Installed new rheem 40 gal elec water heater. model ge40m06aag. no hot y already checked breaker and am getting. 240v to the wh

Your electrical testing probably not accurate, or upper thermostat is bad, or reset is tripped?
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html#reset

http://waterheatertimer.org/How-it-works.html

Gene

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Hi,
You need a 2pole 30 amp breaker that will fit what ever style breaker panel you have....then you will need to run 10/2WG wire from the breaker to the hot water heater...

heatman101

The top thermostat is kicking out and it may me a short or bad part.
New can be bad also.
I would take it back and get another unit.
Now if you wired it check your wiring and the breaker for proper voltage and amperage , wire size and so on.

You posted under Rheem 40 gallon electric water heater, which is two-element 240Volt heater.
If this is not your heater, add a comment.

If you suddenly have no hot water, that narrows the suspect list.

Step1:
Check for tripped circuit breaker.
Open top cover on water heater and push in reset button on upper thermostat.
If reset button is tripped out, and will not push back in, then replace upper thermostat.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermostat-on-electric-water-heater.html
Put ear against tank and listen for bubbly-fizzing sound that says heater is ON.
If reset is not tripped, then move to step 2

Step 2: use tester or multi-meter and test across top two screws on upper thermostat for 240Volt.
If heater is not getting 240V, then test circuit breaker.
Move water heater wires from 240V breaker to another same-amp 240V breaker and see if that restores power.
You may need to replace breaker:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-circuit-breaker.html
If problem persists, then you might have a line problem between breaker and water heater.
Open cover on top of heater, and check connections on top of heater.

Step 3:
If heater is getting 240V, then upper thermostat or upper element is bad.
I suggest 30 minute troubleshooting which could save you a service call, and will be valuable information in the future:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html

Add a comment for more free help.
Also take advantage of fixya phone service.
For a price, fixya expert speaks with you over phone while you work on timer.

Electric water heater can be repaired by homeowner
If I understand correctly, water heater is producing no hot water.
Reset button clicks in, but still no heat.

Three initial things can be causing this:
1) No power to water heater. Test across top two screws on upper thermostat for 240V. Red and black wire are attached to these screws. Screws are marked 1 and 3. Upper thermostat is same that has reset button. If power tests 120 across screws, then breaker may be off on one leg. If no power, then start testing at breaker.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html

2) Upper thermostat is bad. Replace thermostat with generic upper thermostat available at hardware store.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermostat-on-electric-water-heater.html

3) Upper element is bad. Test and replace element using Rheem 4500 watt element available at hardware store. Image shown below. Look at label on side of tank for element wattage. Rheem puts 4500 watt elements into all their 240V electric water heaters.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-test-water-heater-element.html

If upper element is burned out the tank will not heat any water.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-it-works.html

Rheem 4500Watt element


Upper thermostats are generic and interchangeable:

Turn off the power check all your connections. Check for a tripped breaker. If can use a volt meter check for power and check continuity of your elements.

Remove power from WH Remove heating element covers and, insullation you will see two screws and, a red button (reset) for each element; push the button for each element to reset them; put everything back repower and, test. If the problem is still there: Remove power, test element screws with a meter set for resistance; if no continuity drain WH and, replace element(s)

my 50 gal heater puts out only 20 gal of hot water

If you checked the reset, then the next thing to check would be the breaker in your breaker box. If that doesnt work start checking the elements. The reset, the thermostat and the elements are pretty much all that can go wrong with an electric water heater, short of a leaky tank or faulty t&p valve. Hope this helps.

You need to check that you still have 220 volts to element. Take reading . Sounds like you may need to change breaker out for new at breaker panel, look for 30-40-or 50 amp suggest qualified electrician only or you could have deathly results. Please Rate. Thanks