Is Your Hot Water Heater Safety Switch Tripping Often?
Before you attempt to fix or replace the safety switch on a hot water system yourself, you should consider hiring a professional hot water installer/repairer.
It’s possible the issue is bigger than just a bad switch or faulty wiring and that you may actually need to replace your hot water heater.
Whether that is the case or not, when there is electricity and plumbing involved, it’s always best to get a professional to investigate and fix the issue.
Call the Hot Water experts on 1800 633 920 or send us a message and we’ll send someone over quickly to help with your electric hot water temperature issue!
Is Your Water Heater Tripping Its Reset Button?
Here are some likely causes of why that is happening
Controls For Your Hot Water Heater
If you already know about your water heater’s thermostat control, you probably are already aware that 48-50 degrees ( Celcius ) is recommended as the ideal setting.
This temperature is thought of as a sweet spot since it’s both hot enough to kill bacteria and moderate enough not to cause any serious burns.
However, there are several kinds of problems that could cause your water heater to overheat, and whenever this happens, the emergency cut-off (ECO) may activate—often leading to safety switch tripping that shuts down the system entirely.
In order to reset the heater, you will want to push the red button of the ECO, usually found on the upper part of the thermostat. If safety switch tripping continues to occur, it could be a sign of a deeper electrical or heating element issue.
Sometimes, the water heater will trip the ECO repeatedly, and in this case, it’s crucial to call a licensed plumber or electrician to diagnose the problem. Frequent safety switch tripping may also indicate a damaged thermostat or faulty wiring.
There is a fairly high chance that the tank water in this situation will be dangerously hot. Because this issue likely stems from a faulty component, safety switch tripping will persist until the part is discovered and properly replaced.
Here Is A Quick Overview Of The Most Probable Causes For A Water Heater Tripping The Safety Circuits:
The Thermostat Is Faulty
Or maybe even both of them are (water heaters have two thermostats, one at the top of the tank and one at the bottom). Each of these thermostats controls a heating element that heats up the water.
Once the water reaches the ideal temperature, it’s the thermostat’s job to turn off the heating element.
But if either or both of the thermostats go faulty and cease doing their job, then the heating element begins heating the water well above the ideal and safe level—potentially leading to safety switch tripping as the system tries to prevent overheating.
This safety switch tripping is a critical fail-safe designed to protect both your system and your household from dangerously high water temperatures.
Your Heating Element Is Faulty
Heating elements can also turn faulty over time. In most cases, however, they will just stop heating once they go bad.
But in some cases, a heating element can, due to an electrical short, continue to receive power and keep heating despite the thermostat’s attempt to shut it off.
This problem will bring about the same result: dangerously hot water and repeated safety switch tripping as the system tries to prevent overheating.
If you notice consistent safety switch tripping, it could point to a faulty heating element that needs immediate attention.
Your ECO Is Faulty
The ECO itself could be the culprit—either through wear and tear, repeated cases of overheating, or even a totally spontaneous failure.
A damaged ECO can result in safety switch tripping, disrupting your hot water supply until it’s replaced. You will need to replace a fried ECO switch, but the good news is that a fried switch alone is not enough to overheat your water.
Bad Wiring
If your ECO is tripping but your thermostat, heating element, and ECO are all still in working order, then it could be that some loose wiring is producing a separate heat source from within your water heater.
This issue can not only lead to overheating but also poses serious risks such as electrical shock or fire—often resulting in safety switch tripping as a protective measure. Certainly, one should allow trained professionals to determine if your water heater is malfunctioning due to wiring problems.
No matter the cause, repeated safety switch tripping in your hot water system requires immediate professional attention.
If you are currently dealing with this problem in Sydney, please reach out to a professional in order to remedy the situation as quickly as possible.
What are the common causes of a tripping water heater safety switch?
Common causes include a faulty thermostat, a heating element short, water leakage onto electrical components, or an overheating tank due to scale buildup or thermostat failure.
How can I troubleshoot a water heater that keeps tripping the safety switch?
Start by checking for visible signs of damage, such as burnt wiring, corrosion, or water leaks. Reset the switch once, but if it trips again, it’s best to shut off power and call a professional to avoid safety risks.
Are safety switch issues more common in older water heaters?
Yes, older units are more prone to wear and tear on internal components, which can lead to overheating or electrical faults that trigger the safety switch.
When should I seek professional help for this problem?
Seek professional help if the switch trips repeatedly, if there’s visible damage or leaks, or if you detect burning smells or hear unusual noises from the unit.
