When a technician is called to repair heating element issues in an electric geyser, they typically follow a set of procedures to identify and resolve the problem. Here's a detailed breakdown of the work they would typically perform:
1. Inspection and Diagnosis:
- Power Supply Check: Ensure the geyser is receiving power. If there's no power, check the fuse, circuit breaker, and wiring for any faults.
- Check Thermostat Functionality: Verify if the thermostat is set correctly and functioning as it should. A malfunctioning thermostat can prevent the heating element from working properly.
- Element Testing: Use a multimeter to check the heating element for continuity. If there is no continuity, the element is likely faulty and needs to be replaced.
- Check for Any Leakage or Faulty Wiring: Inspect for any visible signs of leakage or damage around the geyser, which could lead to short circuits or improper functioning of the heating element.
2. Shut Off Power & Safety Measures:
- Turn off the Geyser: Ensure that the geyser is powered off and disconnected from the electrical source.
- Drain the Water: If required, drain the water from the geyser to prevent water spillage when accessing the heating element.
- Safety Precautions: Take necessary safety precautions by using insulated tools, wearing protective gloves, and ensuring no water can come in contact with electrical components.
3. Disassembly:
- Remove the Cover or Panel: Open the geyser's access panel to get to the heating element.
- Disconnect the Electrical Wires: Disconnect the wiring from the faulty heating element, marking the wires for reassembly later.
- Remove the Heating Element: Unbolt or unscrew the heating element from the geyser's tank, carefully extracting it.
4. Element Replacement or Repair:
- Install a New Heating Element: If the heating element is found to be faulty, install a new, compatible heating element by securing it in place and reconnecting the electrical wires.
- Clean the Area: Sometimes, mineral deposits from hard water can coat the element. If applicable, clean the tank and area surrounding the element to ensure maximum efficiency.
- Check for Scale Build-up: If there’s excessive scale build-up, a technician might recommend a de-scaling procedure to improve the lifespan of the new element.
5. Reassembly:
- Reinstall the Panel or Cover: Once the new heating element is securely installed, close the geyser's access panel and reassemble any components that were removed.
- Reconnect Power Supply: Ensure all electrical connections are correctly made and secured.
6. Testing and Verification:
- Power On the Geyser: Turn the power back on and test the geyser to ensure the new heating element is working properly.
- Check for Proper Heating: Allow the geyser to heat up and verify that the water temperature is increasing, indicating the heating element is functioning correctly.
- Test the Thermostat: Verify that the thermostat is regulating the temperature properly and shutting off the heating element when the desired temperature is reached.
- Check for Leaks: Inspect the unit for any leaks or issues that might have resulted from the repair.
7. Final Checks and Clean-Up:
- Check the Electrical Circuit: Ensure that the geyser is drawing the appropriate amount of current and that there are no electrical issues.
- Provide Customer Instructions: If necessary, provide the customer with instructions on maintenance, including tips on preventing future scale build-up and ensuring proper usage of the geyser.
- Clean the Work Area: Ensure the work area is cleaned up, and the technician takes any old parts or debris with them.
8. Record the Work Done:
- Documentation: The technician may document the repair performed, including the cause of the issue (such as a faulty element), any parts replaced, and any recommendations for future maintenance.
By following this process, the technician ensures that the electric geyser is functioning properly and the heating element is repaired or replaced as needed.