used to conduct this test but be certain that the amperage
limits of the multimeter will not be exceeded.
Complaint:
A grounded element is suspected whenever the water temperature becomes
excessively hot and/or the end user must push the high limit reset to reactivate the
heater.
Amperage measures the flow of current through a wire.
Watts divided by volts = Amps
Test Conditions
Wires on the water heater are all connected to their proper terminals.
Power to the heater is "on".
Both thermostats are satisfied.
Clamp the jaws of the Amp Meter around each wire connected to the elements –
one wire at a time.
If …
… then
meter reads the proper amperage (+5, -
10%)
the thermostat is calling for heat.
meter reads approximately ½ of the
proper amperage
replace the element.
meter reads NO amperage thermostat and element are not grounded.
A.O. Smith Water Products Company Technical Training Department
©2005 Ashland City, TN
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