While most homeowners think of the water heater as a fixture that just runs and should be ignored, regular maintenance is critical in keeping it in peak efficiency. To keep the water heater working efficiently and safely, there’s a test known as an ELB test, or Electric Leakage Breaker test. So, what is this test and what does it tell us about the water heater?
In this article, we’ll explain in detail what an ELB test is, why it’s important, and how it helps you keep your water heater running safely and smoothly. Ready to learn more?
Let’s get started.
What is ELB Test in Water Heater?
The ELB test (Earth/Leakage Breaker test) or as some call it, the Earth Leakage Breaker (ELB) Test is a safety test measuring the insulation resistance between the neutral conductor and earth or ground in your water heater.Why is it Important?
The ELB test is very important as it tests the level of insulation protection that is afforded by the wiring system of your water heater. The insulation resistance should never be below the prescribed values for your unit, as such a low-level of insulation resistance could potentially lead to an electrical leakage to earth or ground.
This leakage to earth could potentially cause an electric shock to you and/or an electrical fire due to the increased levels of current that can then flow into the ground.
Who Conducts the Test?
In most cases, the ELB Test is conducted by a qualified electrician or a professional from the Water Heater Repairs/Servicing Agency.They will possess the necessary skills and tools to complete the test.
What is Measured in an ELB Test?
The ELB Test is conducted on the Neutral Conductor and then the Earth or Ground is measured. The value of the insulation resistance should never be below the prescribed values. This prescribed value can be found in the manual that came with your water heater.
What Happens in an ELB Test?
The ELB Test is conducted by a qualified electrician or professional from the Water Heater Repairs/Servicing Agency.This test measures the level of insulation resistance between the neutral conductor (the white wire) and ground (the green wire) of your water heater. Insulation resistance is the amount of resistance between the two conductors, which acts like an insulator and resists electricity from passing through.