OPERATION & SERVICE
Servicing should only be performed by a Qualified Service Agent
16
HEATING ELEMENTS
Heating Element Construction
The water heaters covered in this manual use electric heating elements to heat water.
Heating elements convert electrical energy into heat energy.
Heating elements are constructed using 3 tubes formed into U shaped loops. The two ends
of each loop are permanently fitted into the element flange. Inside each loop is a wire
conductor (a resistive electrical circuit) surrounded by an insulating material. These wire
conductors pose a relatively high resistance to the flow of electricity. Heat is generated when
the electricity (voltage) applied to the element begins to flow (amperage) and encounters the
resistance (ohms) of the wire conductors inside. See “Principles of Electricity” on page 10.
There are two types of heating elements installed in the water heaters covered in this
manual; one type has six wire leads and the other has three wire leads. Heating elements
with six wire leads are installed on water heaters configured for single phase and three
phase power. Heating elements with three wire leads (Y configured) are installed on water
heaters configured for three phase power only. See “Single And Three Phase Power” on
page 12 and “Heating Element Wiring” section between pages 17 - 22.
Top View
Heating Element Flange - End View
Side View
Resistive Circuits
Three resistive wire conductors inside three U shaped loops that are
permanently fitted into a flange form the heating element.
Internal View - U Shaped Loop
Six or Three Wire Leads
Three U shaped loops enclose wire conductors
that are surrounded by an insulating material.
Heating Element Flange
Two ends
of loop 1
Two ends
of loop 2
Two ends
of loop 3
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