I'm installing a thermostat on my whirlpool water heater and I'm not sure where the thermo switch wires go.

Hi Debigrl:

You are replacing a defective thermostat... correct? Check out the diagram below... shows a single element thermostat and a double element thermostat.

If you have a single element then you want to hook the wires up as in the RIGHT picture. If you have an upper and lower element (double element) then you will want to wire the upper or lower themostat as indicated in the drawing on the LEFT. Most likely you won't have a 240 volt thermostat so ignore the MIDDLE picture.

Hopefully, that is what you were asking about. If not, please explain more in detail.

MARK

One little thing... MAKE SURE THE BREAKER IS OFF and there is no electricity present.