How to tell if hot water heater runs off gas or electric

OB, beat me to it, nice job of showing the often hidden electric switch. Electric is a little slower than gas but free when you have hook ups. The electric will also work when the generator is running. If the gas is running you will not only hear it but be able to feel the exhaust heat rising up and out of the water heater compartment.

IMHO: it is a good idea to be sure the gas water heater function is turned off before entering a gas station as there is a large flame the goes off with ignition.

I am curious how some you heat your water electrically while running down the road. Your batteries won't/don't do it so are you running the generator?

BTW: There is no such thing as a "Hot water heater". if the water is hot you don't need to heat it. :B :S :B

That's an awesome idea guys! Since mine is only propane that sounds like a great solution. Any specific brand you recommend? How did you wire it if I could ask?

DaHose wrote:
If you have propane only, you can add an electric conversion. It's just a heater element that replaces your drain.

My gas solenoids were dead and I was looking at getting a new WH. I looked inside the tank and it was in almost perfect conditions, so I added the electric conversion and I LOVE IT!! I was later able to fix the gas valve and now have a combo unit for less than $150 in parts. Even if it was just electric, it would still be awesome to have saved my existing tank. I have yet to run out of hot water when running on the electric.

Jose

I have the same mod on mine, heater element replaced the drain - only slight pain is pulling the element when I want to winterize!

I like being able to heat water with electic when rolling down the road - I have hot water when I get to the campsite and haven't used any propane!

If you have propane only, you can add an electric conversion. It's just a heater element that replaces your drain.

My gas solenoids were dead and I was looking at getting a new WH. I looked inside the tank and it was in almost perfect conditions, so I added the electric conversion and I LOVE IT!! I was later able to fix the gas valve and now have a combo unit for less than $150 in parts. Even if it was just electric, it would still be awesome to have saved my existing tank. I have yet to run out of hot water when running on the electric.

Jose

I realize that...I just meant I would look for a switch out there in general. Thanks for the help

Mich F wrote:

RVA Jeff wrote:
Thanks for the quick replies guys! This place is always very helpful. My model is a G6A-8E. I'm going to go look now and see if I can find that switch you're pointing to in the pic, I guess that will answer the question. I was thinking the switch would be inside the unit...

That is an Atwood (gas only) water heater.

Correct.....6 gallon propane only

It would need to have GC6A-8E to be electric and propane.

The picture with arrow is of a Suburban Brand.
Yours is an Atwood.

IT will look like this


ON/OFF switch with light inside for propane.
Propane uses an electronic spark electrode to lite main flame
Light will come ON---stay ON if main flame doesn't light off (it is a fault light)

RVA Jeff wrote:
Thanks for the quick replies guys! This place is always very helpful. My model is a G6A-8E. I'm going to go look now and see if I can find that switch you're pointing to in the pic, I guess that will answer the question. I was thinking the switch would be inside the unit...

That is an Atwood (gas only) water heater.

.

Thanks for the quick replies guys! This place is always very helpful. My model is a G6A-8E. I'm going to go look now and see if I can find that switch you're pointing to in the pic, I guess that will answer the question. I was thinking the switch would be inside the unit...

What is the model number of your water heater?

If it is an Atwood......'GC' in model means it is 'combo' unit and uses a 110V AC electric element and a propane burner. Either one or both can be used to heat water
Atwood electric would have it's on ON/OFF switch on a dual panel

If it is a Suburban.....'E' at end means it is 'combo' unit.
Suburban electric On/OFF switch is in outside compartment in corner.

Water heater MUST have water in it before turning electric ON.otherwise element will burn out.
Electric will only work when connected to shore power source and turned ON.
Other than having hot water in 20 mins there is no indication of electric working.
Propane you will know when you turn it ON....click/click of ignitor and whoop of main flame lighting off.

Both electric and propane are controlled by thermostats. A normal (preset for 140*F) and a high temp (preset for 180*F)

SO which do you have?

Atwood