Water Heater in 110V. mode

puttin · 02-01-2011, 09:09 AM

Why does my wh red switch on one place panel show it on when there is no 110v. present?

DancinCampers · 02-01-2011, 10:28 AM

Check you heater wiring diagram. If it is a newer one which uses a 12 volt relay for both gas & 110V operation, that may be the reason the switch light is on.

GaryKD · 02-01-2011, 12:48 PM

Hi puttin,
The red light says there is power from the circuit breaker to the switch. It does not see after the switch (to the water heater). Depending on the Brand and model of water heater, you'll need to understand what is after the switch and before the water heater. If you have a meter and are comfortable using it, consider taking a reading across the heating element leads. If there is no power there, there is a problem between the switch and the heating element. If you have power at the heating element leads and no hot water, the element may be bad.

puttin · 02-01-2011, 04:49 PM

I will look into these things- thanks to both of you. (I just dropped the rig off at storage so it will be at least a few weeks 'till I check it).

**"007"** · 02-01-2011, 04:50 PM

On some WH you may have a switch to allow the element to heat up.
Even if your red led is on you have to operate the switch on the water heater face panel.

tomsm · 02-01-2011, 05:30 PM

On mine, and I assume yours would be the same, the light in the switch is a 12vdc light. When you turn the switch on, the 12v light comes on and the switch also supplies 12v to the relay that will connect 120vac to the water heater, if 120v is available. It does not indicate the availability of 120v, it just indicates the switch is turned on.

tickranch · 02-01-2011, 08:57 PM

Don't know about your rig, but on our 5er there 2 switches we have to turn on. One is at the control panel where the switches are to check the tank levels, etc. The other one is located inside the door outside the 5er where the hot water heater is located. Both switches have to be turned on.

wa8yxm · 02-02-2011, 09:31 AM

The switch is a 12 volt device.. On it sends 12 volt (Battery voltage) to a contact on the water heater control board.. The indicator light is reading the switch position, NOT the presence of 120vac.

So, you have told the water heater to use 120 volt IF PRESENT, but if it's not, then it won't.. The light says you have issued the command. that's all.