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Unlike the old days when people had to lit fires to heat water, things are now different in this modern time with the invention of water heaters. A water heater is an appliance you need in your home or office with a high demand for hot water. From showering and bathing to cleaning dishes, washing clothes, and more other uses. However, you not only need a heater, but you need one that is functioning well.
If you have a well-functioning water heater, it can serve you for a long time. Nevertheless, if some of its components are faulty or broken, it can lead to the failure of the water heater, which can be very frustrating. One of the key components is a heater element, and once it is broken, your heater may stop producing hot water.
A water heater element is a tool inside the heater and provides heat to the water in the container. Generally, it is a rod metallic in nature that is dipped in the water and is either spiral-shaped or straight. To activate the heating elements, you require an electrical supply.
Inside a water heater is a thermostat controller connected with the heating element. The thermostat is responsible for controlling and maintaining the temperatures of the water. Water heaters are of various types. That is electric water heaters that are powered by electrical power and gas water heaters that use gas for them to work.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, the most likely cause could be broken heater elements. So, you need to check the elements to ensure they remain in the best condition. Though there are many devices used to test, a multimeter is the best device.
A multimeter is an electronic device used to measure resistance, voltage, current, and other values. Multimeters are preferable because you can use them to do simple tests as well as sophisticated tests to detect faults in electronic items. Multimeters are of different types, analog multimeters, and digital multimeters.
These are multimeters that use analog techniques to display measurement readings. They have graduated scale and a needle that moves over it. Analog multimeters are mainly used in detecting slow voltage changes. They have sensitivity and low resistance, which makes them exceptional.
These are electronic meters whose measurements readings display on an LCD screen. They are common because they are small in size and quite easy to operate. Digital multimeters are preferable due to their high accuracy, high digital resistance, and the fact that they are easy to read.
Digital multimeters are preferable than analog multimeters mainly because they do not have movable parts, thus, preventing them from wearing out quickly. However, they are more expensive than analog multimeters.
When testing whether the heater elements are working well, the most important thing you need to measure is the resistance. Once you get your values, you will be able to tell if your heating elements are faulty or in good condition. Here are the steps to follow when using a digital multimeter to check the resistance in the heater elements.
In conclusion, this article has clearly explained the simple steps you need to follow to check your heating element. Waiting until you detect a problem with your heater to fix it then can be a headache. Therefore, to avoid these frustrations, constant, and regular testing is necessary if you want to ensure that your heater does not fail you. With these steps, you can do the test yourself, whether at home or in your office.
Just a random guy who likes to build things. Providing tool knowledge, appliance/device testing tips, and DIY project info in an easy-to read & non-intimidating style.