Tech Tip #3 Control of Electric Water Heaters Most of the electric water heaters used in homes today have two 4500-watt, 240-volt heating elements. However, these elements are interlocked so that only one element is turned on at a time. To control the water heater, it is necessary to break only one leg of the water heater with the control relay in the Energy Sentry.  This should be done by a licensed electrician.  Not recommended for homeowners. Click on image for a close-up view Hook-up 1. Turn water heater breaker OFF. 2. Disconnect one wire from water heater breaker. 3. Extend the wire just disconnected to the Energy Sentry® relay, using #10 AWG solid copper wire and appropriate wirenuts. 4. Add another #10 AWG wire from the now-empty breaker terminal to the other side of the Energy Sentry® relay. 5. After completing all other wiring on the controller, turn water heater breaker ON. Note Beware of mislabeling. Make certain the 30A breaker is the water heater's and not the dryer's. If any loads connected to the Energy Sentry demand control system are wired with aluminum wiring, insure that connections between existing aluminum conductors and copper conductors of the Energy Sentry are properly done using a Copair tool, anti-oxident paste or anti-oxident impregnated wire-nuts. Quick Test 1. Clip an amprobe onto one of the water heater wires in the breaker panel.  Turn the water heater breaker ON. 2. Turn ON water heater by turning UP the temperature of the water heater or by running enough hot water from faucets until thermostat in water heater calls for heat. 3. Check amperage going to the water heater.  The amperage should be approximately 21 to 24 Amps when the water heater is on. 4. Lower demand to limit to minimum setting. Turn ON oven and range until all loads are shed. This may take a few minutes. The water heater's amperes should go to zero when the water heater is shed by the Energy Sentry. 5. Turn OFF oven and range. 6. Turn water heater's thermostat temperature back to normal. 7. Return the demand limit to the normal setting for the home. Return To Tech Support Go To Next Tech Tip

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