Electric 481605 Lower Water Heater Thermostat

The Electric 481605 Lower Water Heater Thermostat is a lower thermostat for compatible dual-element electric water heaters. It controls bottom-of-tank recovery after the upper thermostat is satisfied and power is available to the lower element.

This thermostat is not the high-limit reset control. It is used to restore proper lower element cycling, tank recovery, and temperature regulation when the lower control has failed or drifted out of calibration.

Product Features:

• Lower-Tank Temperature Control: Regulates the lower element after the upper thermostat has transferred power downward.
• No Manual Reset Button: Unlike the upper high-limit control, this lower thermostat does not serve as the reset safety cutoff.
• 120°F Factory Preset Reference: Common listings identify a factory setting around 120°F for typical residential use.
• Therm-O-Disc 59T Type: Lower-control references associate the 481605 with Therm-O-Disc 59T-style replacements.
• Adjustable Setpoint Dial: Allows service adjustment within the listed thermostat range after installation.
• Restores Bottom Recovery: Corrects lower-zone heating problems when the bottom element is not being commanded properly.
• Dual-Element Tank Use: Designed for two-element electric water heaters rather than gas or single-element controls.

Warranty

This service part includes a manufacturer’s limited warranty. Disconnect electrical power and verify thermostat style, voltage, wiring, and element configuration before replacement.