Water Heater Electrical Diagram

By | January 15, 2018



The Essential Guide to Deciphering Your Water Heater Electrical Diagram



Most people don’t give their water heater much thought until something goes wrong and they need a repair. But if you want to be proactive instead of reactive, one of the best things you can do is familiarize yourself with your water heater's electrical diagram. Having a good understanding of these diagrams is an excellent way to stay ahead of potential problems, so you can avoid an unnecessary breakdown before it ever happens.

Having a knowledge about your water heater's electrical diagram doesn't have to be difficult. This guide will walk you through the basics, helping you to decode the necessary information, so you can gain a better understanding of how your water heater works and how to ensure that it's running safely and efficiently.

The Anatomy of a Water Heater Electrical Diagram



At the most basic level, a water heater electrical diagram is simply a visual representation of the electrical components in your system. It will show all the various wires, switches, and other components that combine to power your water heater. Generally, these diagrams are created by manufacturers and will also include a list of all the components used in the design.

A typical water heater diagram will contain the following sections:


  • Heating Element & Thermostat

  • Relay & Contactor Assembly

  • Circuit Breaker & Terminal Block

  • Incoming Power Wires

  • Ground Wire and Bus Bar



Each component will be represented by a symbol, which will vary depending on the manufacturer. While this may sound intimidating at first, it doesn't have to be. In fact, understanding the basics of a water heater diagram is quite simple once you break it down into its individual parts.

Analyzing Heating Element & Thermostat



The heating element & thermostat section of a water heater diagram is the heart of the system. This is where the incoming power enters and is then distributed to each component in the circuit. The heating element is responsible for providing the energy that warms the water, while the thermostat regulates the temperature.

In this section of the diagram, you'll find the following components:


  • Main power line (usually a heavy gauge wire)

  • Heating element wires

  • Thermostat wires

  • Ground wire



The main power line will typically enter the diagram near the upper right corner. It should be large and labeled appropriately. From there, it will run to the heating element and thermostat. The two sets of wires going to these components will then branch off in different directions, depending on the design of your system. Generally, these will be labeled as "heating element wires" or "thermostat wires."

The ground wire will also originate from the main power line and travel to the bottom left corner of the diagram, where it will attach to a bus bar. This is an important safety feature that helps to keep the system grounded in case of any electrical faults.

Analyzing Relay & Contactor Assembly



The relay and contactor assembly is an important part of any water heater circuit. This is where the power is routed to the heating element and thermostat. The relay is a switch that controls the flow of electricity to the heating element, while the contactor is a device that regulates the current.

On a water heater diagram, you'll find the following components in this section:


  • Relay

  • Contactor

  • Terminal blocks & fuses

  • Wires between the relay & contactor



The relay and contactor will usually be located near the center of the diagram, though their exact placement will vary depending on the model. The wires between them will connect the two components so that power can flow between them.

Terminal blocks and fuses are also included in this section. These will help to protect the system from overloads and power surges. They will usually be located near the contactor and will be labeled accordingly.

Analyzing Circuit Breaker & Terminal Block



The circuit breaker and terminal block are important components in any water heater electrical diagram. The circuit breaker acts as a protection device that will automatically cut off the power if there's a surge or a short-circuit. The terminal block, on the other hand, is used to join multiple conductors, simplifying the wiring process.

In a typical water heater diagram, you'll find the following components in this section:


  • Circuit breaker

  • Terminal block

  • Ground wire

  • Main power line



The circuit breaker will usually be located near the top left corner of the diagram. It will be labeled appropriately. The terminal block should also be easy to find, as it will typically be located at the lower left corner. The ground wire and main power line will both originate from the circuit breaker and will run to the other components in the circuit.

Analyzing Incoming Power Wires



The incoming power wires are vital to the operation of any water heater system. This is where the main power line enters the circuit, providing the necessary energy to power the system.

On a water heater diagram, you'll find the following components in this section:


  • Main power line

  • Ground wire

  • Circuit breaker

  • Terminal blocks and fuses



The main power line will usually enter the diagram near the upper right corner. It should be large and labeled appropriately. The ground wire will also originate from here and will travel to the bottom left corner of the diagram, where it will attach to a bus bar.

The circuit breaker and terminal blocks should also be easy to find in this section, as they will usually be located near the upper left corner. The terminal blocks are responsible for distributing power to the various components in the circuit, while the fuses will help protect the system from overloads and power surges.

Final Thoughts



Understanding your water heater's electrical diagram is an essential part of being a responsible homeowner. With the information provided in this guide, you should now have a good basic understanding of how the components work together to power your system. Refer back to this guide any time you need a refresher and you'll soon be able to decipher even the most complex diagrams with ease.


Electric Hot Water Heater 100 Degrees Terry Love Plumbing Advice Remodel Diy Professional Forum

Electric Hot Water Heater 100 Degrees Terry Love Plumbing Advice Remodel Diy Professional Forum


A O Smith Signature Series 240 Volt 28 Kw 2 4 Gpm Tankless Electric Water Heater In The Heaters Department At Lowes Com

A O Smith Signature Series 240 Volt 28 Kw 2 4 Gpm Tankless Electric Water Heater In The Heaters Department At Lowes Com


How A Storage Water Heater Works

How A Storage Water Heater Works


Residential Electric Water Heaters

Residential Electric Water Heaters


How To Wire A Hot Water Heater An Electric

How To Wire A Hot Water Heater An Electric


Wiring Configuration For Atwood Gc6aa 10e Water Heater Etrailer Com

Wiring Configuration For Atwood Gc6aa 10e Water Heater Etrailer Com


Single Double Element Water Heater Wiring Connection With Thermostat Etechnog

Single Double Element Water Heater Wiring Connection With Thermostat Etechnog


Single Double Element Water Heater Wiring Connection With Thermostat Etechnog

Single Double Element Water Heater Wiring Connection With Thermostat Etechnog


Schematic Diagram Of Solar Energy Water Heating System Scientific

Schematic Diagram Of Solar Energy Water Heating System Scientific


Labeled Water Heater Diagram Strikecheck

Labeled Water Heater Diagram Strikecheck


Electric Water Heater Heating Element Replacement Procedure How To Take Out An Old Install A New

Electric Water Heater Heating Element Replacement Procedure How To Take Out An Old Install A New


Wiring Diagrams Electric Water Heaters For 3

Wiring Diagrams Electric Water Heaters For 3


Electric Water Heater Heating Element Replacement Procedure How To Take Out An Old Install A New

Electric Water Heater Heating Element Replacement Procedure How To Take Out An Old Install A New


How A Storage Water Heater Works

How A Storage Water Heater Works


Active Indirect Water Heater Diagram Amine Treating Unit Schematic Half Pipe Plans

Active Indirect Water Heater Diagram Amine Treating Unit Schematic Half Pipe Plans


Water Heater Installation Guide Ecotherm Co

Water Heater Installation Guide Ecotherm Co


Schematic Diagram Of A Thermosyphon Based Solar Water Heater Scientific

Schematic Diagram Of A Thermosyphon Based Solar Water Heater Scientific


Water Heater Electric Diagram Quizlet

Water Heater Electric Diagram Quizlet


Wiring Diagram For G6a 8e Attwood Gas Only Hot Water Heater Etrailer Com

Wiring Diagram For G6a 8e Attwood Gas Only Hot Water Heater Etrailer Com


Cointra Tdd Plus 100 Electric Water Heater Instruction Manual Manuals

Cointra Tdd Plus 100 Electric Water Heater Instruction Manual Manuals