Switch?
- Thread starter mudshark
- Start date
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If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
Rene T
Site Team
Our old RV had a switch very similar and it was for the 110 Volt AC heating element in the water heater.
Larry N.
Well-known member
Remembering my Bounder, I'd have suggested the same as Rene, the water heater.
Punomatic
Well-known member
Three for water heater AC switch.
Isaac-1
Well-known member
Another vote for electric element in the water heater, note that if anyone ever turns that switch on when the water heater is empty it will burn the element out in a matter of seconds, then the indicator lamp will still work, but the water will not heat on AC electricity. I ran into this problem on my coach as the previous owner could not figure out what the mystery switch did after trying it out with the water heater empty and winterized.
Arch Hoagland
Well-known member
I'm gonna take a stab at this and say it was added after the RV was purchased originally.
First clue is they covered up the bottom part of the yellow warning label.
Second clue was that the manufacturer clearly labeled the top four switches. Stand alone switch is not labeled.
Third clue is top four switches had Phillips head screws, add on is a flat head screw.
Just my opinion....
First clue is they covered up the bottom part of the yellow warning label.
Second clue was that the manufacturer clearly labeled the top four switches. Stand alone switch is not labeled.
Third clue is top four switches had Phillips head screws, add on is a flat head screw.
Just my opinion....
Old_Crow
Well-known member
This one I can't help you on. Our coach doesn't have anything like that, but then, I don't have an electric element on my water heater either. That's the answer that makes the most sense.
Rene T
Site Team
In my S/B, I use that style switch in some closets. The switches are outside the closet and when the doors are closed and the lights are on,I can't see any light from inside. So this switch really helps conserve.
John From Detroit
Well-known member
Without seeing the RV I too will guess electric water heater.. Now Respecting the "After market" reply......
Questions.. Does the light come on without shore power??? or only with shore power?? (2nd option suggests water heater electric)
now go outside and open teh access for the water heater
Is there a nylong plug. or a metal plug. (About 1/2 inch diamater) lower left?
Or is there somethig with wires attached (HOTT ROD add-on electric element for water heater).
Questions.. Does the light come on without shore power??? or only with shore power?? (2nd option suggests water heater electric)
now go outside and open teh access for the water heater
Is there a nylong plug. or a metal plug. (About 1/2 inch diamater) lower left?
Or is there somethig with wires attached (HOTT ROD add-on electric element for water heater).
Thank you all. The majority of your replies point to the water heater. The electric side of our water heater was removed long before we bought the coach so we only heat by propane. Interesting question, I will have to see if it lights up without shore power. Looks like we have a useless circuit.
Rene T
Site Team
mudshark said:
What make and model water heater do you have? If it was me, I'd see about restoring it back to original.
A month or so ago I had a repair guy over to check out the water heater when I was having trouble with the control board.
(I have since replaced the board with a "Dinosaur" board.)
He asked about the heating element. I told him that it was gone and the wires capped off. He said "Good. I won't replace them if someone asks."
He said that too many campers wired the electrode to any circuit that was handy instead of putting them on their own dedicated circuit. Too many chances of a fire. So that is where we stand today, no electric element.
(I have since replaced the board with a "Dinosaur" board.)
He asked about the heating element. I told him that it was gone and the wires capped off. He said "Good. I won't replace them if someone asks."
He said that too many campers wired the electrode to any circuit that was handy instead of putting them on their own dedicated circuit. Too many chances of a fire. So that is where we stand today, no electric element.
Rene T
Site Team
1st, you said the wires were capped off. I would remove the wire nuts, turn that switch on and see if you have power at the wires.
Also, take a look at your 110 Volt AC entrance panel. Look for a breaker labeled "Water Heater". If you have a circuit beaker, chances are the wire is the correct size if installed by factory.
If the element is gone, how was the hole sealed.
It would still be good if you give us the brand and model number of the heater.
Also, take a look at your 110 Volt AC entrance panel. Look for a breaker labeled "Water Heater". If you have a circuit beaker, chances are the wire is the correct size if installed by factory.
If the element is gone, how was the hole sealed.
It would still be good if you give us the brand and model number of the heater.
SeilerBird
Well-known member
If it is not the water heater element it might be for a holding tank heater element.
John From Detroit
Well-known member
You that's a HOTT ROD in the drain plug. If you are not going to use it remove and replace with a proper NYLON plug you can get at most any RV place.
Rene T
Site Team
I just looked up your model number and it looks like it was just for propane. The Hot Rod is a good option to use. Saves on propane. Are the wires still there near the heater? If they are, turn on the switch and see if you have power there. If you do and the Hot Rod doesn't work it may be burnt out. Just replace it.
