John Wood Electrical Overload / Short Circuit

John Wood electric water heater trips the circuit breaker repeatedly

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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

Shorted heating element, Damaged wiring or loose connections, Incorrect breaker size, Water intrusion into electrical compartment

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Turn off the breaker and verify power is off before opening any electrical compartments.

  • 1. Inspect wiring: Remove access panels and check for burnt wires, loose connections, or signs of water leaks.
  • 2. Test elements: Disconnect wires from each element and measure resistance to ground. Any continuity to ground indicates a shorted element that must be replaced.
  • 3. Check breaker rating: Ensure the breaker size matches the heater's nameplate amperage.
  • 4. Repair leaks: If water has entered the electrical compartment, fix the leak and dry components thoroughly before restoring power.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Heating Element
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