tunaboatbeer

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I just got my electric setup all done and for some reason the heating element isn't getting hot. I've tested the voltage and I'm getting power to element. It's a 5500 watt element running 240v. I'm using a PID and SSR and both have power and seem to be working. Is there something I'm missing? Is it possible the brand new element is bad?

thanks for the help

DustBow

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I assume you mean the water isn't getting hot.....you're not dry firing the element are you?

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tunaboatbeer

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correct, I have water in the pot

evolcoms

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Did you ever turn the elements on before water was in the pot? I know when replacing hot water heater elements if you turn elements on without water in the water heater it could damage the heating element.

Try to post some pics of the heating elements. Might help

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tunaboatbeer

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Nope, element was never dry fired. I had read all the warnings about that and was sure not to. The element itself still looks brand new. No discoloring or visible damage.

grandequeso

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Ya need to ohm out the element.

tunaboatbeer

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how is that done? I have a multi meter that reads ohms

Rickochet

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Set the meter to the "OHM" function, and check the flow between the two screw connectors of the element: If there is a positive reading, then the circuit is "closed" and the element is fine; if there is no reading, the circuit is "open" and a new element is needed. Also, if you get a reading on your meter between either of the screw connections and the metal element, the element is shorted and must be replaced.
You should expect an approximation of the following readings on the OHM meter (give or take a little) for functioning elements:

15.5 ohms for 3500 watts
13.0 ohms for 4500 watts
10.0 ohms for 5500 watts

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It is easier to do things right the 1st time rather than to explain why it wasn't when you have to do it the 2nd time.

tunaboatbeer

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ok, I have results. When I set the ohm meter to 200 and touched the two positive element posts I got a reading of 10.6. When I would touch one positive post and the negative screw I would get a large negative reading, about -55, it fluctuated a lot. Does that mean I have a short?

lschiavo

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Did you disconnect the wiring to the element? You want it isolated from the rest of the circuit.