Water Heater Question

[Duckfan]

Originally Posted by cavie

Leave the outside switch ON all the time (if you have one) unless you are going to empty the tank. Never turn the electric on with an empty tank. You will instantly burn out the element.

Thank you. I was hoping that was the case.

[SlowrideHD]

Originally Posted by cavie

Leave the outside switch ON all the time (if you have one) unless you are going to empty the tank. Never turn the electric on with an empty tank. You will instantly burn out the element.

If you leave the outside switch on all the time, you could run into this scenario...you come home from a camping trip and park your rv/camper. Then you plug in (like I do) so that your batteries stay charged, lights are bright, you can turn on an exhaust fan or the big tv. BUT...your hot water heater elements will be keeping a water tank full of hot water, which you may not need for weeks, or months until the next camping trip.

I turn my outside switch off every time I disconnect from a campground pedestal. Never know if I might be running for a couple nights on my 2000 watt Honda or another small power source that would tax the electric system with the hot water tank "on" in the electric position.

Modern RV water tanks will not "instantly" burn out a dry heating element. Those built in the last couple years have a good bit more resistance to dry firing disasters on the element.