If a Reliance 6-EORS, 9-EORS, or HPHE backup element isn\'t heating, the most likely failure is a burned-out element. A 5-minute ohms test confirms it before you order a replacement.
What you need
- Multimeter (digital, ohms function)
- Phillips screwdriver
- Voltage tester (verify power is OFF)
Procedure
- Turn off power. Flip 240V breaker. Use a voltage tester on the element terminals to confirm
- Remove access cover. Phillips screws on upper and lower side panels
- Fold back insulation and remove the plastic safety cover
- Disconnect one element lead (leaves the element isolated for testing)
- Set multimeter to Ω (resistance). 200Ω range or auto-range
- Touch probes to the two element screws. Read resistance
Interpreting the reading
| Element wattage | Healthy reading | Failed |
|---|---|---|
| 3500W | 16-18 Ω | Open (OL) or short (0) |
| 4500W (most common) | 10-16 Ω | Open (OL) or short (0) |
| 5500W | 9-11 Ω | Open (OL) or short (0) |
| 1500W mini-tank | 38-42 Ω | Open (OL) or short (0) |
Element-to-ground test
With multimeter still in Ω mode, touch one probe to an element screw and the other to the tank shell. Should read OL (open). Continuity to ground = element shorted to sheath → replace and verify the breaker isn\'t tripped by a wet element.
Common failure patterns
- Lukewarm water, slow recovery: lower element failed. Upper continues to heat the top section
- No hot water at all: upper element failed (upper is the primary)
- Element shorts to ground: breaker trips immediately on reset — wet or cracked element
- Element appears OK but no heat: check upper thermostat (test continuity) before replacing element
Element replacement
If failed:
- Drain tank to a level below the bad element (lower element = full drain; upper = drain ~½ tank)
- Disconnect both leads
- Unscrew element with element wrench (1-½" socket)
- Install new element with new gasket; torque to spec (~50 ft-lb on screw-in; quarter-turn past gasket compression on flange)
- Refill tank — open hot tap to vent air
- Restore power only after tank is full
See Reliance heating element parts. AO Smith family elements are universally interchangeable across State, AO Smith Signature, Whirlpool, and Reliance at equivalent wattages.
Bottom line
Healthy 4500W element reads 10-16 Ω. Open or short = replace. Always test before ordering parts — bad thermostat or tripped ECO causes similar symptoms.