Community Forums

FWC · 12-07-2021, 08:31 PM

The switch on our suburban water heater all of a sudden is getting hot enough to fry it. I’ve replaced it twice in a week. I have replaced the electric heating element hoping that was the cause but the new switch is still getting really hot. Any ideas what is causing this. Trying all options before having a new water heater. Thankfully the gas side works.

Old-Biscuit · 12-07-2021, 09:55 PM

HEAT is caused by Resistance.
Loose connections, bad terminals

120VAC Hot wire goes from 15A Circuit Breaker to AC Junction Box on right side of WH Tank (backside)
Wire nuts are used to connect wires...check if loose, bad connections

From that junction box Black wire goes to/thru switch THEN up to the 120VAC Set of t-stats (above gas valve -- left side)
Top t-stat first...(hi temp) then down wire to bottom t-stat (Normal temp)
Bad spade connector/loose connection...frayed wiring etc

From set of t-stat then goes to Element

Check Black/Hot & White/Neutral connections.....loose neutral could be issue also

FWC · 12-08-2021, 05:42 AM

Thanks, I’ll do some more checking.

FWC · 12-09-2021, 06:05 AM

Thanks again, did some more checking and found that the connector to the switch was discolored. Switched it out and it is now working properly. I appreciate the lesson on the wiring, very helpful!