If you’ve noticed that your electric water heater keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it can be a frustrating issue. A tripped breaker is a safety mechanism designed to protect your electrical system from overheating, short circuits, or other dangerous conditions. While this is a crucial function, frequent tripping of the breaker is not normal and requires attention. Understanding why this happens can help you prevent future issues and ensure your water heater operates efficiently. Here are some common reasons why your electric water heater might be tripping the circuit breaker and if you need the consultance with best plumbers in nj:
1. Faulty Heating Element
The heating elements in your water heater are responsible for heating the water. Over time, these elements can degrade, accumulate mineral deposits, or become damaged. If one of the elements develops a short circuit, it can cause an overload of electricity, which will trip the breaker. In some cases, a shorted heating element might cause an electric shock or even a fire hazard, so it’s essential to have it inspected and replaced if necessary.
2. Worn-Out Thermostat
The thermostat regulates the temperature of the water in your heater by controlling when the heating elements turn on and off.
If the thermostat becomes faulty, it may cause the heating element to overheat, leading to an electrical overload. This can cause the breaker to trip as a protective measure. A malfunctioning thermostat might also cause the water temperature to rise too high, potentially scalding you or damaging the system. Contact Zeek Plumbing at (866) 635-0200 or use our book online feature to fix or replace your thermostat.
3. Electrical Overload
Water heaters require a lot of electrical power to operate, typically drawing anywhere between 3,000 to 5,000 watts. If your water heater is connected to a circuit that’s already handling other electrical appliances, it could be drawing too much power, causing the circuit breaker to trip. An overload may occur if the circuit is too small or there are too many devices on the same line. Ensuring that your water heater is on its dedicated circuit is vital to prevent this issue.
4. Ground Faults
A ground fault occurs when there is an unintended path between the electrical current and the ground. This can happen if the water heater’s wiring becomes damaged or the insulation around the wires wears out.
A ground fault can lead to a short circuit, which will trip the circuit breaker to avoid electrical fires or other hazards. If you suspect a ground fault, it’s important to have the wiring inspected and repaired by a professional electrician.
5. Loose or Corroded Wiring
Wiring issues can also cause your water heater to trip the circuit breaker. Over time, wires can become loose or corroded, creating resistance in the electrical current. This can cause overheating or arcing, which can trip the breaker. It’s crucial to check for any visible signs of wear, such as frayed wires or corrosion on the terminals, and address these issues before they lead to more serious electrical problems.
6. Faulty Circuit Breaker
Sometimes the issue may lie not with the water heater, but with the circuit breaker itself. If the breaker is old, worn out, or malfunctioning, it may trip unnecessarily, even when there is no overload or fault in the system. A faulty breaker can give false readings, cutting off power to your water heater when it’s not needed. In such cases, the circuit breaker will need to be replaced. Zeek Plumbing replaces circuit breakers, and you can call at (866) 635-0200 or use our book online feature.
7. Improper Installation
If your electric water heater was installed improperly, it could lead to various electrical problems, including frequent breaker trips. Issues like incorrect wiring, improper grounding, or using an undersized breaker can cause electrical overloads. If you suspect installation errors, it’s essential to contact a licensed electrician to inspect and correct any issues.
What Should You Do?
If your electric water heater keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it’s important to act quickly to avoid potential damage or safety hazards. Start by turning off the power to the water heater and checking for visible signs of problems. If you’re unsure of the cause, or if you suspect a malfunction with the thermostat, heating element, or wiring, contact a professional electrician or Zeek Plumbing at (866) 635-0200.
Conclusion
A tripped circuit breaker in your electric water heater can stem from several issues, ranging from a faulty heating element to electrical overload or ground faults. Regular maintenance and early detection of problems can help prevent frequent breaker trips and extend the life of your water heater
When in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a professional to ensure your system is working safely and efficiently. Zeek Plumbing can help with water heater installation and troubleshoot any issues. A licensed electrician may be needed for electrical problems.
Ryan has been a part of the Zeek Plumbing team since 2019, and has lived in Randolph, NJ his entire life.
He takes pride in taking care of the towns, the families, and the areas he grew up in!
Ryan has been the Treasurer and is currently on the Membership committee of a local BNI Chapter based out of Morris County, NJ in the networking group, BNI Main Street.
