Electric Hot Water Problem

[Bill Forbes]

Tank is 5yrs. old,water is excessively hot all of a sudden.Both reset buttons popped out . After water cooled down, checked elements and thermostats with continuity tester. Thermostats checked out ok, but on both elements, tester did not light. Figuring both elements went bad at the same time, I bought 2 new ones. Before installing them, I checked them out with the tester. To my surprise they did not light up the tester either. I then checked the 2 old ones and the 2 new ones with and ohms meter and the showed to be good. I then decided to go ahead and change both thermostats. After turning on the power to the water heater, it took only about 15 mins. and the water was extremely hot again. Before shutting off the breaker, I checked for voltage to the elements. Both elements had 240 volts going to them at the same time. I felt the tank and the top of the tank was very hot but the bottom was very cold. The element in the bottom is a new one too! I am now stumped to what may be the problem. I always thought that only one element had power to it at a time. Is there any one who knows what the problem may be? Wiring has not been changed. Thanks to whoever can help!!!

[L.K.Participant]

Both elements had 240 volts going to them at the same time. I felt the tank and the top of the tank was very hot but the bottom was very cold. I always thought that only one element had power to it at a time. You are right one element at a time top one first then the bottom one. Elements do not control the application of electricity they merely use it. Relax Think about it Check your controllersThanks to whoever can help!!! Thank Yourself…..Lou

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