What causes a water heater to trip a circuit breaker?

An unfortunately large number of things could potentially be causing a water heater to trip a circuit breaker in your home. Find out what’s causing a water heater to trip a circuit breaker with help from an area manager for Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Service’s Independent Contractors Division in this free video clip.

Where is the main circuit breaker located in the House?

Your main circuit breaker is on your electrical service panel box. If you are wondering where it is located in your house, look for the electrical service panel box in your basement or garage. Sometimes they are near your water heater or near the laundry.

What happens when a branch breaker gets tripped?

A faulty branch breaker can cause the main breaker to trip as a secondary precaution. If the main circuit breaker gets tripped you must reset it correctly to avoid a surge to your system. When power is restored, any branch breaker that is “on” will engage the circuits driving motor.

How does an electric water heater heat water?

As we mentioned above, electric water heaters use two “elements” that heat the water. These elements are basically metal loops inside the tank that house electric wires. As current runs through these wires, the elements heat up and warm the water.

What would make the hot water heater throw a breaker?

There are three possible explanations for a breaker being tripped by a hot water heater: water dripping on the electrical lines , a problem with the unit’s thermostat or a problem with the breaker . A malfunctioning thermostat is the most common cause.

Why does a water heater keep Tripping the breaker?

If the water heater has two elements , as most electric water heaters do, both elements remaining on at the same time can overload the circuit. The circuit will then draw too much current and get hot, causing the breaker in the breaker box to trip. The thermostats can be tested with a multimeter. Make sure the power to the water heater is off.

Why does my water heater trip the circuit breaker?

If the water heater has two elements, as most electric water heaters do, both elements remaining on at the same time can overload the circuit. The circuit will then draw too much current and get hot , causing the breaker in the breaker box to trip.

How do you troubleshoot a water heater?

Troubleshoot water heaters giving warm water or small amounts of hot water. Check the temperature setting. Adjust the setting with a slotted screwdriver if necessary. Set the temperature between 110 and 125 degrees F. Check the cold intake tube and fastener ring.

Why does my electric water heater stop heating?

As we’ve discussed, most electric water heaters have upper and lower heating elements. They work together to keep the water hot. This is especially important in larger tanks. Usually, when a heating element fails it stops heating and water is colder than normal.

What should I do if my HW breaker keeps tripping?

I suggest you call an electrician before your home burns down. HWS should always be on its own circuit for a start. Sounds like someone has wired it to a power circuit, which are normally 16/20 amp. Of course it was tripping, your circuit is being overloaded. Now you have removed the protection by upping the CB to 30amp. Dumb thing to do.

Can a standard power circuit handle an electric heater?

A standard power circuit cannot handle a hws and an electric heater. Right now your pumping more power through the circuit than it can handle, which runs through your nice flammable walls. You do understand the wires can get red hot don’t you?

What does it mean when your hot water heater trips a circuit breaker?

When the hot water heater continuously trips a circuit breaker in your home, it’s a sign that there’s a potentially dangerous problem that needs immediate attention. Simply turning the breaker back on will not solve the problem.

What happens when an electric water heater goes bad?

When they go bad they sometimes get stuck in the on position. This causes the heating element, or both heating elements, to remain on and continuously heat the water. If the water heater has two elements, as most electric water heaters do, both elements remaining on at the same time can overload the circuit.

Why does my water heater keep Tripping the limit switch?

The most likely cause of the limit switch tripping is a bad thermostat. Water heaters with two elements have two thermostats: one for each element. The thermostats communicate with each other to ensure that only one element is being heated at a time. When they go bad they sometimes get stuck in the on position.

What to do if your hot water heater flips?

In this case, the thermostat should be replaced. It may be worthwhile to replace the heating element at the same time. A leak that allows water to come in contact with any of the electric components is dangerous and can cause the breaker to flip.