Troubleshooting Component Parts; Upper Or Lower Heating Elements; Capacitor; Transformer - Rheem RUUD Iraining Manual

Troubleshooting Component Parts

U p p e r o r L o w e r H e a t i n g E l e m e n t s
How to check for an open element
An open element is a condition where the nichrome filament wire is broken somewhere on the
inside of the heating element and you cannot tell by a visual inspection. The electrical
connection is open and the electrical current cannot flow along the path of the filament.
1. Turn off the power to the water heater. Check for the presence of power with a
multimeter.
2. Remove both wires from both screw terminals of the heating element.
3. Place test probes of the OHM meter on both screw terminals. If the OHM meter does
not register a resistance, the element is open and should be replaced. Ideal resistance is @ 21 to
28 OHMs.
How to check for a grounded element
4. With the power remaining off place one test probe on either of the screw terminals
and the other test probe to the steel inner tank. If the OHM meter registers any resistance, the
element is grounded and should be replaced.
C a p a c i t o r
The capacitor boosts power to help the compressor start and run.
1. Measure for 240VAC on the red wire to the capacitor and the black
wire on the compressor relay.
2. Measure between 352 to 388VAC on the red wire to the capacitor and
the purple wire to the compressor. The capacitor is rated at 370 VAC
±5%.
3. Replace capacitor if defective.
T r a n s f o r m e r
The transformer supplies the power to operate the control
board.
1. Measure for line voltage (240VAC) on the black and
red wires to the transformer.
2. Measure for 24 VAC on the other side at the red and
brown wires.
3. Make sure red and black 24V wires are connected to
the board.
4. Replace transformer if defective.
18
Heat Pump Water Heater

Figure 7 - Capacitor

Figure 8 – Transformer