Wiring Water Heater Lower Element

Lower element of electric hot water heater does not come on.

Wiring water heater lower element. This video shows how to replace a water heater element. When a water heater no longer produces hot water the upper element on a double element water heater could be the culprit. When reconnecting the wires to a heating element it is very important that you do so in all the right spots. Remove access cover and fold back insulation.

The lower connector 4 has a black wire going to the line side of the lower thermostat. As hot water is drawn from the top of the tank the dip tube delivers cold water to the bottom of the tank see figure 3. In a house that was wired any length of time back you probably dont have the right wiring for this configuration even if you get a new hot water tank. See my channel for a video on how to test a water heater element.

In the above diagram i shown that the upper water heater element is switched off and lower heater element is switch on. The bottom left connector has a yellow wire to the upper heating element. Electric water heater lesson wiring schematic and operation. The lower element continues to heat until the water temperature in the lower portion of the tank is heated to the lower thermostat setting see figure 2.

Note that these element is 220 volts ratings and you can also 440 volts heater elements but you need to provide the line supply my mean to lines or two hot wires supply 440 volts. How to reconnect the wires to a heating element on a water heater. Shut off electric power to water heater. Shut off cold water supply to water heater open hot water faucet attach hose to drain valve open drain valve on water heater and drain water.

Be sure to use the same wattage voltage and flange style as your previous element. Great closeups with movie and slides. An electric water heater uses one or two heating elements to heat the water inside the tank. The middle connector on the right side has the blue wire to the upper element and the red wire to the lower element.

But your electric water heater wiring may differ in that it may have only one heating element or the two element heater may operate the heaters individually non simultaneous or your unit could be a 120v heater less common at residential buildings or even a three phase installation more likely at larger heaters and commercial installations. If your water heater produces some hot water but not nearly as much as it should suspect the lower element.