Community Forums

Ron Dittmer · 03-31-2021, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

That little bit of water will NOT protect/stop the Electric Element from burning out.....they have to be submerged in order to dissipate the heat generated by the energized element.

When my tank is drained using the drain plug outside, the 110V heating element remains submerged in that 1/2 gallon of water. The Atwood tech told me that is deliberately designed so to protect the 110V heating element in case of operator error.

Old-Biscuit · 04-01-2021, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Dittmer

When my tank is drained using the drain plug outside, the 110V heating element remains submerged in that 1/2 gallon of water. The Atwood tech told me that is deliberately designed so to protect the 110V heating element in case of operator error.

Turn it on and see how long it lasts.......LOL

**have a new one for replacement and hopefully backside is easy to access

Old-Biscuit · 04-02-2021, 10:04 AM

Just a short follow up on the Element

Atwood Service Manual states
NOTE:Heating element can be operated on an empty tank for a limited period of time before it self-destructs.

I was only joking about turning it on and seeing what happens......

It will burn up even with that '1/2 gal' of water in the bottom of tank
That amount of water being left behind was NOT to protect the element but due to design of WH Tank
Both Suburban and Atwood use a cylindrical tank.
Suburban installs components on the 'end' of that tank and drain hole can be positioned lower
Atwood installs components on the 'side wall' of tank. Therefore due to it being curved the drain can not be positioned at the bottom or it would not be accessible thru the drawn pan.

Do NOT turn element on after draining.

arcaguy · 04-02-2021, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gregors

I believe the only run on propane.

I was looking at them on the Internet a couple of nights ago and did run across one that was propane & electric. Not sure of the brand but I don't think it was one of the normal RV brands. I also don't recall the price but I don't think it was cheap. I guess my point is that if you want a propane/electric tankless water heater there is one out there.

Old-Biscuit · 04-02-2021, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arcaguy

I was looking at them on the Internet a couple of nights ago and did run across one that was propane & electric. Not sure of the brand but I don't think it was one of the normal RV brands. I also don't recall the price but I don't think it was cheap. I guess my point is that if you want a propane/electric tankless water heater there is one out there.

Real question is........what AC requirements
120VAC is not going to keep up with 'Demand'
240VAC would but eats up a lot of available amps

Ron Dittmer · 04-03-2021, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Just a short follow up on the Element

Atwood Service Manual states
NOTE:Heating element can be operated on an empty tank for a limited period of time before it self-destructs.

I was only joking about turning it on and seeing what happens......

It will burn up even with that '1/2 gal' of water in the bottom of tank
That amount of water being left behind was NOT to protect the element but due to design of WH Tank
Both Suburban and Atwood use a cylindrical tank.
Suburban installs components on the 'end' of that tank and drain hole can be positioned lower
Atwood installs components on the 'side wall' of tank. Therefore due to it being curved the drain can not be positioned at the bottom or it would not be accessible thru the drawn pan.

Do NOT turn element on after draining.

I called Atwood about the extra 1/2 gallon of water remaining in the tank after draining. Technical support told me it was to protect the 110V element from burning up under owner-error conditions.

I have never tried it and don't plan to, but just maybe the boiling noise is very loud, a signal to the owner he needs to quickly turn off the HWT in 110V mode.

Old-Biscuit · 04-03-2021, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Dittmer

I called Atwood about the extra 1/2 gallon of water remaining in the tank after draining. Technical support told me it was to protect the 110V element from burning up under owner-error conditions.

I have never tried it and don't plan to, but just maybe the boiling noise is very loud, a signal to the owner he needs to quickly turn off the HWT in 110V mode.

Atwood Tech Support......now that is an Oxymoron

Believe what you wish.
The Element WILL burn up even sitting in that 1/2 gal of water spread out across the full length of tank
Element IS not 'submerged'

Ron Dittmer · 04-04-2021, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Atwood Tech Support......now that is an Oxymoron

Believe what you wish.
The Element WILL burn up even sitting in that 1/2 gal of water spread out across the full length of tank
Element IS not 'submerged'

All I know is that with my tank drained, I removed the 110V heating element and roughly a 1/2 gallon of water came rushing out. It fits with what the tech told me. I have no reason to conclude otherwise.