Water Heater Continuity

[Greg1707]

While hooking up an electric water heater I checked continuity between the ground screw and the power leads to the heating elements. I was surprised there was continuity between the ground and both leads. When I turned on the breaker everything worked. I expected the breaker to trip. Any help understanding this?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I suspect you were getting a reading thru the equipment grounding conductor hooked in the panel. If you disconnect the equipment grounding conductor I would bet the reading would disappear.

 

[augie47]

What type continuity tester and what reading ?

 

[LarryFine]

By continuity, do you mean zero ohms?

 

[Greg1707]

I suspect you were getting a reading thru the equipment grounding conductor hooked in the panel. If you disconnect the equipment grounding conductor I would bet the reading would disappear.

Yes, you are correct. I did not disconnect the equipment ground from the tank.

 

[Greg1707]

Yes, you are correct. I did not disconnect the equipment ground from the tank.

Actually!! Now that I think about it I tested continuity between the ground screw and the NM conductors--no continuity.

I checked continuity with a simple continuity tool that sounds when the circuit is completed.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Yes, you are correct. I did not disconnect the equipment ground from the tank.

Disconnect it from the panel not the tank