Element Test - Continuity - State Water Heaters RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC WATER HEATER Service Handbook

OHMS Resistance Check**
Disconnect wires from the element terminals.
NOTE: OHM readings may vary by up to
7.5% depending on the meter and the
element. Always check meter for proper
operation by touching probe ends together.
Test Conditions:
This test uses the multi-meter's battery as the
electrical supply.
Procedures:
Power to the water heater is "OFF".
Multi-meter set to OHMS scale testing.
Black lead "Common" port.
Red lead in "Ω" or "OHMS" port.
Dial indicator set to scale above expected indication.
Note: Volts divided by Amps = OHMS
÷
18.75 Amps = 12.8 OHMS
Example: 240V.
Continuity Check**
Same as above but with meter set to continuity scale.
If the meter has an audible indicator, listen for sound..
Test probe on each terminal of an element
Rated
Voltage
600
120 23.2
208 72.1
240 92.8
277 128
Rated
Voltage
3000
120 4.64
208 14.4
240 18.6
277 25.6
480 76.8
** The above tests can also be conducted with the element removed from the tank.
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Technical Training Department
Ashland City, Tennessee ©2004
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC WATER HEATER
SERVICE HANDBOOK
ELEMENT TEST – RESISTANCE/CONTINUITY
Resistance of Element in Ohms (± 7.5%)
Rated Wattage
750 1000
18.6 13.9
57.7 43.3
74.3 55.7
102 76.7
3500 4000
12.4 10.8
15.9 13.9
21.9 19.2
65.7 57.5
8 of 36
Element
1250 1500
11.1 9.28
34.6 28.8
44.6 37.1
61.4 51.2
Rated Wattage
4500 5000
9.61 8.65
12.8 11.1
17.1 15.3
51.1 45.7
Residential Electric Svc Handbook
12.8
2000 2500
6.96 5.57
21.6 17.3
27.8 22.3
38.4 30.7
5500 6000
7.85* 7.2
10.1* 9.28
14.0 12.8
41.8 38.4
STC082