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Old 06-07-2015, 10:18 AM   #1
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Cotter Pin in WH Electric Switch

I have a 6 Gal. Suburban WH with the black toggle switch outside for the electrical element. I presume that Suburban puts the cotter pin in the switch to prevent it from inadvertently being turned to the "ON" position during installation, but is there any need to re-insert the cotter pin when you turn off the switch after use?
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Old 06-07-2015, 10:45 AM   #2
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My unit does not even have the hole for the pin.
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Old 06-07-2015, 10:56 AM   #3
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My water heater switch doesn't have a hole in it either.
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Old 06-07-2015, 11:55 AM   #4
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I have a 6 Gal. Suburban WH with the black toggle switch outside for the electrical element. I presume that Suburban puts the cotter pin in the switch to prevent it from inadvertently being turned to the "ON" position during installation, but is there any need to re-insert the cotter pin when you turn off the switch after use?
Your presumption is probably correct. No there is no need to reinstall it if you don't want to. I don't.
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Old 06-07-2015, 12:05 PM   #5
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I like to keep the pin in place, only because it helps prevent leaving the switch "on" if the water heater is empty and hooked up to shore power. I have a grandson who cannot walk by a switch without playing with it...so it offers just a bit more protection.
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Old 06-07-2015, 12:15 PM   #6
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I like to keep the pin in place, only because it helps prevent leaving the switch "on" if the water heater is empty and hooked up to shore power. I have a grandson who cannot walk by a switch without playing with it...so it offers just a bit more protection.
Well, first you have to remember to shut it off in the first place to install the pin and it is located behind the external access panel and the gs would have to remove that first. The units that have the switch inside have no mechanical method of securing it off ( a lighted switch is not securing) and that switch may be the one for your gs to play with. Oh well.
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Old 06-07-2015, 12:26 PM   #7
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No - not from an operating the WH point,but it does serve as reminder to anyone attempting to turn the electric side on that its there for a reason.

IMO it's a good habit to reinstall the pin each time the electric side is turned off.
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Old 06-07-2015, 12:35 PM   #8
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No - not from an operating the WH point,but it does serve as reminder to anyone attempting to turn the electric side on that its there for a reason.

IMO it's a good habit to reinstall the pin each time the electric side is turned off.
Yes, think of it as a pre-startup safety flag.
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Old 06-07-2015, 03:03 PM   #9
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I reinstall pin. Use long nose pliers. Its a good safety precaution. I also turn off breaker at breaker panel. Had a problem one time. With switch off and pin in switch , Had water heater came on. Dealer repaired it. This was on a used motor home. Have a great dealer and sales lady here in Albuquerque. They did about $3000 worth of work after we took it out for a month and gave them a long list. They were going to charge at first but sales lady said no because she told us everything worked.
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Old 06-07-2015, 03:41 PM   #10
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Thanks for the responses. If it wasn't such a pain to try to get it back in, I wouldn't have asked.
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Old 06-08-2015, 06:57 AM   #11
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It's not necessary if you camp a lot and leave water in the system. I would recommend putting it in if you drain your tank when winterizing (storing). It only takes seconds to burn up the element if you turn it on without water in the heater. Yes, I did it once. when getting ready for the new season, I flipped the switch and a moment later realized I had not flipped the bypass valves to fill the tank. Turned it off, but the damage was done. Grrrr. Now I put it in and it acts as a reminder to check before I turn it on. Use the needle nose as suggested. It makes it a lot easier.
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Old 06-08-2015, 12:10 PM   #12
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I am using needle nose pliers - I've tried both straight and angled needle nose. Its just very finicky.
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Old 06-08-2015, 12:17 PM   #13
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I reinstall the pin after winterizing so that in the spring I remember to make sure there is water in the tank before I use it on the electric side again.
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