dsi fault

Atwood WHs since 2004 models have fault light for Propane NOT lighting/proving and/or 'IF' the ECO Opens (Energy Cut Out---hi temp t-stat)whether on electric/propane
IF WH is combo electric/propane On/Off switches are on common panel

(2003 and prior...fault on propane and electric On switch local on cover over element on backside of WH Tank)

Suburban uses fault light if propane not lighting/proving

Suburban electric.....OEM on/off switch is in outside compartment. Lower left corner

DSI...Direct Spark Ignition.
High voltage spark electrode used

On our last two RVs with a DSI enabled hot water heater, the DSI fault light indicates the hot water heater was not able to light after 3 tries. Turn the hot water heater off and then back on again. It will try to light 3 more times. If it lights the fault light stays off and the hot water heater will run off LP Gas, if it doesn't light it will light the fault light. It may take a few tries when first lighting the hot water heater since there may not be any propane in the line. You want to keep an eye on the light, because it may fail to light the next time it tries to light (after hot water has been used or the tank loses heat). If it is windy out, it is very possible it may not light when it tries to fire the next time.

Both DSI enabled hot water heaters we have had also have the ability to run on Electric. In both cases (both RVs were Jaycos, other Manufacturers may vary) the electric switch and the LP gas switch were right next to each other with the DSI fault light between the two switches. It seems pointless to separate the two switches, but you never know.

-Michael

It's entirely possible that there's no electric switch because the water heater is a gas-only water heater with no electric element.

The light for my (DSI, gas-only Atwood) water heater is actually a multi-color LED and shows red for a DSI problem or initial ignition and green when the heater is lit and working, if memory serves.

thanks

DSI fault light can come on momentarily when the water heater is first fired up on LP. I usually purge my LP lines after I open the tank(s) by using the stovetop burners. It may take a couple of tries to light the water heater when first using it on LP. The light just means the burner didn't light.

He needs to find the electric switch- if it is a gas/electric model. If it is, the electric switch could be anywhere, and will likely look like a regular household light switch.

FWIW, DSI stands for Direct Spark Ignition- as opposed to pilot ignition.

are you saying electric and lp must be on

My TT with a Suburban water heater has only one switch inside. That turns on the LP and shows a 'DSI Fault' light for about 3 minutes, if the outside switch on the water heater to not turned on.

That model Suburban water heater only turns on the electric element with a switch physically on the water heater, accessible only from the outside.

Of course, both the LP and electrical heat sources are controlled by thermostats, so they only heat the water when it falls below a certain temp.

Have him read the manual for the water heater - explains it plainly.

(I think DSI stands for Dual Source Interface - so DSI fault simply means the water heater does not have both sources of heat turned on.)