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Old 08-21-2019, 12:26 PM   #1
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Weird cotter pin in hot water switch.

OK, so this is a new one on me. As you an see from the pictures, I have a hot water heater with a cotter pin holding the switch in the off position. I also have a switch inside that turns the electric water heating element on and off. My question is what purpose does it serve to hold the switch in the off position? What will happen if I remove the pin and turn it on? Does the inside switch bypass this on-heater switch requiring it to stay off?
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Old 08-21-2019, 12:39 PM   #2
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Yes, you do have to have that switch in the on position as well as the electric switch inside too for the ele tric element to work in your swdel model suburban
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Old 08-21-2019, 12:41 PM   #3
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If you will look in the FAQ subsection, I have a thread about the suburban swde and swdel water heaters titled "suburbans electric switch and much more".

It will explain the two electric switches for the swdel model you have
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Old 08-21-2019, 12:43 PM   #4
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Try this link

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ad.php?t=36197
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Old 08-21-2019, 12:50 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wmtire View Post

Thanks! So the TLDR is basically the cotter pin is there to keep you from accidentally turning the heating element on when the tank is dry, yes? Both switches need to be turned on for hot water I assume.


I think that post should be a sticky.
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Old 08-21-2019, 01:07 PM   #6
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Thanks! So the TLDR is basically the cotter pin is there to keep you from accidentally turning the heating element on when the tank is dry, yes? Both switches need to be turned on for hot water I assume.


I think that post should be a sticky.
When you take the time to read the thread it fully explains it. The switch on the tank only controls the electric heating element.

The switches inside for the swdel model has one that goes to the electric heating element also, and another for the propane heating method. They are independent heating modes and you can use one or both at the same time.

Again fully explained in the link
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Old 08-21-2019, 01:09 PM   #7
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Thanks, but I was asking if I had the correct interpretation of what I read because it is very long and complicated.
Could you please offer a more helpful answer rather than RTFM?
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Old 08-21-2019, 01:33 PM   #8
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Yes, you figured it out. It keeps you from accidentally burning the element out, usually at the beginning of the next season.

As long as you remember to turn it off before you drain the system, of course.

Ray
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Old 08-21-2019, 01:34 PM   #9
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As wmtire pointed out in post #2, you need both switches on for the water heater to heat on electric.
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Old 08-21-2019, 01:52 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by adarklake View Post
Thanks! So the TLDR is basically the cotter pin is there to keep you from accidentally turning the heating element on when the tank is dry, yes? Both switches need to be turned on for hot water I assume.


I think that post should be a sticky.
Quote:
Originally Posted by adarklake View Post
Thanks, but I was asking if I had the correct interpretation of what I read because it is very long and complicated.
Could you please offer a more helpful answer rather than RTFM?
Geez... lighten up.

Folks are trying to help you, help yourself.
If it was TLDR, that's on you.
You had your answer in post #2 about needing both switches on.
And your assumption about the cotter pin is correct.

RFTM are pretty harsh words... no need to use profanity.
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Old 08-21-2019, 01:56 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by adarklake View Post
Thanks, but I was asking if I had the correct interpretation of what I read because it is very long and complicated.
Could you please offer a more helpful answer rather than RTFM?
[emoji32][emoji1786]
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Old 08-21-2019, 05:57 PM   #12
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I think it is giving you one last warning to be sure it is filled with water before turning it on and frying the heating element. My motorhome I used to own had one! Yes, I did fry one heating element before figuring this out!
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Old 08-21-2019, 06:22 PM   #13
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I for one did not know what TLDR meant, so I had to google it. This was the 2nd result.

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=TLDR

I learn something new every day. I also did not know what RTFM was, but that one I was able to figure out without google.
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Old 08-21-2019, 06:36 PM   #14
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I for one did not know what TLDR meant, so I had to google it. This was the 2nd result.

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=TLDR

I learn something new every day. I also did not know what RTFM was, but that one I was able to figure out without google.
I'm guessing adarklake is a lot younger than most of us!
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Old 08-21-2019, 06:41 PM   #15
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I'm guessing adarklake is a lot younger than most of us!
Hey now!!!!!!....I'm still young
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Old 08-21-2019, 07:05 PM   #16
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whats rtfm?
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Old 08-21-2019, 07:25 PM   #17
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Weird cotter pin in hot water switch.

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Originally Posted by Kimber45 View Post
whats rtfm?
RTFM

Read
The
F....ing
Manual
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Old 08-21-2019, 07:25 PM   #18
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Did you know that the word ACRONYM is in itself an Acronym ???

Alphabetical Code for Remembering Odd Names You Make up.
Another Cryptic Rendition Of Nomenclature You Memorize.
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Old 08-21-2019, 09:18 PM   #19
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All I know is that I don't like TLA's

(Three letter acronyms)
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Old 08-21-2019, 10:05 PM   #20
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All I know is that I don't like TLA's

(Three letter acronyms)
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