E2T
Richmond Over-Temperature / ECO Trip Condition

Richmond electric water heater shows E2T and shuts off; may trip the high-limit frequently.

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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

Thermostat stuck closed, Thermostat not properly attached to tank, Scale buildup on elements, Wiring misconfiguration causing continuous heating

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn OFF power at the breaker. Do not restore power until the cause of overheating is corrected.

  • Reset ECO: Press the red reset button on the upper thermostat. If it trips again soon, do not continue resetting without finding the cause.
  • Check thermostat mounting: Ensure both upper and lower thermostats are firmly clipped against the tank surface for proper temperature sensing.
  • Inspect wiring: Compare wiring to the Richmond wiring diagram on the heater. Correct any miswired connections that could bypass thermostat control.
  • Descale elements: Drain the tank and remove heating elements. Inspect for heavy scale. Replace elements if heavily coated and flush the tank to remove sediment.
  • Replace faulty thermostat: If a thermostat contacts are welded closed or not cycling properly, replace the thermostat assembly.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Upper Thermostat
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