Help identify switch??

[96sun]

On my 96 sun Voyager I have a switch that I have no idea what it's for???? It's a 35' RV one door on passenger side when you open door on your lift side up high there is a switch if you hit switch a red light come on??? I looked under sink there are white wires going to it any idea?????

[cruzbill]

Might be the 'salesman' switch or 12v disconnect. See if your 12v lights go on and off with the switch.

[Sudsy]

Maybe it's a water heater master switch. I could tell you a story.

[Sudsy]

Last year when I got this 2005 Sun Voyager I also found a switch like you describe. Does it look like a regular light switch that you would find in a home? With red plot light on panel?

I have one behind a door where my slide room controls and lighting panel is. We discussed this with the owner and he couldn't remember. Well a friend and I decided it must be for tank heaters. Later I found that the water heater would not work on 110. Did some trouble shooting and decided it must be a bad element so I ordered and installed one. Still no joy. I had my TT still so I could compare readings for the thermal cutoffs but never did check voltage . when I did check voltage. End of the story is it's a Master Switch for the 110 water heater.

Sudsy

The other switch I couldn't figure out turned out to be a rocker switch that flashes my running lights when passing at night.

[96sun]

Well it does not do anything to the lights ?12v lights stay on and there is no power to switch only on shore 120ac...... water heater? Any ideas on how to test this further ???

[Dennis4809]

Originally Posted by 96sun

Well it does not do anything to the lights ?12v lights stay on and there is no power to switch only on shore 120ac...... water heater? Any ideas on how to test this further ???

Ok, does effect 12vdc lights but not sure what you mean by the rest of your statement. Are you saying that there is no 120vac when connected to shore power? If so, how did you check and is the breaker for the water heater turned on?

Although that sure sounds like a water heater switch, do you have an electric element in your water heater? This could also control the propane side.

[Sudsy]

Originally Posted by 96sun

Well it does not do anything to the lights ?12v lights stay on and there is no power to switch only on shore 120ac...... water heater? Any ideas on how to test this further ???

Ok, The Water Heater must be full of water to test heater element. If not it will just burn the element out.

I have a 10 gallon Suburban Water Heater. On the front of the water heater there is a switch in the very lower left side that is a small rocker switch. Every 110 v water heater I have ever had has this switch. Make sure that switch is on. With shore power applied (plugged in) listen closely to see if you hear the element creaking and moaning as it starts heating water. If it doesn't then turn on the switch your are asking about and listen. I think this switch inside makes it easier to turn off 110 when the generator is running.

You could also do a test by disconnecting the element and use a meter to see if voltage is present. That's what I finally did and it was obvious.

Sudsy

[96sun]

Yes when I am connected to shore power that' which does have power .

[96sun]

Yes that switch does look like a house switch with the light right above it . I will check on that water heater and see if it is for that and get back to you all.... I have had this motorhome for 11 years and don't know what that switches for all this time !!!!!!

[Sudsy]

Originally Posted by 96sun

Yes that switch does look like a house switch with the light right above it . I will check on that water heater and see if it is for that and get back to you all.... I have had this motorhome for 11 years and don't know what that switches for all this time !!!!!!

And you have used the electric hot water?

Sudsy

[96sun]

Sudsy, you have solved my 11 year mystery it was exactly what you described !!!!!!!!!! I used propane for my water heater I thought it switch back and forth on it's own when connected to shore power I more dry camping and never notice!!!!!!!! Wow good to finally no!!!!!!!! Thanks guys for replying back!!!!!!!! Sudsy you hit it right in the nose!!!!!! Super happy....,., thank again....,,,

[THenne1713]

OK everyone, LABBEL YOUR SWITCH/ SWITCHES :-0 :-)

[DandyDon]

I have that same switch just below the counter top to the left of my sink in my 99 Scenic cruiser. Looks like a light switch with a little red round light on one side. I've asked several rv techs what it was. Most said they THOUGHT it was for the water heater. I also have a toggle switch on my range hood for the water heater. If you push it one way and your gas pilot is not lit a little yellow light comes on saying "pilot out". If you push it the other way the little light does nothing. I'm assuming this is a selector to go from ac to gas operation??

[DandyDon]

Originally Posted by Sudsy

Ok, The Water Heater must be full of water to test heater element. If not it will just burn the element out.

I have a 10 gallon Suburban Water Heater. On the front of the water heater there is a switch in the very lower left side that is a small rocker switch. Every 110 v water heater I have ever had has this switch. Make sure that switch is on. With shore power applied (plugged in) listen closely to see if you hear the element creaking and moaning as it starts heating water. If it doesn't then turn on the switch your are asking about and listen. I think this switch inside makes it easier to turn off 110 when the generator is running.

You could also do a test by disconnecting the element and use a meter to see if voltage is present. That's what I finally did and it was obvious.

Sudsy

Are you talking about the on/off switch behind the vented panel outside the motor home where you can access the element etc. or is this switch located inside the motor home on the actual water heater? Mine is encased in foam insulation which makes access to the actual heater problematic.