Can't Use Water Heater On Electric

[mecsim]

I have a 6 gal Suburban water heater that is both propane and electric. I have always used propane since it was faster, but I wanted to try the electric element this weekend. There is a small black on/off switch on the lower left side of the water heater when looking from the outside. The problem is I could not get the switch to move from the off to the on position -- it seems to be stuck in the off position. The water heater is 10 years old, and the switch position has never been moved. Any ideas how to coax it on with breaking the switch ? If I had to replace the switch, does it just pop out from the exterior, or do I have to do something from the inside of the trailer ? I hope not, because the back side of the front of the water heater is hard to reach from the little access door.

[Herk7769]

I would try WD-40 or electric contact cleaner (radio shack).

It could be corroded and ruined and need total replacement.
Lots of work arounds if you can get that switch to the "ON" position; including adding a really neat remote switch inside the camper.
Hott Rod Water Heater Wiring Switch Conversion Kit - $15.99

Oh, BTW if you do decide to "pop it out" make sure the power center AC circuit breaker for the heater is off.

[kenandterry]

Some help you are Herk.

The guy already has a stuck switch, and then you tell him there's a work around that includes installing a neat remote switch inside the camper.

Just what the poor guy needs...........another switch that won't!!!!

[DAISY BOYKIN]

Stand on your head and look closely, there my be a "BLOCKING" pin holding the switch is the off position. Mine had one when it was brand new. It will be located at the very top of the switch. Simply pull it out!

Good luck!

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by kenandterry

Some help you are Herk.

The guy already has a stuck switch, and then you tell him there's a work around that includes installing a neat remote switch inside the camper.

Just what the poor guy needs...........another switch that won't!!!!

I know you comment was "tongue in cheek," but my intent was that is the switch is actually broken he could pop it out, toss it, and use the existing wire terminals to connect to the remote switch kit. Might as well kill two birds.

That OEM switch is fairly common and most RV or electronic parts stores stock it.

Amazon.com: NTE 54-054 SPST Lighted Rocker Switch Red Neon lamp: Home Improvement

This one even has an internal red light to show when it is on. (check your measurements to make sure it is correct for your water heater.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by DAISY BOYKIN

Stand on your head and look closely, there my be a "BLOCKING" pin holding the switch is the off position. Mine had one when it was brand new. It will be located at the very top of the switch. Simply pull it out!

Good luck!

I doubt you can miss it but the pin should be removed. I also found a recommendation on another site for silicone spray and careful wiggling.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by herk7769

Lots of work arounds if you can get that switch to the "ON" position; including adding a really neat remote switch inside the camper.
Hott Rod Water Heater Wiring Switch Conversion Kit - $15.99

.

Lou, this switch will work with the existing wiring to a Suburban water heater?

If so, this may be a modification I probably want, as I would really like to switch mine on/off from inside the camper when running on electric..

[B47]

Originally Posted by herk7769

I would try WD-40 or electric contact cleaner (radio shack).

It could be corroded and ruined and need total replacement.
Lots of work arounds if you can get that switch to the "ON" position; including adding a really neat remote switch inside the camper.
Hott Rod Water Heater Wiring Switch Conversion Kit - $15.99

Oh, BTW if you do decide to "pop it out" make sure the power center AC circuit breaker for the heater is off.

Isn't the "Hott Rod" another type of anode rod? If so, perhaps this switch won't work for him.

[B47]

Originally Posted by DAISY BOYKIN

Stand on your head and look closely, there my be a "BLOCKING" pin holding the switch is the off position. Mine had one when it was brand new. It will be located at the very top of the switch. Simply pull it out!

Good luck!

Good advice - you beat me to it. Sometimes its the simple things that mess you up.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by B47

Isn't the "Hott Rod" another type of anode rod? If so, perhaps this switch won't work for him.

Hott Rod is a company.
The remote switch is a product and so is the heated anode.

[DAISY BOYKIN]

I disconnected the power from the outlet that my water heater was plugged into, Ran the 110VAC through a 15 AMP switch with a pilot light from Home Depot. Then I ran the power from the switch back to the hot water outlet where the tank is plugged into. I cut a hole in the thin panel down on the front of the kitchen cabinet. Installed a blue plastic junction box (the type with "EARS") in the thin panel, ran the 110VAC wire into the box from the outlet for the water heater, connected to the 110VAC switch with red pilot light, ran wire from switch back to water heater plug in box. Presto, Inside switch with light.

IF pictures are requested, I will supply!

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by wmtire

Lou, this switch will work with the existing wiring to a Suburban water heater?

If so, this may be a modification I probably want, as I would really like to switch mine on/off from inside the camper when running on electric..

It is on my "to Buy" list. If you can wait a few months I will do a report.
If you decide to go now then you write the report.

For $16 you can make too big a mistake.

[B47]

Originally Posted by herk7769

Hott Rod is a company.
The remote switch is a product and so is the heated anode.

OK - thanks. The things you can learn on this forum.

[RodeoGeorge]

Just so others reading this thread do not get confused, the newer DSI/Electric water heaters use a circuit board (the one with the DSI circuitry) that includes a relay to turn the Electric ON/OFF.

These water heaters normally come with a dual water heater switch assembly that has both the Gas and Electric switches. Also, because the actually AC contact is made on the circuit board, the wiring from the circuit board to the switches is low voltage (12V). This eliminated the requirement to route the 110V AC to the switch and back.

RodeoGeorge

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by DAISY BOYKIN

I disconnected the power from the outlet that my water heater was plugged into, Ran the 110VAC through a 15 AMP switch with a pilot light from Home Depot. Then I ran the power from the switch back to the hot water outlet where the tank is plugged into. I cut a hole in the thin panel down on the front of the kitchen cabinet. Installed a blue plastic junction box (the type with "EARS") in the thin panel, ran the 110VAC wire into the box from the outlet for the water heater, connected to the 110VAC switch with red pilot light, ran wire from switch back to water heater plug in box. Presto, Inside switch with light.

IF pictures are requested, I will supply!

Sid's mod was on my "to do" list before I spotted that kit.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...vac-12023.html

[Herk7769]

Hott Rod Water Heater Switch Kit

Here is more info on the kit; but at a higher price.

[FarmerJim]

Originally Posted by DAISY BOYKIN

Stand on your head and look closely, there my be a "BLOCKING" pin holding the switch is the off position. Mine had one when it was brand new. It will be located at the very top of the switch. Simply pull it out!

Good luck!

X2 mine had one too. Jim

[jimh]

mine got hard to work after abt 2 yrs. sprayed with wd 40 and was able to free it up. then started turning it on and off at the breaker.
i make it a point to shut the breaker off before i disconnect the water line. my switch was turned on during a show or during the walk thru. (i don't have the lock pin but there is a place for it). end result, the heater element burnt out. ever sense, i have always checked the breaker before moving (habit). the breaker is next to the entrance and easy to check. whatever u get useto is what i should do.

wd 40 is excellent; it is a contact cleaner as well as a lubricant. i use to use it to clean tv tuners.

[FarmerJim]

I use my breaker too as I leave the outside switch on and just switch on and off inside at the breaker . There never is any thing else on that circuit in any trailer I've owned . Jim