Hi Matt
I installed my powered anode today.
It was extremely hard to remove the anode on my 1-month-old AO Smith water heater. I used a 1/2-inch drive air-powered impact wrench with 150+ psi air and a 6-sided impact socket. The anode would not budge.
I had read that some manufacturers use red Loctite when they install the anodes. I eventually got it out by draining about 2 gallons of water from the tank and then heating the anode with a small propane torch. I had to reheat it twice but finally, the impact driver got it to slowly move and come out.
The new install was then easy. Before plugging in the powered anode, I refilled the water heater and opened a hot water faucet to purge any air from the tank. Then, I plugged in the anode power supply. It blinked green for several seconds and then stayed green.
I took photos with my phone. When I viewed the solid green LED on the power supply with my phone, it looked like it was blinking on the phone screen. With my eyes, it was not blinking. I think the phone sees things that my eyes cannot.
I have attached installation photos.
John