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Old 08-02-2016, 09:39 PM   #1
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Hot water heater question

I have a 2016 Forest River Wildwood. My question is, why is there a hot water switch on the panel where the other switches are (i.e. slide out, awning, light switch, etc.) but having the switch OFF does NOT turn off the hot water heater. The only way I can turn off the thing is to flip the circuit breaker or else it stays on all the time. I can't tell that the switch does anything but turn on a little red light above the switch.
Thanks,
Lodie
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Old 08-02-2016, 09:48 PM   #2
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I don't have a Wildwood, but it's probably the same as mine. The switch on your panel turns on the gas function of the water heater. If you go outside and remove the cover panel on the heater, you will see a switch in the lower left corner. That turns off the electrical function of the heater. If you want a fast recovery during multiple showers, leave both switches on.
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Old 08-02-2016, 09:49 PM   #3
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I think you have a gas/electric water heater. I think the switch on the panel turned off the gas side. On my water heater, there is an electric switch to turn off the electric. My switch is located outside. Remove the panel and look to the lower left. It may be hidden a bit behind the gas piping. It will work with both. Most people use the electric side to save on propane and switch on the gas when fast recovery is needed. Hope this helps.


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Old 08-02-2016, 09:55 PM   #4
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Thank you for that. I've never seen anything about this in my owner's manual. This makes perfect sense and I'll check it out tomorrow to see what happens. Thank you for your reply.
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Old 08-02-2016, 10:02 PM   #5
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Thanks for that. I think I lost all my individual appliance operating instructions. Guess I can find them on line somewhere.
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Old 08-02-2016, 10:42 PM   #6
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Lodie:

Look at the pics in post 29 here:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...h-49540-3.html

Shows you where the switch is on the outside of the water heater.

You may or may not have the safety pin through the switch. (Mine doesn't).
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Old 08-02-2016, 10:50 PM   #7
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You most likely have the Suburban water heater. This FAQ on it should get you all lined out. Let us know if you need more help:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tml#post327988
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Old 08-03-2016, 04:19 AM   #8
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Good answers people!
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Old 08-03-2016, 12:35 PM   #9
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Just remember to make sure your hot water heater is full before using the electric switch. If you don't you will ruin your tank.
On the gas side if the little red light above or next to the switch comes on it means there was a fault while lighting. Cause could be propane is turned off or possible air in lines. Once gas reaches heater it should light.
Good Luck!!
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Old 08-03-2016, 12:37 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lodie View Post
I have a 2016 Forest River Wildwood. My question is, why is there a hot water switch on the panel where the other switches are (i.e. slide out, awning, light switch, etc.) but having the switch OFF does NOT turn off the hot water heater. The only way I can turn off the thing is to flip the circuit breaker or else it stays on all the time. I can't tell that the switch does anything but turn on a little red light above the switch.

Thanks,

Lodie


It's a water heater. Not a hot water heater. You don't heat hot water. It's already heated
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Old 08-03-2016, 01:12 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flighht2k5 View Post
It's a water heater. Not a hot water heater. You don't heat hot water. It's already heated
LOL!! At what point is the water considered hot? So at some point you are heating hot water to become hotter water. 😁
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Old 08-03-2016, 01:14 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by NMWildcat View Post
LOL!! At what point is the water considered hot? So at some point you are heating hot water to become hotter water. [emoji16]


Same could be said for the other was as well [emoji16]
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Old 08-03-2016, 01:37 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flighht2k5 View Post
It's a water heater. Not a hot water heater. You don't heat hot water. It's already heated
I'm usually the one that says that, but don't think I didn't want to say it!
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Old 08-03-2016, 01:38 PM   #14
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So it's a hotter water heater!!! I like it!

You won't really ruin your tank by turning the electric switch on without water in the vessel, but you will ruin the element in a few seconds.
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Old 08-03-2016, 03:38 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flighht2k5 View Post
It's a water heater. Not a hot water heater. You don't heat hot water. It's already heated
That's funny... but true I Suppose.
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Old 08-03-2016, 08:35 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flighht2k5 View Post
It's a water heater. Not a hot water heater. You don't heat hot water. It's already heated
Yeah, we know! (It's REALLY a cold water heater!)
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