Electric Water heater switch

[VetteJohn]

the on/ off switch located inside the cover of the water heater, can the wires on that switch be taken off and the wires extended
to a new switch inside the trailer?

[ksignoles]

If you can access behind the WH, there is an electrical outlet. It might be easier to add a switch to turn off the outlet. Then leave your current switch in the on position.


2013 Sierra 346 RET
2010 Ford 350 6.4 l CC SRW
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[TURBS]

Or leave the switch on and use the circuit breaker to turn on / off

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[rana]

I'm sure it depends on how your rig is setup, but in many it's easier to follow the wiring from the power distribution panel and wire in a switch on that end. An illuminated switch is a great reminder that your WH electric is on/off.

[Alberta8311ss]

We just use the breaker. Most units have a dedicated breaker for the water heater.


2014 Rockwood 8311SS

[Crockett]

it seems like those exterior switches seize up in no time. I like the breaker short term. I got an old teton with a wall switch and indicator light and thats nice. I like the old days when they used those DPDT wall switches. If you had 30 amp service, they just put one of those in and you would select between AC or WH.

[cpaulsen]

I wired my switch before the breaker and left the water heater switch on. Wanted a lighted switch and did not want to use the breaker all the time.

[cat1956]

I wired this switch inline with the wire from the breaker to the water heater plug.

[Mr Camino]

I also just use the breaker in the panel and leave the switch on all the time. The only time I have to turn the the breaker off is when I run the generator. Even when I am booning I leave it on as there is no power to it, and I just use the propane.

[tomrob1161]

If you have a 30 amp RV, I would recommend using propane when you are using the A/C, with a 50 amp RV you are OK.

[Crockett]

Ive found if you bathe the entire circuit in alcohol and dry ice to the temp of -197F that you can run both the AC and the WH on 110.

Thats for you Bob...

[glfillion]

People, remember that the engineers who designed the h2o heatee put the switch there for areason. It forces you to be cognicent when there is power to your heater and that you should have WATER IN IT! A simple momentary release of the pressure valve gives you positive feedback so you don't run the risk of burning your element out.

[Crockett]

Good point. You turn that switch on with your anode rod laying there staring at you, you deserve to lose an element!

[randygk]

Keep in mind as posted on other similar posts that unless specifically switch rated the circuit breakers are not meant to be used as a switch. It may last longer than you and I , but just FYI.