Recently installed a new heating element after discovering the old one was not effectively heating the water. Curious as to why the old heating element, with the same ohm reading as the replacement, was not functioning properly.
Have you checked the resistance value of the old heater "upstream," meaning through the heating element and its wiring? It's possible that a loose connection in the circuit was corrected when the heater was replaced. Make sure to verify these components to ensure proper functionality.
When diagnosing an electric water heater issue, it's essential to check the resistance value both at the old heater and throughout the wiring leading to it. A loose connection in the circuit could have been the root cause of the problem, which may have been resolved by simply replacing the heater. In my case, after confirming the presence of 480V at the element, I proceeded to measure the ohms at the element terminals. Surprisingly, the old element may still be in good working condition.
One possible issue may arise when power is first applied to the element, causing it to go open circuit. This could be due to a faulty connection within the element or a malfunctioning element that temporarily opens up when cold. I recall experiencing a similar situation with a bulb that flickered for a moment after being replaced. When I tested the bulb with a meter, it initially seemed fine, but then displayed an open circuit. However, after a brief period, it measured correctly again.
Heater terminals are susceptible to breaking down from heat, high currents, and moisture, which can worsen the problem. It is likely that the terminals of the old heater did not establish a proper connection.
Parky suggested that the issue may be due to the element going open circuit once power is applied, possibly caused by a bad connection or a faulty element that only opens up when cold or powerless. This phenomenon is similar to a bulb Parky once encountered, which appeared fine when tested with a meter but failed once reinstalled. Similarly, Parky recalled a fuse that tested good outside the circuit but opened up when voltage was applied, dubbing it a "Half Blown Fuse." This peculiar behavior was so surprising that Parky kept it as a conversation piece on their desk.
You've pointed out an interesting issue. Even though both heating elements had the same ohm reading, it's possible that the old one was suffering from issues beyond purely electrical resistance. For instance, it could've been hampered by a layer of sediment buildup, which can greatly impair the heat transfer ability even if the electrical resistance appears normal. Additionally, it might've faced some internal damage not reflected in the ohm reading. Keep in mind that ohm readings aren't the only indicators of a heating element's health, so it's crucial to consider these other factors too.
While both heating elements might have the same ohm reading, it's possible that the old one had developed a hot spot through its lifespan and no longer effectively heated the water due to a heat distribution issue. Over time, heating elements can also develop a build-up of residue or scale that can impede their function. Although they might show the same resistance to electrical flow (same ohm reading), their ability to convert electricity into heat can be affected by these physical changes.
It's possible that even though the ohm reading was same, there might have been a buildup of sediment that was lining the old heating element and insulating the water from the heat. This kind of sediment buildup often happens due to hard water and can cause the heating element to underperform over time. A new heating element wouldn't have this issue and therefore performance appears improved. Regular maintenance and periodic cleaning can help prevent such issues in the future.
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Answer: Answer: A heating element may have a good ohm reading but still not function properly due to issues such as corrosion, sediment buildup, poor electrical connection, or a faulty thermostat.
Answer: Answer: The inefficiency of a heating element with a good ohm reading could be attributed to factors like incorrect voltage supply, improper installation, or a malfunctioning heating control system.
Answer: Answer: To troubleshoot such a situation, you can check for continuity, inspect for physical damage, ensure proper electrical connections, verify the voltage supply, and assess the thermostat's functionality.
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