Quote:
Originally posted by Wizzard~Of~Ozz
My first guess would be you have a problem with an element, Most hot water heaters use 220v, to get this it uses a tandum breaker, (2 breakers joined) if one side has a problem it will cause it to become un-balanced meaning there is feedback on one side. If the waterheater is underwarranty, ask them to check it as it's tripping a breaker repeatedly. If it's not under warranty, then I'ld get someone in to check it.
I am assuming it's only a 2 conductor wire going to the tank.
Sorry, I can't explain it in real simple terms, Perhaps someone got a good example in school that they can explain with. |
I know what you mean. Its called a "unbalanced load" and it also effects your light bill and the entire power feed from box aswell as cause heat. Very bad it is to have unbalanced load. Its when more power comes from one "branch" of the box than the other. Each breaker (single) is a branch. Our commen house boxes have two branches. One tang is a branch in box. Notice how they are like fingers interweaving. THis is for the "dual breakers". You can also use two singles side by side. Done it a million times myself. The thing is since its dual breaker he said that means 220v bioth branches and balanced there. BUT the rest of his load may not be. Make sure you have the same # of breakers on each branch. BUt more importantly work out the draw of each breaker. Like this.
branch #1 has 30amp 20 amp and 15amp breakers. Total load is 65amp now.
Branch #2 should be as clsoe to that aswell. Like 15amp, 15amp 20 and 15amp. See what I mean? So go and write down the amps of all your devices. Figure out hal fof it per branch. And rearange to balance the load at box. Your light bill will thank you!
