The energy smart control board on my whirlpool water heater has failed twice in the two years since I bought it from Lowe's.

I want to bypass the board, and throw it away.

Can I run the red hotline (120 volt) into the upper sensor, then from sensor to upper element. The blue ground line to the other connection of the upper element.

The black line (120 volt) to the lower sensor, then the blue ground to the other side of the lower element.

Or any other advice??

Thanks

Lou

Hate to say it but these models rate pretty bad on consumer boards, 2 of 5 stars, all related to control board issue. They don't work the way you suggest. The elements are 240 VAC, wired in sequence through the thermostat. When 1 is on, the other is off. The upper stat controls the unit.

How to wire water heater thermostat (http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-wire-water-heater-thermostats.html)

Shows how the wiring and elements are connected. If you can rewire, I believe you would be happier.