Electric Water Heater Switch

[chop249]

Does anyone have an idea of how to drop a switch in the control panel for the water heater? My 381RBOK has a switch for the propane on the heater but the electric switch is outside next to the element access. The tech that did my walk through said they did that for safety so you didn't turn it on with no water in the tank. Seems awfully inconvenient to me. I know I could just trip the breaker but would like it to be in the control panel. I have open switch slots that just have the covers over them because they are unused.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by chop249

Does anyone have an idea of how to drop a switch in the control panel for the water heater? My 381RBOK has a switch for the propane on the heater but the electric switch is outside next to the element access. The tech that did my walk through said they did that for safety so you didn't turn it on with no water in the tank. Seems awfully inconvenient to me. I know I could just trip the breaker but would like it to be in the control panel. I have open switch slots that just have the covers over them because they are unused.

It's a hair more complicated than just dropping a switch. First off, the electric heating element is 120 volt AC, not 12 volt DC (like most of the switches in the control panel).

You would have to get a switch and wire rated for 120 volt AC, to be able to do it just from a switch/wire standpoint.

Suburban does have an option for what you are trying to accomplish, but it utilizes a 12 volt DC switch/wire going to a 12vDC/120vAC relay, where the relay then turns on the 120 volt heating element.

What many people do instead, is to make a switch for the 120 volt AC outlet, that the water heater is plugged into. They then can just switch on/off the outlet..... and this turns the water heater element on/off.

Hold on and I will get you some links and schematics.

[chop249]

Maybe a Mod can delete this thread. I can't find where I can. I actually found the info I need here: http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tch-47571.html

[wmtire]

OK, here is what you have currently:



Now, This is how Suburban wires it, with an inside 12 volt DC switch for the electric heating element, utilizing a relay:



And here is just one link of where a member made a switched outlet for the electric heating element side of the water heater:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ight-9008.html

[Evereddie]

Maybe not the best solution but this requires no mod or installation. Use the circuit breaker for the water heater that is in your fuse panel. It's not exactly proper to use a circuit breaker as a switch but many including me have used it for years and no issues.

[milvet33]

Evereddie X2 After 4 years the switch on my water heater started to stick. I went the circuit breaker route because I don't even want to think about replacing the switch (that I can barely touch with one finger) on the heater

[DSQR]

There is no problem using a circuit breaker as a switch, as long as it is switch rated (SWD). Just out of curiosity, I checked the manufacturer's web sites for the circuit breakers approved for my distribution panel. I found that ALL the approved 15A and 20A circuit breakers are in fact switch rated.
I would have no qualms about using my breaker as a hot water switch - except for the convenience factor (my panel is at floor level).

Be careful, however if you are using a circuit breaker as a switch for HID lights, THEY require a HID-rated switch, but I don't think thats likely in the RV world.

[jtesta1]

I'm missing left leg from the knee down. I don't have any trouble going to my water heater and flipping a switch

[Mr. Dan]

I turn my water heater switch ON when I'm standing next to it to connect city water.
I turn my water heater switch OFF when I'm standing next to it to disconnect city water.

I don't turn it ON/OFF any other time. I don't need/want a switch inside. Your mileage may vary.

[j free]

You can get matching switches as in you control panel. My Columbus cam with a electric and gas switches in the control panel. I however keep the switch on the water heater off unless I know I am staying in a park with electric. I do a lot of dry camping so that is my protection.

[dieselguy]

If you're handy with tools and basic wiring, just go to Lowes and buy a shallow j box and a 20 amp lighted switch. Cut the wire going to your 110 VAC heating element and wire the switch in series ... cut a hole for the switch box in a convenient place on an inside wall and finish wiring it up. I've done it on my last 3 fivers. I'm not a supporter of constantly flipping breakers nor going outside and flipping the little rocker switch near the WH.

[northstar1960]

Originally Posted by chop249

Does anyone have an idea of how to drop a switch in the control panel for the water heater? My 381RBOK has a switch for the propane on the heater but the electric switch is outside next to the element access. The tech that did my walk through said they did that for safety so you didn't turn it on with no water in the tank. Seems awfully inconvenient to me. I know I could just trip the breaker but would like it to be in the control panel. I have open switch slots that just have the covers over them because they are unused.

This is a very easy mod . you can use a 12volt switch and have it in your control panel but you would need to incorporate a relay .no big deal . WW in the xlr forum installed a lighted switch for his unit inside .
For me i have no issues with going out and using the factory switch . and replacing that switch would also be a no-brainer .simple 120v rocker switch with spade leads

[chop249]

One of these from Grainger and 10' of 12/3 to the breaker box. Easy! Disconnect the black from the breaker insert the green from the 12/3 place the white in the common strip and wire but the 2 blacks in the breaker box. DONE and DONE!

Off

On
I need to get out the old label maker now.

[chop249]

I forgot you have to obviously wire the switch to the 12/3 accordingly.

[tappsman]

I am new to this forum and to travel trailers as we just purchased a 2015 Surveyor 201RBS in October and have only taken it out a couple of times this fall. I question why the water heater switch has to be shut off unless the water heater tank was drained for winter. During normal camping season the water heater should stay full so it seems logical to me that it would not be harmful to leave the water heater electrical switch in the on position. You would have to be careful to assure that the breaker at the power post was off before plugging in and unplugging but you should do this anyway.
As I mentioned, I am a novice and the few times we have camped I turned the switch off and on but after thinking about it I wonder if this is necessary. Please tell me if I am wrong.

[chop249]

Originally Posted by tappsman

I am new to this forum and to travel trailers as we just purchased a 2015 Surveyor 201RBS in October and have only taken it out a couple of times this fall. I question why the water heater switch has to be shut off unless the water heater tank was drained for winter. During normal camping season the water heater should stay full so it seems logical to me that it would not be harmful to leave the water heater electrical switch in the on position. You would have to be careful to assure that the breaker at the power post was off before plugging in and unplugging but you should do this anyway.
As I mentioned, I am a novice and the few times we have camped I turned the switch off and on but after thinking about it I wonder if this is necessary. Please tell me if I am wrong.

You're most likely correct. I do know that on my older 2008 RV and on the new one after I disconnect from the city supply the water system does retain pressure. You can go in and wash hands if you're quick and turn the water off between wetting your hands to soap them and rinsing them. It boils down to that "what if" factor and we also plug in at the house but leave the water disconnected so the heater stays off unless we're out at a campground.

[Iwritecode]

Originally Posted by tappsman

I am new to this forum and to travel trailers as we just purchased a 2015 Surveyor 201RBS in October and have only taken it out a couple of times this fall. I question why the water heater switch has to be shut off unless the water heater tank was drained for winter. During normal camping season the water heater should stay full so it seems logical to me that it would not be harmful to leave the water heater electrical switch in the on position. You would have to be careful to assure that the breaker at the power post was off before plugging in and unplugging but you should do this anyway.
As I mentioned, I am a novice and the few times we have camped I turned the switch off and on but after thinking about it I wonder if this is necessary. Please tell me if I am wrong.

All it takes is one time of forgetting to turn the switch off before draining your tank to burn out your heating element. I leave the switch on my heater on all the time only because my trailer came with a switch on the inside as well. We typically only turn it on as needed.