Fault Finding (Chart 1.2); Electrical Insulation Testing - Rheem 52S160 Service Instructions Manual

Fault Finding (Chart 1.2)

1.2
Disconnect the leads to the
heating unit from the thermostat
and megger between each
heating element wire and earth.
Reading above
1 mega-ohm
Disconnect remaining leads from
the thermostat and megger
between each terminal on the
thermostat and earth.

Electrical Insulation Testing

There are three basic test procedures that should be carried out when the operation and
function of a water heater‟s electrical system is in doubt.
Test No.2 - Check insulation resistance of Neutral Circuit in water heater. (Reading
not to be below 1 mega-ohm).
1. Isolate power to the water heater by removing fuse. Confirm with multi-meter
across Active and Neutral at the terminal block that voltage is not present.
2. Once satisfied, disconnect the active and neutral wires from the water heater terminal
block.
3. Connect megger leads to the neutral side of the terminal block and earth.
4. Operate megger. A reading above 1 mega-ohm should be obtained.
5. If a reading below 1 mega-ohm is indicated, all component parts will need to be
individually tested to locate the fault.
Test No. 3 - Check Insulation Resistance of Active Circuit in Heater. (Reading not to be
below 1 mega-ohm).
1. Connect megger leads to the active side of the terminal block and earth.
2. Operate megger. A reading above 1 mega-ohm should be obtained.
3. If a reading below 1 mega-ohm is indicated, all component parts will need to be
individually tested to locate the fault.
Test No. 4 - Check "Continuity" of water heater electrical circuit.
1. Set megger to resistance scale or multimeter to x1 resistance scale.
2. If a reading greater than 50 ohms is indicated, all electrical component parts will need
to be individually tested to locate the fault.
3. Reconnect active cable to "A" terminal and neutral cable to "N" terminal at heater
terminal block.
4. Replace fuse. Note: If continuing with flow chart 2 of diagnostic procedure do not
replace fuse.
TM005 Rheem Solar Hiline Service Instructions REV D
D.O.I 20/02/2009
This document is stored and maintained electronically by
Reading below 1 mega-ohm
Reading below 1 mega-ohm
Reading above 1 mega-ohm
16
Service. All printed copies not bearing this statement in RED are deemed "uncontrolled".
Replace heating unit
Rewire fuse if necessary
Replace thermostat
Rewire fuse if necessary
Check for pinched or
damaged wiring touching the
water heater chassis.