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01-22-2018, 12:05 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 43
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Electric Water Heater Switch
I have 2018 Cardinal 3350RL.
The only switch to turn on/off the electric water heater is outside on the Suburban WH Unit behind the cover plate.
I can turn the propane WH on/off inside the rig on the LCI panel.
Has anyone install an on/off switch (for electric WH) inside their rig? How difficult was the install?
Thanks.
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01-22-2018, 12:31 PM
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#2
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Pickin', Campin', Mason
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: South Western PA
Posts: 19,532
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Yes, you can turn the "propane side" of the WH on and off with the inside switch.
If your only "electric side" switch is outside, you'll need to turn that on and off outside.
You can use both electric and propane for faster recovery.
There have been many threads here about adding an inside switch for the electric side.
Also there are many great posts bookmarked in the library section.
Water Heater Library
__________________
2022 Cedar Creek 345IK 5th Wheel•Solar & Inverter•2024 Ford F-Series SCREW•7.3L•4x4•Factory Puck•B&W Companion•TST Tire Monitor w/Repeater•Sinemate 3500w Gen.
F&AM Lodge 358 Somerset, PA - JAFFA Shrine - Altoona, PA
Days Camped ☼ '19=118 ☼ '20=116 ☼ '21=123 ☼ '22=134 ☼ '23=118☼ '24=101
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01-22-2018, 12:44 PM
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#3
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Always Learning
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,894
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If the water heater is on its own circuit breaker, some folks use that.
__________________
Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
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01-22-2018, 12:53 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Cedar Creek Lake, TX
Posts: 3,519
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ependydad
If the water heater is on its own circuit breaker, some folks use that.
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That is what I do, using the breaker switch to control it.
__________________
Cedar Creek Lake, Texas
2019 Keystone Loredo 290SRL
2019 Ram 2500 4x4 Cummins crew cab
Andersen hitch
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01-22-2018, 01:13 PM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Grayson County, Texas
Posts: 22,233
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Regarding an inside switch for my electric water heater element, here's what I wrote a couple of weeks ago. It reflects my operating process and my lack of need for said inside switch.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Dan
... and I have the opposite view. When I break camp and unhook my water hose from my trailer, I'm standing 2 ft. from the water heater and I flip the outside switch to turn OFF the electric heating element. I don't flip the switch in any direction until I hook up my water hose at the next campsite. When I hook up the hose and test for flowing water (by flipping open the pressure relief valve which is outside and also on the heater face), I turn the electric element ON. I've never felt the need to turn my electric element ON/OFF in the middle of a camping trip.
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__________________
2015 FR Wildcat 295RSX / GMC Sierra
Nights Camped: '13 = 49/'14 = 74/'15 = 74/'16 = 85/'17 = 110/'18 = 111/'19 = 86/'20 =108/'21 = 115/'22 = 135/'23 = 78/'24 = 97; Booked for 2024 = 28
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01-22-2018, 01:19 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 293
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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.
__________________
Alan
2012 Ram 3500 DRW Crew Cab, 6.7 HO Cummins
2014 Columbus M-340RK
'69 Chevy C-10, 396BB
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01-22-2018, 01:27 PM
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#7
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Northeast Louisiana
Posts: 34,960
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniellekristopher
I have 2018 Cardinal 3350RL.
The only switch to turn on/off the electric water heater is outside on the Suburban WH Unit behind the cover plate.
I can turn the propane WH on/off inside the rig on the LCI panel.
Has anyone install an on/off switch (for electric WH) inside their rig? How difficult was the install?
Thanks.
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No inside electric element switch for the Suburban indicates a SWDE model.
Quote:
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.
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And you have the SWDEL model having the additional inside electric heating element switch.
Both the SWDE and SWDEL models are explained here:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ore-36197.html
As far as the OP's question, we do have several threads on how members have added inside the RV switches for the electric heating element. Some of the easier ways are to make the outlet that water heater is plugged into, as a switchable unit.
Here's a recent thread on such:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ch-148977.html
__________________
2011 Flagstaff 831 RLBSS
Sometimes I wonder why I'm not in an asylum. Then I take a good look around at everyone and realize...Maybe I am.
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01-22-2018, 01:30 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Space Coast of Florida
Posts: 4,273
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody
That is what I do, using the breaker switch to control it.
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X2
__________________
2016 Siverback 33IK, Towed 60K+ mile
2018 Ford F-350 Lariat 6.7L V8 Diesel 4WD Crew Cab
"If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there."
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01-22-2018, 01:31 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 10,907
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I installed a switch inside. You need to replace the water heaters "speed box" type electrical outlet with a household electrical box and duplex outlet. Then you'll need another electrical box for the pilot lamp switch. See below for pics and wiring diagram.
My water heater is under my bathroom sink, so I didn't have to route the wiring very far to put the switch on the front of my bathroom vanity.
New electrical box to replace water heaters speed box:
New electrical box for new inside switch:
New switch installed:
Switch on left side of front of vanity (factory outlet is on the right with a night light plugged into it):
Wiring diagram and switch part number in attached PDF file.
__________________
1988 Coleman Sequoia - popup (1987-2009) - outlasted 3 Dodge Grand Caravans!
2012 Roo19 - hybrid (2012-2015)
2016 Mini Lite 2503S - tt (2015 - ???)
2011 Traverse LT, 3.6L, FWD
2009 Silverado 1500 Ext Cab, 5.3L, 4x4, 3.73
2016 Silverado 2500HD Dbl Cab, 6.0L 4x4, 4.10
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01-22-2018, 01:36 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Cedar Creek Lake, TX
Posts: 3,519
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Dan
Regarding an inside switch for my electric water heater element, here's what I wrote a couple of weeks ago. It reflects my operating process and my lack of need for said inside switch.
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Dan this plan is fine with a 50 amp RV but not for a 30 amp. The water heater uses half the power and sometimes need to be shut off in order to run other things.
__________________
Cedar Creek Lake, Texas
2019 Keystone Loredo 290SRL
2019 Ram 2500 4x4 Cummins crew cab
Andersen hitch
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01-22-2018, 01:40 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 10,907
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody
Dan this plan is fine with a 50 amp RV but not for a 30 amp. The water heater uses half the power and sometimes need to be shut off in order to run other things.
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X2.
__________________
1988 Coleman Sequoia - popup (1987-2009) - outlasted 3 Dodge Grand Caravans!
2012 Roo19 - hybrid (2012-2015)
2016 Mini Lite 2503S - tt (2015 - ???)
2011 Traverse LT, 3.6L, FWD
2009 Silverado 1500 Ext Cab, 5.3L, 4x4, 3.73
2016 Silverado 2500HD Dbl Cab, 6.0L 4x4, 4.10
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01-22-2018, 01:41 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 446
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I agree with Mr. Dan. My city water connection is just below my water heater so, in order to prevent energizing the water heater element w/o water, I always connect the city water first, lift the overpressure check valve and check for water in the WH, then switch the WH electric element on from the outside switch. Like Mr. Dan, I haven't seen a need to turn off the electric element during a camping stay...$.02
__________________
2016 Microlite 21DS
2014 Ram 1500 QC 6 cyl. 8 spd.
Blue Ox SwayPro
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01-22-2018, 02:45 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Athens
Posts: 685
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We use the hot water heater's breaker to turn the heater on just after supper. The water is ready to wash dishes by the time I am. I switch the breaker off after I do the dishes. The tank keeps the water warm till the next morning. We camp primarily in our Provincial Parks so I figure any hydro saved might help keep camping costs down. Breaker use is approved by DH who is an electrician.
__________________
Phil, Heather & Olaf the Boxer
Ontario Canada
Lexington 283GTS
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01-22-2018, 02:50 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Stockdale Texas
Posts: 448
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wmtire
No inside electric element switch for the Suburban indicates a SWDE model.
And you have the SWDEL model having the additional inside electric heating element switch.
Both the SWDE and SWDEL models are explained here:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ore-36197.html
As far as the OP's question, we do have several threads on how members have added inside the RV switches for the electric heating element. Some of the easier ways are to make the outlet that water heater is plugged into, as a switchable unit.
Here's a recent thread on such:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ch-148977.html
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Absolutely great info! Dilly Dilly
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01-22-2018, 02:55 PM
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#15
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Grayson County, Texas
Posts: 22,233
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody
Dan this plan is fine with a 50 amp RV but not for a 30 amp. The water heater uses half the power and sometimes need to be shut off in order to run other things.
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The trailer I have now is my 4th and the 1st 50 amp trailer I've had. I've used this process on each of them. With the 30 amp trailers, we've had to turn off the A/C unit a few minutes to run the microwave but we never turned off the water heater.
__________________
2015 FR Wildcat 295RSX / GMC Sierra
Nights Camped: '13 = 49/'14 = 74/'15 = 74/'16 = 85/'17 = 110/'18 = 111/'19 = 86/'20 =108/'21 = 115/'22 = 135/'23 = 78/'24 = 97; Booked for 2024 = 28
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01-22-2018, 03:55 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 10,907
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If you're running a 1500 watt space heater, that's about 12-13 amps. Add the 1440 watt water heater element, that's another 12 amps or so. Now you're at 24-25 amps. Depending on how hard your converter may be working, and/or other things you may be running, it's very easy to exceed your 30 amp breaker rating. Don't even think about starting your microwave in this condition.
One issue is that you don't really know when the heating element is on or off, as it cycles with temperature, and there's no "on" indication. So the heating element could be off, you could be running your space heater and your microwave just fine, but then the DW uses some hot water, the heating element kicks on, and there goes your breaker.
Also allows you run on gas most of the time, but maybe kick on the electric for morning showers to help with recovery time, then turn it off.
It's not for everyone, but certainly improves your flexibility.
__________________
1988 Coleman Sequoia - popup (1987-2009) - outlasted 3 Dodge Grand Caravans!
2012 Roo19 - hybrid (2012-2015)
2016 Mini Lite 2503S - tt (2015 - ???)
2011 Traverse LT, 3.6L, FWD
2009 Silverado 1500 Ext Cab, 5.3L, 4x4, 3.73
2016 Silverado 2500HD Dbl Cab, 6.0L 4x4, 4.10
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01-23-2018, 05:32 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Maurice, LA
Posts: 4,100
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rockfordroo
I installed a switch inside. You need to replace the water heaters "speed box" type electrical outlet with a household electrical box and duplex outlet. Then you'll need another electrical box for the pilot lamp switch. See below for pics and wiring diagram.
My water heater is under my bathroom sink, so I didn't have to route the wiring very far to put the switch on the front of my bathroom vanity.
New electrical box to replace water heaters speed box:
Attachment 160638
New electrical box for new inside switch:
Attachment 160639
New switch installed:
Attachment 160640
Switch on left side of front of vanity (factory outlet is on the right with a night light plugged into it):
Attachment 160642
Wiring diagram and switch part number in attached PDF file.
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I used my circuit breaker and never saw a need for an inside switch, per se.
But that is a VERY elegant installation!
__________________
2012 Wildcat Sterling 32RL, Gladiator Qr35 ST235/85R16 Load rating G, TST 507 TPMS w/ Flow-thru Sensors & Repeater, Reese Sidewinder 16K Pin Box, PI EMS HW50C
2009 Chevy Silverado 2500HD CCSB LTZ Diesel, Fumoto Oil Drain Valve, Turbo Brake activated, 39 gal Aux Tank W/ Fuel Pump transfer, Air Lift Loadlifter 5000 air bags.
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01-23-2018, 06:02 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Cedar Creek Lake, TX
Posts: 3,519
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I actually went a different route entirely. I installed a short pigtail cord through the floor of my camper and plugged the water heater into that. About 6 inches hangs out below the floor with it properly sealed. I then connect a 12 gauge extension to that once set up and plug it into the 20 amp outlet that is on most pedestals. This way the heater does not use any of the 30 amps in my RV. If I'm at a campsite that does not have an available 20 amp outlet I simply plug the water heater the dedicated wall outlet it was originally connected to and share the RV 30 amp.
__________________
Cedar Creek Lake, Texas
2019 Keystone Loredo 290SRL
2019 Ram 2500 4x4 Cummins crew cab
Andersen hitch
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01-23-2018, 06:47 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Maurice, LA
Posts: 4,100
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody
I actually went a different route entirely. I installed a short pigtail cord through the floor of my camper and plugged the water heater into that. About 6 inches hangs out below the floor with it properly sealed. I then connect a 12 gauge extension to that once set up and plug it into the 20 amp outlet that is on most pedestals. This way the heater does not use any of the 30 amps in my RV. If I'm at a campsite that does not have an available 20 amp outlet I simply plug the water heater the dedicated wall outlet it was originally connected to and share the RV 30 amp.
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My previous camper was 30 amp and I did the same, except to make an outlet at the lav dedicated for DWs hair dryer. Never had an issue with WH and AC, just that Hair dryer. This solved the problem completely.
__________________
2012 Wildcat Sterling 32RL, Gladiator Qr35 ST235/85R16 Load rating G, TST 507 TPMS w/ Flow-thru Sensors & Repeater, Reese Sidewinder 16K Pin Box, PI EMS HW50C
2009 Chevy Silverado 2500HD CCSB LTZ Diesel, Fumoto Oil Drain Valve, Turbo Brake activated, 39 gal Aux Tank W/ Fuel Pump transfer, Air Lift Loadlifter 5000 air bags.
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01-23-2018, 07:14 AM
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#20
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"On the road again"
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Parker County Texas
Posts: 1,158
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I do as Mr. Dan does with our Cardinal - but, then again I have always had 50 amp service available so I've never had the need to turn the water heater off/on during a camping stay.
__________________
Robert & Estha Shiflet
Weatherford, TX
2023 Cruiser Aire CR28RK
(Former Forest River owners)
2022 Ford F250 Super Duty
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