Corrosion in electric water heater junction box

[Steve Lah]

Have seen this twice in the last two weeks. The junction boxes in the electric water heaters were noticeably rusted, especially around the ground connection. Both water heaters were less than a year old and not in damp or excessively humid basements. Any ideas?

[tom daley]

1. Were the apps. concerned both of the same make?
2. There must be moisture coming in from somewhere.
3. Minute scrutiny of the h/w and c/w connections might reveal a tiny weeping leak(s).

[Scott Patterson]

Have seen this twice in the last two weeks. The junction boxes in the electric water heaters were noticeably rusted, especially around the ground connection. Both water heaters were less than a year old and not in damp or excessively humid basements. Any ideas?

You found a small pinhole leak.