How to Test a Water Heater Element

Subscribe and visit our weekly FIX IT Home Improvement podcast on iTunes or Stitcher itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/f...
I show how to test a water heater element with a digital multimeter.
The formula you need to know is to multiply the voltage of the water heater by itself, then divide by the rated watts on the element. If your water heater is 240 volts and the element is 3500 watts, you multiply 240 X 240 which is 57,600, and divide by 3500 to get a value of 16.5. This is the number, you are testing for, plus or minus 2.

[@gregballard7438]

I really appreciate the small arithmetic lesson and how to obtain the correct ohms for your multimeter. I've looked at a lot of videos and this is the first I've seen that explains that. Thanks!

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Glad it was helpful
We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fix-it-home-improvement/id880903087?mt=2

[@gabsave]

So simple, thanks. Formula is Voltage square divided by Watt rating. Just to clarify.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

+Gab Save Thanks.
We have more tips in our home improvement book www.amazon.com/dp/B01BK2K0JM?ref_=pe_2427780_160035660

[@moonhand8311]

Does this apply to 12v DC immersion elements too?

[@TAMUZ1234]

thank you. but so it can be tested, how do i even access and take the element out of the water heater?

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

TAMUZ1234 Hi, you would turn off the power to the water heater. Double check that the power is off at the tank with a tester. Remove the cover to the element. There will be insulation and usually another plastic cover. Take the wires off the element, then test. Let me know if that helps.
We have more tips on our weekly podcast itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fix-it-home-improvement/id880903087?mt=2

[@chadshipman2171]

Can the element be tested while in a tank full of water?

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Yes.We have more tips in our home improvement book amzn.com/B01MRGO8C5.

[@frankvaldez2769]

But does the power have to be shut off when checking the elements???​@@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel

[@joelgoff1071]

When I check my 240/4500 water heater I get 12.5. Does that mean my element is bad

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

12.5 is good. 57600 divided by 4500 is 12.8. The good range is 2 above or below the number, so 10.8 to 14.8 is good.
Check out more home improvement tips in our e-books www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B2KW1FQ9?notRedirectToSDP=1&.

[@jbrown9871]

"How did you calculate "Within 2"? Is this a percentage of the expected value?

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

+J Brown Hi, when I took training from Reliance Water Heaters. This is the formula the pro's use.
We have more tips in our home improvement book www.amazon.com/dp/B01BK2K0JM?ref_=pe_2427780_160035660

[@jeffthompson8663]

No continuity check.

[@joseph-ine452]

You said multiply volts. And divide whats. How is that?

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, the formula is volts squared divided by the watts. If your water heater is 240 volts and the element is 3500 watts, you multiply 240 X 240 which is 57,600, and divide by 3500 to get a value of 16.5. This is the number, you are testing for, plus or minus 2.
Check out some home improvement tips in our e-books www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B2KW1FQ9?notRedirectToSDP=1&.

[@garymorton851]

u do not have to remove the element for this test

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Thanks

[@fayjason]

I did this test on my on-demand water heater. 120vx120v = 14,400 / 1500w= 9.6 I get a 9.9. So this should mean that the heater Element is good. What let’s could cause my heater to not produce hot water?

[@fayjason]

It turned out that my water pressure was too high. It should be around 50psi (ish)