DURAWATT
®
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
PV500-6 05/13
16
8 TROUBLESHOOTING
GUIDE
PROBLEM
PROBABLE CAUSE
CORRECTIVE ACTION
No hot water
Thermostat(s)
Check to assure proper thermostat setting.
Contactors will not pull in
Check continuity between all three thermostats or pressure
controls. Complete circuit. If one is open, it must be replaced.
Control circuit switch is in OFF position
Close switch. (Turn to ON position)
Control circuit fuse blown
Isolate cause for failure and replace fuse.
Contactor(s) coil open
Check continuity. Replace coil if not a complete circuit.
Time delay sequencer not operating
Check for 120 volts to coil on first sequencer step. Allow ample
time for additional steps to energize. If steps do not energize in
reasonable time, replace only the defective relay step. See
wiring diagram.
Proportional sequencer not operating
Check for 120 volts to line connection (L) on sequencer. Check
fuse for continuity. See wiring diagram. Consult factory.
Low water cutoff closed
Check for open circuit. Check water level in tank. Replace low
water cutoff if defective.
Heating elements
Check for open legs. (See table 2).
Insufficient hot
water
Heater not large enough to satisfy peak
demands
Add booster or additional kw input. Consult local PVI
representative.
Hot water lines not insulated
Add insulation; it will protect against heat loss and save on cost
of operation.
Power fuse(s) blown
Check fuses for continuity. Replace if blown. If blown, determine
cause of break before replacing with same type fuse.
Contactor(s) not closing
Check coil for continuity. If defective, replace.
Thermostat(s) not correctly set
Check to assure proper thermostat control setting.
Element(s) not heating
Check for proper amperage draw. Check for proper ohm
resistance. Replace if defective. Consult factory.
(See table 1)
Burned or
discolored wires
Loose connections
Tighten all connections. If charred, replace wire with wire of
same type and size.
Dirty or pitted contactor points
Remove contactor points and inspect. If dirty, clean with emery
paper.
CAUTION
:
Point must remain flat. If pitted or burned,
contactor points must be replaced.
Blown fuses
Loose connection. Defective element
Check all connections for tightness. Check ohm resistance in
electric elements. Replace.
High or low
voltage
Local utility
Check with local utility.
High or low
amperage
High or low voltage. Defective element
Check with local utility. Low amperage, check fuses, tighten
connections. Check ohm resistance on elements.
Wire burned or
melted at
element
Loose connections. Water leaking on elements
Tighten connection and replace wire. Isolate leaking water and
repair. Replace wire with same type and size.
