Elec water Heater

Hocky · 12-20-2010, 11:05 AM

110V / gas water heater
When I connect 110v to my RV I hear a noise from this water heater SW6DE, gas is not on, flame does not show, does the water heater fill itself only after 110V is on? Is that the noise I may be hearing? When I attach 110V to my elec cord does the heater request elec, if so can I disconnect the elec power until after I plug in? I hate to see that spark every-time I "plug in."All else is working & understood
Thanks, Ron

**"007"** · 12-20-2010, 11:47 AM

Welcome Hocky to irv2.
Your water heater needs to be full of water before you use gas or electric.
The electric element will burn out and will need replacement if no water.
If you have no water in water heater you maybe hearing the tank expanding from heat of what ever your using.
When you plug in your shore power power to water heater will be through switch to put gas or electric on to heater.
Hope you turned everything off before damage.
Enjoy the forums and do post often.

az bound · 12-20-2010, 11:49 AM

Its a good idea to shut the breaker off at the pedistal before plugging in to avoid any arcing. I have never heard of a system to automaticaly fill the water heater. I would think that what you are hearing may be the inverter/charger. If the WH is set to electric it will come on as soon as there is electric.

**Gary RVRoamer** · 12-20-2010, 12:20 PM

If your water heater electric on/off switch is on, it will begin heating as soon as you plug in. It is wise practice to have the water heater turned off when you plug in to prevent a big spark, but that merely delays the noise until you turn the switch on.

Water remains in the tank at all times unless you manually drain it out, so I don't think it is water rushing in (and that would happen when you connect the city water hose or turn the water pump on, not when you plug in).

Hocky · 12-20-2010, 12:34 PM

Thanks all for the replies. Since I live in the warm South I've never drained the water heater. Can't find a 2nd switch, just the one inside the MH next to the indicator light. I looked for the switch after removing the outside vent cover.
Ron

**"007"** · 12-20-2010, 12:48 PM

If you have a Suburban WH there maybe a black switch on face of heater that needs to be turned on even if you have the one on inside.
Some have a reset button also read PDF.

Hocky · 12-20-2010, 02:24 PM

http://www.tjtrailers.com/store/medi...-suburban2.jpg
Thanks,
Here's a pic of my heater. Has a black re-set switch but I can't find an elec shut off switch?
Ron

**"007"** · 12-20-2010, 02:39 PM

You may not have one as mine has the black unit on face of your WH has some reset buttons 2 behind the round raised surface of unit. Press finger on spots and may reset your electric.