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Hot Water Heater Reset Button Trips

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jamie_8
jamie_8 Member Posts: 1
in THE MAIN WALL
Hi,
I have a Bradford-White Electric Hot Water heater (50 galllons). It works well but about every other day the reset button trips and it stops making hot water. Once I press the reset it starts working again for another day or so.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Jamie

Comments

  • techheat_2
    techheat_2 Member Posts: 117
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    Probably

    a bad element. Electricity is just about the worst way to make hot water, might be a good time to consider better options.

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  • Steve Paul
    Steve Paul Member Posts: 83
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    water heater re-set

    The thermal overload is most likely tripping due to reaching the high limit safety. This is a safety device that prevents extremely hot scalding water. It is not caused by a bad element. A bad element would cause less hot water not too high a temperature. You have a bad thermostat that is not shutting down at the preset temperature, it is causing overheating. The safest thing is to shut the power, lock it out and replace both thermostats.
  • John Abbott
    John Abbott Member Posts: 356
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    Good advise.......

    I would suggest taking it.
  • John Abbott
    John Abbott Member Posts: 356
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    Good advice...

    jamie I would suggest following his instructions.

    John
  • John Starcher_4
    John Starcher_4 Member Posts: 794
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    Minor correction.....

    .....if an element is completely burned out, you are right that it won't cause the high limit to trip.

    I have seen many times, however, elements that are "a little" bad, but not burned out. If the element develops a partial short to ground (the water in the tank), it can "bleed" current through portion of the the circuit that the thermostat does not switch, into the water. This creates a contstant heating effect, even if the thermostat is working properly.

    You can tell with a continuity meter if this is happening.

    Starch
  • Glenn Harrison_2
    Glenn Harrison_2 Member Posts: 845
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    Wow, Thanks for that little tidbit, Starch

    I work on electric WH and every time I have had a limit trip, I put new t-stat's on and it's been fine. But If you have seen what you stated above, I will be sure to check that in the future.
  • Ken D.
    Ken D. Member Posts: 836
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    Reset

    I agree, its probably the t-stat. Replace both. To check elements, take amperage readings on both. They should be about the same. If there is amperage when stat is satisfied, then replace that element as that would indicate the element "bleeding" as peviously noted.
  • John Starcher_4
    John Starcher_4 Member Posts: 794
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    Just make sure...

    that you read the amperage on the "unswitched" wire, not the one going through the thermostat

    Starch
  • Mark Eatherton1
    Mark Eatherton1 Member Posts: 2,542
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    You serious??

    Not trying to ruffle your feathers John, but in my 30 plus years of doing this, I've never heard of that. But it won't be the last time i've been wrong about electricity...

    Can you draw me a picture of this phenom?

    I'm just starting to hook up elements on electric water heaters for these Geo jobs we're doing.

    I was always taught that elements were like light bulb elements. They're either good, or bad. Kinda like being pregnant. You either are, or you aren't:-)

    Learn me up my friend, I needs the knawlidge;-)

    ME

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  • John Starcher_4
    John Starcher_4 Member Posts: 794
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    Ok, I'll try this....

    ....please excuse the crude artwork - I don't have a good drawing program!!!!

    Starch
  • Weezbo
    Weezbo Member Posts: 6,232
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    electric?

    the thermostats may not or one of the thermostats may not be actually reading the tank temp,some times its because its "Floating" and not in directcontact with the surface of the tank.
  • Mark A. Taylor - Director of Technical Support & T
    Mark A. Taylor - Director of Technical Support & T Member Posts: 3
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    Resetting electric thermostats

    Jamie,

    The symtoms you stated most likely is a thermostat issue (calibaration or operational issue). As stated in another reply, the power should be disconnected and the thermostat be replaced. Information regarding electric thermostats and elements can be faxed directly to you via our Bradford White Corporation fax on demand service. You can access this service by simply calling (888) 538-7833 and querying the appropriate Field Service Bulletins. For your reference, you'll want #107, 118, 119, 120 & 125.

    Although rare, a grounded element can produce excessive water temperatures and will either trip the ECO (energy cut-off) in the upper thermostat or cause the termperature & pressure relief valve to open. To check for this condition, turn off power to the unit, disconnect the wires from the element, with your multimeter set to ohms, touch one terminal with one probe & touch the tank with the other proble. If you get a "closed" or low resistance reading, the element is bad and must be replaced.

    I hope this helps. Should you have further questions are would like more information, please contact me via e-mail or feel free to contact Bradford White's technical service line at (800) 334-3393.

    Regards,

    Bradford White Corporation

    Mark A. Taylor
    Director of Technical Surpport & Technology
  • Ken D.
    Ken D. Member Posts: 836
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    Amps

    Agreed.
  • Mark Eatherton1
    Mark Eatherton1 Member Posts: 2,542
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    THanks Starch...

    I learn something new every day.

    ME



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  • Andy1201
    Andy1201 Member Posts: 1
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    Help

    Hot water heater reset  button trips dailey.  Whats up?

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