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06-07-2015, 10:18 AM
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#1
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Canadian Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Eastern GTA, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,233
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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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06-07-2015, 10:45 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Frederica DE
Posts: 1,223
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My unit does not even have the hole for the pin.
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06-07-2015, 10:56 AM
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#3
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Mod free 5er
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Concord, NC
Posts: 24,702
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My water heater switch doesn't have a hole in it either.
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06-07-2015, 11:55 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,645
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Quote:
Originally Posted by itat
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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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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06-07-2015, 12:05 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Napa Valley, CA
Posts: 513
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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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06-07-2015, 12:15 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,645
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Vic
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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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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06-07-2015, 12:26 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Keller, Texas
Posts: 6,090
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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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06-07-2015, 12:35 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Idaho
Posts: 9,839
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Quote:
Originally Posted by B47
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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Yes, think of it as a pre-startup safety flag.
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06-07-2015, 03:03 PM
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#9
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 43
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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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06-07-2015, 03:41 PM
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#10
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Canadian Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Eastern GTA, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,233
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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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2023 Rockwood Signature 8262RBS
2016 Ford F-250 XLT SuperCrew, 6.2L, 4x4, 6'9" bed
2019 Rockwood Signature 8290BS (2019 - 2022)
2011 Rockwood Signature 8293SS (2015 - 2018)
2010 Rockwood Roo 23SS (2012 - 2014)
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06-08-2015, 06:57 AM
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#11
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 54
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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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2013 Sunseeker 3010DS
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06-08-2015, 12:10 PM
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#12
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Canadian Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Eastern GTA, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,233
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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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06-08-2015, 12:17 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Jefferson County, MO
Posts: 5,449
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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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Bob and Joyce
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