I am having issues with my new electric water heater. Both the upper and lower theromostats are set for approx. 130 degrees, but the water comes out at a scalding 180 degrees and trips the electric cut off (ECO) for the water heater.

I have had the thermostats replaced, but continue to have the ECO tripped, which I have to reset every day or so (and be careful while bathing). I am not drawing any excess current or voltage to the heater, and the wiring appears to be accurately done.

I don't know what else to do. Any and all suggestions would be readily accepted. Many thanks in advance. Vryk

Do the thermostats control the current to the heating elements or just a relay? If relays, they could be sticking closed when the thermostats are not calling for heat. Check the wiring carefully. Somehow the power could be bypassing the thermostat.

Do the thermostats control the current to the heating elements or just a relay? If relays, they could be sticking closed when the thermostats are not calling for heat. Check the wiring carefully. Somehow the power could be bypassing the thermostat.


I think Labman's on the right track. Can you give us the brand and model number of the heater so we can see how the wiring is configured?
Cheers, Tom

It is an American Water Heater Company's Premier Plus, model number E61-40R-045DV

it is an American Water Heater Company's Premier Plus, model number E61-40R-045DV


Your problem can only be caused by faulty or miswired thermostats. Click on http://www.americanwaterheater.com/support/manuals.cfm
To take you to their installation and specifications manual. Click on "residential heaters" and scroll down to the bottom,(page 16). There you will find wiring diagrams for the various thermostats. Note the ones that have "high limit control". This is where I think your problem might be. Call your man backand ask him to be very sure that (1) they are the correct thermostats and (2) that they are wired correctly. This is a dangerous situation and should be correctly immediately . Good luck, Tom