Electric Water Heater Switch

[ard58]

Now I have a question about when you hook up, get water going, everything hooked up and WH on. After your stay, and you break camp, then you turn off the water, does the WH drain? I'm on the same page as there must be water in the tank when you turn on the switch, but do you have to refill the WH every time, or does it stay full? Reason I ask is that when we set up, turn water on, you just basically fill the hose. Now when I get stabilizers down, electric plugged in, then water and turned on, the wife puts the slides out and turns on the WH inside. Have never burned out heating element, so was just wondering.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by ard58

Now I have a question about when you hook up, get water going, everything hooked up and WH on. After your stay, and you break camp, then you turn off the water, does the WH drain? I'm on the same page as there must be water in the tank when you turn on the switch, but do you have to refill the WH every time, or does it stay full? Reason I ask is that when we set up, turn water on, you just basically fill the hose. Now when I get stabilizers down, electric plugged in, then water and turned on, the wife puts the slides out and turns on the WH inside. Have never burned out heating element, so was just wondering.

The answer to your highlighted question is No. If it drained automatically, you'd see water running out of your unit somewhere. You have to take extra actions (in most cases like removing the anode rod or drain plug) to drain the water heater.

[CedarCreekWoody]

As Dan said, it does not drain unless someone drained it. However it does get a bit of air in the lines. Although it is not likely enough air to expose the heating element I always like to be safe and open a faucet to let the air out once pressuring up.

[cavie]

My 02 wildcat has an electric switch inside and out. Inside is under the sink very close to the WH. Using a breaker as a switch will shorten the life of the breaker. Just an opinion from a 45 yr electrician. When filling the WH, release the air using the Pressure relief valve you a faucet.

[Tom48]

Originally Posted by alsdas88

My 340RK has the electric switch outside AND inside. However, the outside switch must be left in the "on" position for the inside switch to work. It was installed by the factory right beside the "propane" on/off switch. I can use either or both from the inside of my unit. Very convenient to say the least.

X2. Simple thing but great added convenience. We are seldom on hookups, but when we are it is nice to run both when we want better recovery rate during those occasional, LONG LUXURIOUS --I'M ON HOOK UPS AND CAN SHOWER FOR A LONG TIME, MOMENTS

[cardwellmarty]

https://www.amazon.com/stream/ref=na...ile_C_DetailAW

[cardwellmarty]

Single Port Power Adapter for outlet with On/Off Switch

[cardwellmarty]

I'm sorry l tried twice to post a off and on switch you can plug directly in the outlet, then plug the water heater cord plug in, mine is directly under the sink, all l have to do is open the cabinet and turn it off or on, it saved me from having to add a switch and rewiring, l bought a reputable one, by Leviton, it was through Amazon. I have used it for probably 4 months with no problems.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by cardwellmarty

https://www.amazon.com/stream/ref=na...ile_C_DetailAW

This URL takes me to Interesting Finds Updated daily.

[dalford]

Originally Posted by cavie

My 02 wildcat has an electric switch inside and out. Inside is under the sink very close to the WH. Using a breaker as a switch will shorten the life of the breaker. Just an opinion from a 45 yr electrician. When filling the WH, release the air using the Pressure relief valve you a faucet.

Cavie you raise an interesting point about breaker life. I use my water heater breaker to turn off my water heater when I break down and then use it again to turn on my water heater when setting up. I do this right before and after i throw my 50amp breaker to the shore power connection. I guess I will be replacing both breakers about the same time..

[cardwellmarty]

Originally Posted by Mr. Dan

This URL takes me to Interesting Finds Updated daily.

I am sorry Mr.Dan l tried to copy a link from Amazon for a Leviton 1470-W 15 Amp, 125-Volt AC 3-Wire Grounded Switch Tap with ON/OFF Button, White , but
it did not work, it saves from having to turn the water heater breaker off every time you want to turn it off or on, also having to rewire or add extra power outlets or switches.
[https://images-na]

[https://images-na]

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by dalford

Cavie you raise an interesting point about breaker life. I use my water heater breaker to turn off my water heater when I break down and then use it again to turn on my water heater when setting up. I do this right before and after i throw my 50amp breaker to the shore power connection. I guess I will be replacing both breakers about the same time..

When I worked in retail we used the breaker panel to turn the store lights on and off every day, never had one fail. But the breakers that have two small switches on one breaker are considered weaker and not to be used as switches.

[bubbles]

Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody

When I worked in retail we used the breaker panel to turn the store lights on and off every day, never had one fail. But the breakers that have two small switches on one breaker are considered weaker and not to be used as switches.

Define "fail".

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by bubbles

Define "fail".

Cease to operate. Break. Don't work no more. Pick one.

[marinerjoe]

Originally Posted by bubbles

Define "fail".

I've had breakers that are used as switches fail in that they get weak or lazy and trip at well under the rated limit.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by marinerjoe

I've had breakers that are used as switches fail in that they get weak or lazy and trip at well under the rated limit.

And I've had breakers fail that had never been used as a switch.
Just sayin'.

[bubbles]

Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody

Cease to operate. Break. Don't work no more. Pick one.

The failure of a circuit breaker would be if it did not open the circuit when required (high current/short etc.). Your definition does not define a failure of a circuit breaker. You never know if it failed unless there was an incident that required it to perform the function it was designed to do. Has that happened to the circuit breakers you used as a switch? If not how do you know if it has not or will not fail?

[CedarCreekWoody]

You turn it off, the light goes out. You turn it on, the light comes on. Will it trip at the proper amp draw? You never know, no matter if you use it daily or have never touched it.

[cavie]

The advice of not using a breaker as a switch comes from a 45 year Licensed Master Electrician, Electric Inspector and Electric Contractor. You can take it or leave it. It's just some advice from a professional, not a DIY guy.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by cavie

The advice of not using a breaker as a switch comes from a 45 year Licensed Master Electrician, Electric Inspector and Electric Contractor. You can take it or leave it. It's just some advice from a professional, not a DIY guy.

Just wondering cavie, are you a proponent of switching the breaker on the pedestal each time you connect/disconnect?