water heater and melted fuse?

[cidgrad98]

This morning I noticed I had no hot water and after further investigation of my water heater I noticed the separate electrical shut off to water heater (at least I think that is what it is) was melted (not actual fuse in my fuse box)... I uploaded 2 pictures to explain since my terminology is probably wrong b/c i'm not a plumber.

The only thing that has recently changed is we had a plumber replace the anode with a special zinc anode we got from the manufacturer. This was to get rid of the sulfer smell as we are on a well and evidently the aluminum anode causes that (per manufacturer recommendation)

Has anyone ever seen this?

[Cass]

That is a quick disconnect. Looks like you may have to replace it.

You most likely had an element go bad and it took out the quick disconnect, although it may have been just a bad connection at the disconnect.

You should call a plumber.

[cidgrad98]

OK thanks for the response. I would have thought it would trip the breaker on the quick disconnect instead of melt it. Is that common?

[Cass]

Yes it should have tripped the breaker, but I don't know what brand of pannel you have.

Federal Pacific is notorious for causing fires because they don't trip when they should. I have seen wires fuse and melt apart, direct short, and the breaker not trip.

Your disconnect may have had a bad connection.

I can't tell fron here, just call someone.

[hj]

A loose fitting disconnect "plug" or wire would create a high resistance point which would overheat and melt the unit, but not create an overload which would have tripped the breaker. Check whether you have aluminum wires coming into the box and copper wires going to the water heater. That situation can cause the overheating.