I want to replace the elements in my hot water heater. I know that I have to shut off the power at the breaker box, but how can I be confident that I got the right switch (they're unlabeled)? There is no power light or sound that I can detect coming from the heater, so I don't know how I know I have successfully cut the power, so I'm afraid to mess with it! Thanks!
2006-12-01 11:24:01 · 8 answers · asked by mushu2us 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
IT IS A DOUBLE BREAKER BUT I SUGGEST YOU GET A ELECTIRAL TESTER FOR AROUND 10 - 20 DOLLARS. DONT TO FORGET TO MARK PANEL WHEN U FIND IT AND USE TESTER TO FIND THE OTHERS
2006-12-01 11:38:27 · answer #1 · answered by john t 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need a tester, volt/ohm, preferably LED readout instead of a moving arm. They're available at any Radio Shack and in a lot of electronic depts. at large stores. Remove the top panel covering the top element and notice the thermostat, probably has a red button in the center of the top portion. Just above the red button there will be two silver screws, under which should be the wires coming from the power source. Set your tester to the voltage range that would cover 240 volts and touch one lead probe to each of the screws. If you have power the screen should change to read the proper voltage, if not it should stay where it's at, or move just slightly due to ambient voltage floating around. Once you get no reading, the power should be off.
2006-12-01 22:44:40 · answer #2 · answered by Corky R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This won't be the last time you have to shut off a breaker. You need to identify your circuits. Take the cover off the box and trace the wires. When you go to pull the elements, make sure you vent the hot water or you'll get a big surprise.
2006-12-02 03:01:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find you an alternate light source and throw the main breaker whenever you are ready to work on the heater. I nearly always do this making electrical repairs where I am not sure. I figure that you never can be too careful.
2006-12-01 19:40:05 · answer #4 · answered by john h 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ONLY way is to test it with a PROPER meter(not some cheap type) and then after you pull wires apart touch the wire to the metal or ground to make sure no spark is evident..
2006-12-02 09:57:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
your local home center will have voltage tracers that beep and have a lite in them. is your life worth 10 dollars mine is. if you really want to be safe disconnect the wires after they are dead and put wire nuts on then
2006-12-02 05:49:37 · answer #6 · answered by mike__996 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
one hand for you
one hand for the company
in other words don't make a loop with two hands between earth and the line voltage
there always double pole breakers
2006-12-01 21:25:41 · answer #7 · answered by Specialist Ed :Þ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
johnt is on the right track,, a tester cost $10 at lowes or borg,,, you just put it next to a wire and it beeps if there is any voltage!!!!
2006-12-01 21:48:55 · answer #8 · answered by fuzzykjun 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋