If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: There are several common reasons why tankless water heaters trip breakers, including incorrect wire size, too many devices on the circuit, a faulty breaker, or a problem with the heater itself like a bad element or control board.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the potential causes and solutions for a tankless water heater that keeps tripping the circuit breaker so you can get to the bottom of the issue.
How Tankless Water Heaters Work
Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency and convenience. Unlike traditional water heaters that store and heat a large amount of water in a tank, tankless water heaters heat water directly as it flows through the unit.
This means that hot water is available on demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank and ensuring that you never run out of hot water.
Quick heating on demand
One of the key advantages of tankless water heaters is their ability to provide hot water quickly and on demand. When you turn on a hot water faucet or appliance, cold water enters the tankless unit. The unit then heats the water using either a gas burner or an electric element, depending on the type of unit you have.
Within seconds, the water is heated to the desired temperature and flows out of the faucet or appliance.
This quick heating process eliminates the need to wait for a tank to fill up with hot water, as is the case with traditional water heaters. It also means that you can enjoy hot water for as long as you need it, without the worry of running out.
This is particularly beneficial for households with multiple bathrooms or high hot water usage.
High power requirements
While tankless water heaters offer many benefits, it’s important to note that they have higher power requirements compared to traditional water heaters. This is because they need to heat water instantly, which requires more energy.
As a result, tankless water heaters may trip the breaker in your electrical panel if the power supply is insufficient.
Tankless water heaters typically require a dedicated circuit with a higher amp rating to handle the increased power load. If your tankless water heater is tripping the breaker, it could be an indication that the electrical circuit is not able to handle the power demands of the unit.
It’s recommended to consult with a licensed electrician to assess your electrical panel and determine if any upgrades are needed to accommodate the power requirements of your tankless water heater. They will be able to ensure that the breaker is properly sized and that the electrical system is up to code.
It’s worth noting that gas-powered tankless water heaters also have specific gas requirements, such as the need for proper ventilation and gas line sizing. These requirements should be carefully considered and adhered to during the installation process to ensure safe and efficient operation of the unit.
For more information on tankless water heaters and their installation requirements, you can visit www.energy.gov.
Common Reasons a Tankless Water Heater Trips the Breaker
A tankless water heater is a convenient and efficient way to provide hot water for your home. However, it can be frustrating when it repeatedly trips the breaker, leaving you without hot water. There are several common reasons why this may be happening.
Incorrect wire size
One possible reason for your tankless water heater tripping the breaker is that the wire size is incorrect. The electrical wiring in your home needs to be able to handle the amount of power required by the heater.
If the wire size is too small, it can cause the breaker to trip as it tries to protect the circuit from overheating. It’s important to consult a professional electrician to ensure that the wire size is appropriate for your tankless water heater.
Too many devices on circuit
Another reason why your tankless water heater may be tripping the breaker is that there are too many devices on the same circuit. Each circuit in your home is designed to handle a certain amount of electrical load.
If there are too many appliances or devices connected to the same circuit, it can overload the circuit and cause the breaker to trip. Consider redistributing the devices on different circuits or upgrading your electrical panel to accommodate the additional load.
Faulty breaker
A faulty breaker could also be the culprit behind your tankless water heater tripping the breaker. Over time, breakers can become worn out or damaged, causing them to trip more easily. If you suspect that the breaker is faulty, it’s best to have it inspected and replaced by a licensed electrician.
They can ensure that the breaker is properly sized and functioning correctly, preventing any further issues.
Problem with the heater
In some cases, the issue may actually be with the tankless water heater itself. There could be a malfunction or internal problem that is causing it to draw more power than it should, leading to the breaker tripping.
It’s important to have a professional technician inspect and service your tankless water heater regularly to identify any potential issues and fix them before they become more serious.
Remember, when dealing with electrical issues, it’s always best to consult a professional. They can accurately diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate solutions to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your tankless water heater.
Solutions for a Tripping Tankless Water Heater
If you’re experiencing issues with your tankless water heater tripping the breaker, there are several solutions you can try before calling a professional. Here are some common solutions that may help resolve the problem:
Upgrade to thicker wires
One possible reason for the breaker tripping is that the wires in your electrical system might not be able to handle the load from the tankless water heater. Upgrading to thicker wires can help ensure that the electrical current can flow without overloading the circuit.
This can be a complex task that may require the assistance of an electrician, so be sure to consult with a professional before attempting any electrical work.
Redistribute devices on circuits
Another cause for the breaker tripping could be that multiple devices in your home are drawing power from the same circuit. This can overload the circuit and cause the breaker to trip. By redistributing the devices on different circuits, you can alleviate the strain on the electrical system.
Take note of the power requirements of each device and spread them out across different circuits to ensure a more balanced load.
Replace faulty breaker
In some cases, the breaker itself may be faulty and need replacement. Over time, breakers can wear out or become damaged, leading to tripping issues. If you suspect that the breaker is the problem, it is recommended to hire a professional electrician to assess and replace the faulty breaker.
They have the expertise to handle electrical components safely and effectively.
Repair or replace heater
If none of the above solutions work, the issue may lie with the tankless water heater itself. It’s possible that there is a malfunction or a defect in the heater that is causing it to draw excessive amounts of power, thus tripping the breaker.
In this case, it may be necessary to have the heater repaired or replaced. Contact the manufacturer or a professional technician to assess the unit and determine the best course of action.
Remember, when dealing with electrical systems, it’s always best to consult with a professional. They can provide expert advice and ensure the safety of your home and appliances. If you’re unsure about any of the solutions mentioned, it’s important to seek professional help to avoid any potential hazards.
Preventing Future Breaker Trips
Dealing with a tankless water heater tripping the breaker can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to prevent future occurrences. Here are some effective strategies:
Hire an electrician
If your tankless water heater keeps tripping the breaker, it is advisable to hire a licensed electrician to inspect the electrical system. They can identify any wiring issues, overloaded circuits, or faulty breakers that may be causing the problem.
A professional electrician will ensure that your electrical system is up to code and can handle the demands of your tankless water heater.
Stagger usage
One way to prevent breaker trips is to stagger the usage of your tankless water heater. If multiple household members are using hot water simultaneously, it can put a strain on the system. Encourage family members to use hot water at different times, such as scheduling showers or laundry loads at different hours.
By spreading out the demand, you can reduce the chances of overloading the electrical circuit.
Install a whole-house surge protector
Power surges can cause breakers to trip, and they can be particularly harmful to sensitive electronic devices like tankless water heaters. Installing a whole-house surge protector can help safeguard your electrical system from sudden voltage spikes.
This device diverts excess electrical energy away from your appliances, helping to prevent damage and breaker trips. Consult with an electrician to determine the best surge protector for your home.
Get a larger electrical service
If your tankless water heater consistently trips the breaker, it might be an indication that your electrical service is not sufficient. Upgrading to a larger electrical service can provide the necessary capacity to handle the demands of your tankless water heater and other appliances.
Consult with an electrician to assess your current electrical service and determine if an upgrade is necessary.
By implementing these preventive measures, you can minimize the chances of your tankless water heater tripping the breaker in the future. Remember, safety should always be a top priority when dealing with electrical systems, so it’s essential to consult with a professional when in doubt.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a handful of common reasons why a tankless water heater keeps tripping the circuit breaker. By understanding how these on-demand heaters work and the possible causes, you can troubleshoot the issue and find the appropriate fix to stop the breaker from tripping and restore hot water to your home.
