Ariston Electrical Short or Ground Fault

Ariston water heater trips the circuit breaker or RCD/GFCI when heating.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Water ingress into electrical compartment, Shorted heating element, Damaged wiring insulation, Faulty control board causing leakage to ground

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Do not repeatedly reset the breaker. Turn off power and water supply.

  • Check for leaks: Inspect around the element flange, anode, and T&P valve for leaks that may be dripping onto wiring. Repair leaks first.
  • Test element: Measure resistance between each element terminal and ground. Any continuity indicates a ground fault—replace the element.
  • Inspect wiring: Look for nicks, crushed cables, or melted insulation. Replace damaged sections.
  • Dry the unit: If moisture is present, dry thoroughly before retesting.

If the breaker still trips with a dry unit and new element, the control board may be faulty and should be replaced by a technician.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Heating Element Assembly
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