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Author:
wmoran (TX)
Residence has one water heater that maintains water temp of only 95o (5-10 minutes usage drops temp to 88-90o).
Rudd (Rheem) 50 gal 8 yr old with no previous problems. Model PE 2-52-1
1 lower bayonet element 5500 watt, 240v AC, I calculate amps with watts divided by 240 at about 23. Actual test by meter is 19-20o amps running. Appears identical to element replaced.
1 thermostat 120-480v AC, 150-90o F, # 10314NA 0545 non-simultaneous. Appears identical to one replaced.
Although heater and thermostat both appeared to have continuity and worked, they were replaced anyway. Element resistance in old unit 10.5 ohms and new element 10.9 ohms.
Thermostat is set temporarily at about 130o and cuts power to heater on/off by manually moving the set point. Have not cycled it as power is continuously supplied to maintain 95o F.
Flushed tank ~1/2 cup of hard gray scale accumulated in receiver bucket.
Filled tank with all hot water valves open to expel air.
By touch after 24 hr temp @ drain valve is cold, temp @ tank upper port hole plug is barely warm temp @ sink 4 ft from heater is 95o F.
Any ideas? Is there something inside the tank that can cause this? Is the 19-20 amp reading versus 23 amps low enough to cause this?
No change after installing new element and thermostat.
Thank you in advance.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
By you own measurement, the element is 4500 watts. If the elements test at 10.5ish ohms, and the unit has power, I would suspect a bad thermostat, or incorrect wiring
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Author:
North Carolina Plumber (NC)
The top thermostat is being satisfied and sending power to the lower thermostat ?
Are you sure there's not a leak in the hot water piping ?
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Author:
hj (AZ)
From the model number and his description, it probably ONLY has a lower element. WE might have to be there and do our own testing to see what is happening.
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Author:
wmoran (TX)
Appreciate all the perceptive responses. Sorry I didn’t make it clear there is only one bayonet and it is the lower one. As pointed out, the element labeled 5500 watts is operating at 4500; perhaps this is common. Today there appeared a 3’ X 3’ section of wet carpet in master bedroom. Our piping runs are in the slab so lousy luck here. Have shut water heater down temporarily. Thanks for the help.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
good news - you found the cause
bad news - you found the cause
==============================================
"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
TNPlumber (TN)
Wow a lot checking in different ways you've done there.You need to say problem first exactly not what you've done. IE are you running out hot quickly or no hot at all or what?
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