How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Immediately turn off power at the breaker. Do not continue to operate the heater until the source is identified.

Visual inspection: After cooling, remove the front cover and look for discolored, melted, or burnt components and wiring.
Check pump and fan: Manually rotate the pump and fan (with power off) to ensure they move freely. Replace if seized or noisy.
Tighten connections: Inspect terminal blocks and connectors for looseness or signs of arcing. Tighten and replace damaged parts.
Control board: If the PCB shows burn marks or a strong smell, it should be replaced by a qualified technician.
Test after repair: Once faulty components are replaced, restore power and monitor closely for any recurring smell.

There is a strong burning or electrical smell coming from the water heater.

Possible Causes