Community Forums

RVers29325 · 01-19-2025, 04:31 AM

What is the electrical power consumption of an atwood rv water heater g6a-7e (propane only)?

1994 Fleetwood Jamboree

I'm doing a solar project and want to know how much power is required. This is a propane only unit with a DSI board.

I'm thinking the current draw would be almost nothing, like a lightning bolt, lots of voltage, very little current.

It's basically a mechanical unit and only energizes the board when the thermostat closes, creates a spark, then goes back into hiding.

Hmmm, oops, there would be a requirement to keep the propane valve open when energized. What, maybe... 0.75a for whatever time the unit is fired up... 10 minutes? I'll have to time it and measure it. I usually keep the unit powered off till I need it, then fire it up about an hour before. I know the water stays scalding hot forever and warm for even longer.

https://www.shootingstar-rvresort.com/how-many-amps-does-a-rv-water-heater-use/

Thought I would leave this here, sense it's not stated anywhere else that I can find.

TTYL, Phil

RickNC · 01-19-2025, 05:18 AM

Probably going to have a difficult time finding a published spec for either. Best and most reliable solution IMO is to use a multimeter on its amperage setting. Measure amperage both while at rest and during operation .

gatorb8 · 01-19-2025, 07:49 AM

my guess would be under .25 amps
a clamp on DC amp meter would be very handy here
don’t leave home without it!

you can turn it off until you need it, they heat up fast

RVers29325 · 01-19-2025, 08:51 AM

I agree, just going high to cover the bases.
I'll get around to measuring it soon-ish (maybe).
It's been a busy 72hrs...

Mark_K5LXP · 01-19-2025, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVers29325

I'm thinking the current draw would be almost nothing, like a lightning bolt, lots of voltage, very little current.

Kind of like a water pump. Not much, and not often. A couple Ah a day at most. Consider that if you're figuring solar demand you're off grid, and running on your water tank. Batteries can be replenished, water generally not so it's not like you'll be running a water heater for hours and hours every day. Almost not enough to worry about, maybe lump it into your water pump draw for a handful of Ah a day.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

Paul_D · 01-19-2025, 09:51 AM

Try this link
https://www.forestriverforums.com/th...p-draw.377791/

Cliff notes version .68 amps when heating

Old-Biscuit · 01-19-2025, 10:35 AM

Atwood supply vendor Circuit Boards are rated for 0.3A 12VDC INPUT

RVers29325 · 01-20-2025, 10:54 AM

Perfect!

Thanks

d23haynes57 · 01-20-2025, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVers29325

What is the electrical power consumption of an atwood rv water heater g6a-7e (propane only)?

1994 Fleetwood Jamboree

I'm doing a solar project and want to know how much power is required. This is a propane only unit with a DSI board.

I'm thinking the current draw would be almost nothing, like a lightning bolt, lots of voltage, very little current.

It's basically a mechanical unit and only energizes the board when the thermostat closes, creates a spark, then goes back into hiding.

Hmmm, oops, there would be a requirement to keep the propane valve open when energized. What, maybe... 0.75a for whatever time the unit is fired up... 10 minutes? I'll have to time it and measure it. I usually keep the unit powered off till I need it, then fire it up about an hour before. I know the water stays scalding hot forever and warm for even longer.

https://www.shootingstar-rvresort.co...er-heater-use/

Thought I would leave this here, sense it's not stated anywhere else that I can find.

TTYL, Phil

As part of your solar project the first step should be battery metering, smart shunt. You want to find you total demand over a 24 and then 48 hour period with all loads. Especially if the plan is to stay off generator.

RVers29325 · 01-21-2025, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d23haynes57

As part of your solar project the first step should be battery metering, smart shunt. You want to find you total demand over a 24 and then 48 hour period with all loads. Especially if the plan is to stay off generator.

I monitor it now while I'm conserving battery. I need to run a test at full (practical) load and see what that looks like.

Thanks!
Phil