water heater use

[Nightfly]

I am a new rv owner and have a Flagstaff 21 ds. I would like to know the proper use of my water heater. Please explain to me the importance of the on and off switch in the outside rear panel of the heater and the 2 switches inside the cabin on my wall panel. I have both an electric water heater switch and gas water heater switch on my wall panel. I have used both and they have worked fine. I'm just confused about having that switch in the back panel outside. What does that control?
thanks

[aeblank]

Ha, good question.
I turned the outside one on 3 years ago. Haven't thought about it touched it since.

I'd guess it's for people who don't have an inside switch.

I use electric when I can, gas otherwise. Both when the wife takes a shower.

[TheWolfPaq82]

I don't have the dual switches inside...wish I did...but usually the switch outside in the WH compartment controls the "Electric Element" inside WH. It's possible you have the ability to turn on the outside switch but also have control over the electric element from inside too.

[Iwritecode]

Take some time to read through this thread. It should answer most of your questions.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ore-36197.html

Also, since you mentioned that you are a new RV owner, here's some extra reading that you may find useful.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ts-157524.html

[Martsing]

I have two switches inside and one on the outside. If you turn on the electric WH switch without water in the tank you will fry the heating element VERY quickly. The switch outside is a failsafe. If you have the outside switched on and use the electric when plugged in you will not use any propane. If you turn on the propane switch AND the electric with the outside switch on then you will heat the water a bit faster. Personally, I don't care about the difference between propane or electric so I just keep it on propane and keep both electric switches (inside and out) switched off just to avoid accidents.

Marty

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by Nightfly

Please explain to me the importance of the on and off switch in the outside rear panel of the heater and the 2 switches inside the cabin on my wall panel.

You have a Suburban SWDEL model. The links that Iwritecode already provided in post #4 should get you squared away.

[Nightfly]

Thank you all. This explained the water heater very well. I'm already liking this blog--it has been very helpful.