Water Heater Burned Out Socket In 30 Amp 240v Fuse Box.
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What to do with a burned out fuse socket in small 30 amp 240v fuse box beside my 40 gallon hot water heater tank. © By: Dave Rongey |
Water Heater Blows Fuse
Electrical Project: Burned out socket in small 30 amp 240v fuse box. Beside my 40 gallon hot water tank.
Electrical Problem with a Water Heater
Tony’s Water Heater Project:
- Burned out socket in small 30 Amp 240V fuse box.
Beside my 40 gallon hot water tank.
Do I REALLY need this box? What is wrong with just the 15 10 2 wire going to the main panel? Can I just twist the two 12 2 wires together and put a big wire lug on it? - At least until order a new30A fuse box if it is REALLY NEEDED there.
I mean, who uses glass fuses these days? - For the past 20 years I have been replacing 30A fuses in this socket every couple years.
A year ago I thought the 2500W element had burned out, so I replaced it, with a 3000W element, but then found out it was actually the FUSE (on RHS) that kept burning out! - And NOT at the thin visible strip inside the glass fuse it was the center contact ON THE FUSE SOCKET that was corroded!
- So I sandpapered the socket a bit to clean it up
Now, 8 months later, no HOT WATER AGAIN! - When I saw the burned out fuse I realized THIS was the problem and the fuse box is finished I guess (picture)
- Question: DO I REALLY NEED this 30A fuse box?
- My 240V 50A dryer does not use this and it is further away from the main panel than the hot water heater.
This request came from Tony in Elgin, Qc, Canada.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your sharing your electrical wiring project Tony.
Electric Water Heater Blows the Fuse
Application: Electrical Problem a Water Heater.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Licensed Plumbing Contractor.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Water Heater, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Water Heater should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in Elgin, Qc, Canada. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Electrical Problem a Water Heater
This electrical wiring project is about Electrical Problem a Water Heater in the Shed of a Old Home.
Tony, from the information you have provided:
- Sorry to hear about this problem – I understand your frustrations.
- From what you have described, here in the US the NEC does not require a fused disconnect at the water heater (yet).
- A fuse box such as what you have described is old school, but it does work if it is required, be sure to check with your local building authority to see what type of disconnect may be required in your area of Canada.
- An alternative would be to install a 30amp 240volt circuit breaker box in place of this fuse box.
- One thing though – the new 3000 watt element may be causing the fuses to blow out, because the demand is now 500watts higher, so maybe go back to the original element(?).
- Also – make sure the fuses are the right size and get slow-blow or time delay – (if that type is available).
- The dryer does not need this because it has the cord which provides the disconnect means if servicing is needed.
Water heaters typically do not need any servicing – but I’m sure a disconnect of some type will be required in the near future.
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