My water heater was broken and I traced it back to a problem with the power. I was only getting 50 volts for a 240v unit. I found this box connected between the 240v line from the fusebox and the water heater and I'd like to know what it's for. The 240v line is coming in just fine but breaks down to 50v when it comes out of the box and into the water heater. I can bypass the box completely but I feel like it's there for a reason.
I can't find anything written on the box or components that would help identify its purpose.
Best Answer
Mike - that looks like a power saver box installed by your utility company.
The utility can regulate the HW Heater on and off. Thus saving you energy as the theory goes (that's the theory).
My theory is if I want it low , I will set it there and not raise it high - thus I save energy and have hot water when and how I like it, not luke warm water.