Community Forums

Pogo · 03-07-2013, 01:04 PM

We have an Intellitec 50a Smart EMS panel. It has on it, a red illuminated switch that says water heater 120V. I ASSUMED that when I turned it off, (light out), that there would be no 120V power to the water heater receptacle. However, that is NOT the case.
I had that switch off when I drained the tank and replaced the dripping drain plug.
Now, the heater only works on LP, not 120v. So now, I checked and I do have 120V to the receptacle, with the panel switch off, (breaker on). So, I will probably have to replace the element because I burned it out.
But, Can you tell me what that red lighted switch actually means? What does it really do? It sure doesn't cutoff the 120V power to the W/H, so why is it there?

It definitely fooled me. I am reminded what "assume" means again.

TQ60 · 03-07-2013, 03:52 PM

Just an assumed guess...

Since it is on the EMS it may be a priority selection, in one position the EMS can shed the load and maybe in the other it is always on ( thermostat controls actual load)

Someone who has one will be along to advise

Should be able to locate manual online

Gary RVRoamer · 03-07-2013, 05:24 PM

I think that switch is something your coach manufacturer installed. It's not part of the standard Intelletec remote display, nor of the associated breaker panel. Or maybe it is something customized for Monaco/HR? I know Winnebago has their own custom version of the EMS (but it doesn't have a heater switch either).

You can review the standard Smart EMS specs and logic here:

http://www.flemingsalesoem.com/intel...0684.200-2.pdf

Wizard · 03-07-2013, 06:11 PM

Just a thought but both of my Winnebago's had a separate switch somewhere for electric water heater. Current one is in the cabinet over washer/dryer. The water heater switch near the EMS is for gas operation only. Turning this switch on, the red light comes on and when the heater lights the red light goes out. The red light will come back on only if the water heater gas burner misfires.

ChasA · 03-07-2013, 07:03 PM

On my Winnebago, the switch actually switches 12 volts dc which operates a relay that connects the 120 volt ac to the electric heating element. So with the same scenario as you have, I would still have 120 volt ac at the outlet. Bu it would only go to the element if the switch is on. Maybe your HR is similar.

Dr4Film · 03-07-2013, 07:27 PM

Yup, you have burned out the electric heating element. In the future, to be on the safe side, always use the circuit breaker to cut power to the water heater element.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Pogo · 03-12-2013, 10:36 AM

I found that the heating element is not bad after all. I have 13.5 ohms resistance across the 2 terminals, with wires removed. I see a relay in the black plastic box that covers the element. It seems that it has a low voltage coil, which must be controlled by that red illuminated wall switch I mentioned. So, that switch must control a relay that controls 120V power to the element. (I assume.) I will read the Atwood wiring diagram.

The last time I turned the 120V element on, I didn't feel any hot water after about 20 minutes, so I fired up the propane heater, assuming the 120V was not working. That was another bad assumption.
ChasA was right on.

YC1 · 03-12-2013, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChasA

On my Winnebago, the switch actually switches 12 volts dc which operates a relay that connects the 120 volt ac to the electric heating element. So with the same scenario as you have, I would still have 120 volt ac at the outlet. Bu it would only go to the element if the switch is on. Maybe your HR is similar.

This is exactly how my 08 HR works.

YC1 · 03-12-2013, 11:14 PM

Here are a couple of schematics.

WinnieJurney · 10-27-2013, 09:46 PM

I have a an 04 Winne Journey. I had no hot water, either from 110V or propane. I noticed the red 110V light was not on, nor was the Intel panel lights on. I spent the day on here looking for answers but could not find my exact issue. My camp site neighbor said all my problems were before the water heater, and of a 12 volt nature, not 110V. He told me to look for a tripped 12 circuit breaker. I had checked all the 110V breakers and they were fine, never thought to look at the 12V ones. Sure enough, he was exactly right, the 12V breaker panel located under the fridge had tripped. Reset it, little red light back on, Intel panel lit back up, and all is well. Hope this helps someone else save a day of looking in the wrong area.

slapfoot · 10-28-2013, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChasA

On my Winnebago, the switch actually switches 12 volts dc which operates a relay that connects the 120 volt ac to the electric heating element. So with the same scenario as you have, I would still have 120 volt ac at the outlet. Bu it would only go to the element if the switch is on. Maybe your HR is similar.

I have always shut the switch (the one with the red light) for the electric water heater off when traveling. After stopping, hooking up, etc., I turn the switch back on and at times have turned the hot water faucet on shortly after turning the switch on and have found the water to be very hot. This has happened even after leaving from home when I know the water heater has not been on. For that reason I have never traveled with an empty hot water heater.

Does anyone have a suggestion or answer as to what might be going on here? I have a 2007 Winnebago Journey. Is it possible heat from the pusher's engine could be warming the water a bit while traveling or is it that the switch is not working and the heating element is always on?

Dr4Film · 10-28-2013, 08:00 PM

Depends on whether you have the Motoraide feature or not. Or whatever your manufacturer calls it.

Some hot water heaters have another loop that goes to the engine which uses the heat from the engine to keep the water in your hot water tank HOT.

Dr4Film ----- Richard