Replies

1. 
   renosteinke | Jul 03, 2008 04:51pm | #1

   While you're at it, flush out the water heater. Older ones are often literally half filled with scale - and that crud keeps the controls from working properly.

   If you do find a large amount of scale, start saving for a replacement .... leaks aren't far behind.

1. 
   borgward | Jul 03, 2008 05:04pm | #2

   Not much scale was in it. I flush it out 2 times a year.The bottom element had ruptured, making a loud noise. I am guessing that is what ruined the circuit breaker at the top thermostat. I am guessing that the bottom thermostat is stuck on, causing the water to overheat.

1. 
   borgward | Jul 03, 2008 06:43pm | #3

   I think I found the culprit.I removed the bottom thermostat. I got a water temperature reading of 140F at the bottom of the tank. The temperature was set to the lowest setting. The bottom element was still energized. I got no resistance between the 2 electrical connections on that thermostat. I put it on the electric range in the kitchen and turned the range to Low. The temperature rose to 192F, and the circuit never opened.I am now off to replace it.

2. 
   rasconc | Jul 03, 2008 09:35pm | #4

   I believe that what you are calling a circuit breaker is just a thermal disc that changes from an "inny " to an "outy" when overtemped thus interupting the circuit until manualy pushed back in.

1. 
   borgward | Jul 04, 2008 04:47am | #10

   Yeah, I guess so, but that is how "regular" circuit breakers work. Something in them gets too hot, and they trip. It does break, or open the circuit. What is it called anyway?

1. 
   rasconc | Jul 04, 2008 05:56am | #11

   High limit switch.

   http://www.chilipepperapp.com/troublee.htm

2. 
   DanH | Jul 03, 2008 10:12pm | #5

   FWIW, I added neon lights to the top and bottom elements in our WH. Easy to tell what's wrong by observing the lights and the water temp. (Eg, if water is cold and top light is on then the top element is burned out.)

   It is an ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way. --Rollo May
1. 
   ravz | Jul 03, 2008 10:50pm | #6

   any pics of this?  do you mean LED lights?

1. 
   DanH | Jul 04, 2008 12:49am | #7

   Neon panel lights. Set into the element covers. Had to add a series resistor for the 220V.
   It is an ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way. --Rollo May

2. 
   BillHartmann | Jul 04, 2008 01:44am | #8

   NEON lamps have two wires in a glass tube and they glow oranges/red.They used to be very commonly used as indicator lights. Usually behind
   a red jeweled lense.They are what is used in the little $1.79 electrical testers.Here is one Neon indicator light.http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?parentPage=family&summary=summary&techSpecs=techSpecs&currentTab=features&cp=2032058.2032232.2032295&custRatings=custRatings&features=features&accessories=accessories&productId=3017351&support=support&tab=summary
   .
   .
   A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

1. 
   ravz | Jul 04, 2008 05:44pm | #12

   very slick! sorry for doubting!

2. 
   sisyphus | Jul 04, 2008 02:21am | #9

   Thats cool!

   It never occurred to me to customize the water heater.