Why Does an Electric Water Heater's Reset Button Keep Tripping?

​Ever wondered what is that red button on your electric water heater that keeps tripping for various reasons? The water heater reset button, also known as the high-temperature cutoff or high-limit switch is located at the center of the limit switch just above the water heater thermostat. Let’s look at the reset button in more detail.

What is the Use of the Reset Button?
The red reset button is used to save the electric water heater from becoming inefficient or blasting. This button turns off automatically if the water temperature inside the water tank exceeds the temperature limit. This tripping of the red button protects you from getting scalded or burned when using hot water.

What Causes the Reset Button to Trip?

High Water Temperature
Extremely hot water will majorly cause the water heater limit switch to trip. As the temperature of the water inside the water heater exceeds 820C, the high-limit switch trips. Hot water inside the tank can be because of several reasons.


Defective Thermostat
A stuck or defective thermostat is another reason why the high-limit switch keeps tripping. The heating element of a malfunctioning thermostat can operate continuously even when it is not in use This enormously increases the temperature inside the electric water heater. Use a digital multimeter to obtain the continuity reading from the thermostat.

Shorted Heating Element
It often happens that the thermostat is working properly, but the heating element may be working abnormally.. If the heated element is shorted to the ground, it will trip the reset button because of the excessive load. Disconnect the element wires, take the continuity reading from the terminals on the element and tank, and check the element. A "0.000" reading indicates a shorted element.

Loose Wiring
A loose wiring of the thermostat and heating element/s can generate high amounts of heat inside the water tank. This heat, as we know, is generally the cause of a tripped reset button.

Faulty Button
You checked everything and found no heating problem or defective elements, but the button still keeps on tripping. This can possibly be because the reset button itself is defective or faulty. A faulty high-limit switch can result in malfunctioning and tripping. Contact our professionals to examine the faulty button and repair or replace it as per the need.

Fixing a tripping reset button is simple as you just have to replace the heating elements, thermostats, or the wiring. This can generally be done on your own. But, it is good to call Hot Water Tanks Edmonton professionals to avoid any mishap or problem during the repairing process.