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werni9's avatar
werni9
Explorer
Dec 05, 2014

Atwood water heater GCH10A 3E

Gas side has hot water. Electric stopped heating. Things done in this order: Breaker was not tripped and tests good. Switch tested good. The ECO side of ECO/T Stat was original, loose, looked worn out and I replaced it with new kit. Cleaned all terminals and checked wires and fuse. Still no heated water on electric. I changed a check valve on the back 6 months ago (A BEAR in a Winnabago), so taking it completely out again will be easier. YES, I'll check for things I may have bumped around. Funny how you need to go back and fix something that was fine before you got in there. Headed for the Heating Element (screw in) next. Sound about right so far? It's a 2000 Ultimate Advantage. Last time I flushed the tank, I really worked around in there. I had it completely out and was able to actually empty all the bottom chunks out. There were calcium chunks that looked like 1/2 a plastic straw. Farley thick pieces. Perfect fit and look to be around the element. Sorry for mumbling along. So Far, so Good??? Any tips.
Class A

4 Replies

  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Dec 05, 2014
    Do not get confused about 'relay'....your year model does not use that relay (relay didn't come about until 2004 and later models)

    you have a direct 120V AC system with it's own ON/OFF switch (which is on cover over electric element in rear of WH) that goes to element.

    AS stated in your post on 11/23/2014

    Your year Atwood uses 120V AC power directly.......
    From circuit breaker in AC panel to ON/OFF switch to/thru the set of t-stats and then to terminals on electric element (All located On rear of WH)


    Check for AC power coming from circuit breaker (load side screw/wire)
    WITH WATER HEATER FULL----With ON/OFF switch ON, check for AC power at terminals on normal t-stat.....then at terminals on ECO (high temp t-stat----should have a button to reset it if tripped).
    Then at terminals on electric element.
    Below are probable causes of no electric heating
    Tripped CB
    Bad On/OFF Switch
    Bad set of t-stats (either one)
    Bad element
    Bad ground connections.

    IF ECO has tripped.....then normal t-stat has failed and ECO shutdown heating.
    IF water temp is over 130*F/140*F (depending on set point of t-stat) no heating (water needs to cool down below 110*F) before reheating cycle can occur.

    Test for AC power first......hopefully you can ID issue without having to remove. But that depends on access.

    Good luck!

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