Community Forums

jcrosser45 · 07-19-2011, 08:51 PM

How do I replace the switch for the electric element. it will not shut off and seems to be shorting out . I need to reset in order to get hot water after it quits.

RVhauler · 07-19-2011, 11:03 PM

Are you refering to the switch on the heater or the switch inside the RV? If you have an inside switch also and the heater power switch is bad it is possible to by pass that switch. i leave the heater switch on all the time and control the heater with the inside switch which is only shut off when there isn't any water in the tank.

Cat320 · 07-20-2011, 12:39 PM

If you are having problems with the switch, turn off the circuit breaker and use propane to heat the water until you can get a new switch.

Norm4015 · 07-20-2011, 01:02 PM

The switch on the water heater often overheats and melts. I think the installed switch is too small, but that is just my opinion after seeing some melted switches. The switch pops out by inserting a flat blade screwdriver beside it and twisting. After mine melted I popped it out and wired around it and just use the Off / On switch inside the motorhome.

jcrosser45 · 07-25-2011, 06:29 AM

My unit is an Everest 5TH. wheel. The switch is on the hot water unit. The switch on the inside controls the gas operation. Can the outside switch be replaced or bypassed from the water heater. Also cant identify the breaker for the H.W.H.

Beezer · 08-25-2011, 09:19 PM

Our HWH just quit. Suburban SW12DE. I can feel nothing under the rubber cover marked reset and we had never used the switch on the unit. I will open it up and replace the switch or wire around and get back. Unit is four years old and we have been living in it for the last two years while our house is remodeled. BTW the Keystone Challenger is not a good 4 season unit.

Beezer · 08-28-2011, 09:32 AM

This is a followup to my original post: Followed advice to check switch on the unit's face. Bypassed it with limited success. Switch was not melted and checked good with ohmmeter, it is rated at 16 amps. Noticed corrosion on contacts, cleaned and reinstalled, still limited success. Pulled all connecters one at a time and cleaned contacts.

Home Run!

These connections are exposed to overflow from the pop off valve and are obviously (Now) vulnerable. I would suggest using a good quality electrical contact cleaner on them. FYI the switch when pried out has about three inches of wire which can be carefully pulled out. Kudos to the forum members who put me on the right track. Took a long hot shower last night. Cheers!