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Old 09-16-2014, 10:58 AM   #1
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Hot water heater on electric

Hi all im a newbie snd
Headin out on our first trip next wk, campsite has full hookup so i want to run my hot water heater on electric can please tell me the proper procedure for starting that
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Old 09-16-2014, 11:01 AM   #2
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We'd first need to know the model and brand of water heater to help you.

Assuming it's a suburban the electric on /off switch is outside your camper.
Remove the outside cover and look in the very lower left corner you'll see a tiny black on off switch. "Hidden"

Make sure your water heater is full before you start it.

BTW didn't they show you this when you bought it?

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Old 09-16-2014, 11:03 AM   #3
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All depends on what heater you have. Let us know the model number of water heater and we can go from there.

No matter which kind it is though, always make sure it's full of water by checking with the relief valve before turning on the electric.
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Old 09-16-2014, 11:10 AM   #4
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Yes the switch is outside on bottom left side
Of heater when i take grate off and there is water in the tank as i checked the relief valve just wanna make sure im doin it right when i plug in to shore power i turn on outside switch as i mentioned above is there any thing else i need to do?
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Old 09-16-2014, 11:11 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by Jfmf527 View Post
Yes the switch is outside on bottom left side
Of heater when i take grate off and there is water in the tank as i checked the relief valve just wanna make sure im doin it right when i plug in to shore power i turn on outside switch as i mentioned above is there any thing else i need to do?
Sit back and enjoy!

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Old 09-16-2014, 11:12 AM   #6
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Nope, that sounds about it.

Either:

1) check for water
2) Plug in trailer
3) Make sure switch is on

Or:

1) Make sure switch is off
2) Plug in trailer
3) Check for water
4) Turn switch on.
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Old 09-16-2014, 11:14 AM   #7
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Welcome and congratulations.
Just initially before turning on WH, regardless of heating source, be sure to hookup water and open faucets hot and cold to purge air in lines and HW heater. This will ensure that you do not burn up your HW heater or ruin your electric element.
Someone else who has the same unit as you can provide more detailed information specific to your unit.


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Old 09-16-2014, 11:17 AM   #8
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Here is a detailed FAQ on the operation of the Suburban brand water heater:

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

One question, is your RV of the 30 amp (3 prongs on main electrical cord) or 50 amp (4 prongs on plug) type?
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Old 09-16-2014, 11:18 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by B D HOWie View Post
Welcome and congratulations.
Just initially before turning on WH, regardless of heating source, be sure to hookup water and open faucets hot and cold to purge air in lines and HW heater. This will ensure that you do not burn up your HW heater or ruin your electric element.
Someone else who has the same unit as you can provide more detailed information specific to your unit.


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Actually your method shouldn't be used.

Here's why.

If you use the hot and cold tap to purge air from water heater "it's possible" that the water heater bypass is turned "not allowing " water in the tank giving the allusion that there is by getting water from your hot water tap.

You should always use the pressure relief valve to purge any air.

Mine is always open while the tank is filling.

Just an fyi.

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Old 09-16-2014, 11:19 AM   #10
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30 amp
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Old 09-16-2014, 11:20 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by B D HOWie View Post
Welcome and congratulations.
Just initially before turning on WH, regardless of heating source, be sure to hookup water and open faucets hot and cold to purge air in lines and HW heater. This will ensure that you do not burn up your HW heater or ruin your electric element.
Someone else who has the same unit as you can provide more detailed information specific to your unit.
IF the wh is in bypass (winterizing) mode, turning faucets on won't do it. The only safe way to insure the tank is full is opening the pressure relief valve until water pours out of it.
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Old 09-16-2014, 11:20 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by Jfmf527 View Post
Hi all im a newbie snd
Headin out on our first trip next wk, campsite has full hookup so i want to run my hot water heater on electric can please tell me the proper procedure for starting that
Just a guess but a (2004 Salem) might NOT have a (Gas/Ele) W/H? Just guessing like everyone else! Youroo!!
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Old 09-16-2014, 11:21 AM   #13
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Yes it does have both
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Old 09-16-2014, 11:23 AM   #14
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Originally Posted by Jfmf527 View Post
30 amp
Thanks, your RV being a 30 amp type, you will need to be mindful of other electrical things you run at the same time, as the electric element uses 12 amps (of the 30) when heating......as you may trip the circuit breakers.

It's explained in edit #2 in the link I provided previously. You will get it all figured out, and feel free to ask any/all questions you want. That's what the gang is here for.
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Old 09-16-2014, 11:24 AM   #15
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Originally Posted by youroo View Post
Just a guess but a (2004 Salem) might NOT have a (Gas/Ele) W/H? Just guessing like everyone else! Youroo!!
Youroo just an fyi.

There either gas only or gas / electric



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Old 09-16-2014, 11:25 AM   #16
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Yes it does have both
Now if you post the Mod# and MFG.of the W/H it will help! Youroo!!
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Old 09-16-2014, 11:27 AM   #17
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I will post when i get home from work
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Old 09-16-2014, 11:27 AM   #18
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Youroo just an fyi.

There either gas only or gas / electric



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Thanks,Thats what I said! Youroo!! They come with a Gas only,you have to spec a G/E back then!
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Old 09-16-2014, 11:34 AM   #19
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I know it is both cause ive had it running on both just wanted a refresher on how to run it
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Old 09-16-2014, 11:36 AM   #20
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I know it is both cause ive had it running on both just wanted a refresher on how to run it
Have fun!
Fall camping is the best!


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