Checking the grounding on electric hot water tanks

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Do you check the grounding wire connection at the electric hot water tank by opening up a panel if necessary?

[James H. Bushart]

Isn't the grounding, when properly done, visible without opening the panel?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

Do you check the grounding wire connection at the electric hot water tank by opening up a panel if necessary?

No. I do not open that panel.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

On older tanks, the wire and nut are not usually visible. I think manufacturers have been making the grounding nut/screw readily visible.

This one is readily visible...


What if the grounding wire and nut/screw is not readily visible? Do ya'll take the little panel off and check?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Playing Devil's Advocate: Do you check light fixtures to make sure the metal case is grounded.

[Bruce A. King]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

On older tanks, the wire and nut are not usually visible.

If it is an older tank I report a new one is needed anyway.
These tanks were never intended to function past their typical lifespan therefore they ARE NOT functioning as intended.

[Chuck Evans]

I can't find checking for grounding in the NACHI SOP

[Bert B. de Haan]

Originally Posted by bking

If it is an older tank I report a new one is needed anyway.
These tanks were never intended to function past their typical lifespan therefore they ARE NOT functioning as intended.

You mean their intended function was to quit working by that time?

[Michael R. Boyett]

Originally Posted by cevans

I can't find checking for grounding in the NACHI SOP

Chuck, I agree and am with you on this, but...just in general, how do you comply with Texas TREC 535.229 (c)(3)(F)?

[Larry J. Michael]

I do not remove the panel.

[Joshua L. Frederick]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

Do you check the grounding wire connection at the electric hot water tank by opening up a panel if necessary?

Yes, if not visible. I also pull the access plates off the elements/thermostats just to check things out. FWIW - I found an arcing wire/contact from a loose connection a couple of months ago....

[Chuck Evans]

Originally Posted by mboyett

Chuck, I agree and am with you on this, but...just in general, how do you comply with Texas TREC 535.229 (c)(3)(F)?

Actually I was just making an observation vs. stating a position.

There seems to be a lot of folks who will not check anything unless it is specifically called out in the SOP. I can't find any reference to verifying ground on water heaters or any other mechanical devices in the interNACHI SOP. I'm curious how many people don't check specifically because it's not in the SOP.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by cevans

I'm curious how many people don't check specifically because it's not in the SOP.

My reasoning for not removing the panel is because it's 'technically exhaustive'. We could dream up a lot of things that could be disassembled that might reveal defects (like light fixture wiring). Example: I don't peal back vinyl siding to look for window flashing either. Another example: I don't pull out wood stoves to see the fireplace...the list goes on.

If we don't pull out the couch to test the outlet behind it, why would anyone think we should remove an access panel to a water heater?

[wsiegel]

Originally Posted by bking

If it is an older tank I report a new one is needed anyway.
These tanks were never intended to function past their typical lifespan therefore they ARE NOT functioning as intended.

Age alone cannot kill a water heater. We see 30 year old heaters that are working. We can reort that they are beyond their life exectancy and to expect replacement, but is a new one really needed?

FYI - my mom is 87 years old. She has lived well past her expected life. Do I need a new mother? Should we just write her off due to age. She is in great health.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

But,
is there any significant difference between this:


and this:
?

If you do one, do you do the other?