Rewiring water heater
I want to rewire my water heater to have the on/off switch inside my trailer. Currently the switch is in the water heater housing which I don't like. The easiest way is to run a new switch wire from...
Forum Discussion
The OP clearly has a Suburban water heater (as Atwood has never used a outside switch). Cheaper RV's do not install an inside switch, more expensive ones install a regular household type "snap switch" to control the 120v AC to the water heater, other mfgs buy the Suburban models that have the 12v DC controlled relay installed in them and operate both gas and elect off the dual switch control panel inside using 12v to control the WH (which is the way Atwood has done this for YEARS)
So yes, the easiest mod is to install a household type snap switch (pilot lighted is a good idea) in a electrical box and wall plate, and run the WH romex to it and from the switch to the WH. It will work fine that way.
If you think you want to install a new water heater in the future buy the Suburban model SW6DEL, the D means direct spark ignition of the gas, the E means it has an electric element, and (most important of all) the L means it has a built in relay so it can be controlled from a 12v dual switch panel inside with 16 gauge 12v wires and the romex that is run directly to the water heater.
6DEL and 10DEL switch panel, Suburban 233111 (and in white 232882 White, DEL On/Off Switch)
DO NOT use this panel with 120v AC power!!!
Charles
So yes, the easiest mod is to install a household type snap switch (pilot lighted is a good idea) in a electrical box and wall plate, and run the WH romex to it and from the switch to the WH. It will work fine that way.
If you think you want to install a new water heater in the future buy the Suburban model SW6DEL, the D means direct spark ignition of the gas, the E means it has an electric element, and (most important of all) the L means it has a built in relay so it can be controlled from a 12v dual switch panel inside with 16 gauge 12v wires and the romex that is run directly to the water heater.
6DEL and 10DEL switch panel, Suburban 233111 (and in white 232882 White, DEL On/Off Switch)
DO NOT use this panel with 120v AC power!!!
Charles
