Hi All,

I was wondering if someone can explain to me how a thermostat in an
electric hot water heater works.

This is a Rheem hot water heater, it has two heating elements. I'm
trying to determine of the thermostat is working right. I get 240
volts to the upper element, but at the lower element and at the
terminals of the thermostat to the lower element I get zero voltage. I
had assumed that they would both be on as long as the water needed
heated?

I have just replaced both of the elements, one was bad as it had zero
resistance, the other I just figured I'd replace. Since I now have the
tank full of water again, I checked the voltage to the elements as
described above. I'm not getting voltage to the lower element or the
lower thermostat for that matter.

When the water in the tank is cold shouldn't I see voltage to both
elements?

Thanks,
Brian