EMS water heater lighted switch

[GoneFishin]

The red light on the water heater switch at the EMS is not coming on, but the water heater is working. So is there a tiny burned out light bulb in there or does the lighted switch need to be replaced? I read about a "wheat" bulb somewhere on the forum. Who knows what's behind the magic panel?

I would appreciate any advice. I searched, but couldn't find the answer I wanted so I'm asking for your input. Thanks in advance.

[Drifter]

Sounds like the light bulb is burned out. You can get a new switch at most auto parts store. We are on our second switch, they are about $5.00, I think they were Dorman brand and maybe the part number was 85920 maybe.

[nodine]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoneFishin The red light on the water heater switch at the EMS is not coming on, but the water heater is working. So is there a tiny burned out light bulb in there or does the lighted switch need to be replaced? I read about a "wheat" bulb somewhere on the forum. Who knows what's behind the magic panel? I would appreciate any advice. I searched, but couldn't find the answer I wanted so I'm asking for your input. Thanks in advance.

The bulbs in the OEM switch are not replaceable without modification to the switch. Some have done that. I have replaced mine once and purchased a few extra switches at the time from the old Monaco. Next time I plan to look into adding a LED because these incandescent bulbs don't seem to have a high enough voltage rating and burn out at the drop of a hat.

Bob

[GoneFishin]

Thanks for the advice. Rick and I talked about picking up a new switch in town at the auto parts store. He just walked over to the panel, said something about taking the panel off, and then said "The light is lit! It's working again! What did you do?" I told him I replaced the switch while he wasn't looking.

[Sixpack98]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nodine The bulbs in the OEM switch are not replaceable without modification to the switch. Some have done that. I have replaced mine once and purchased a few extra switches at the time from the old Monaco. Next time I plan to look into adding a LED because these incandescent bulbs don't seem to have a high enough voltage rating and burn out at the drop of a hat. Bob

I think you hit the nail on the had. After buring out 2 bulbs I put a series resistor in series. Stopped the burn out but if another goes out I will replace with a led light instead.

[GoneFishin]

Quote:

I think you hit the nail on the head. After buring out 2 bulbs I put a series resistor in series. Stopped the burn out but if another goes out I will replace with a led light instead.

What size resistor did you use?
Was it used to reduce the voltage? If yes, how much?
Thanks!