Forum Discussion

Aesop1's avatar
Aesop1
Explorer
Oct 15, 2023

2005 Safari Simba Hot Water heater 120 volt Electric

https://imgur.com/a/lx6WYkcHello,

Recently got a new-to-me 2005 Safari Simba Motorhome 30 ft with the vortec 8100.

The hot water heater works fine on propane, however on the electric hot water heater switch on the panel right next to it, where the switch is in the "off" position there is a faint red light. However when the electric hot water heater switch is then flipped up into "the on" Position the light then goes away completely and the hot water heater on electric doesn't appear to work at all.

I've checked the fuses in the bedroom of the motorhome and they both seem to be fine.

here are some images of the control panel

https://imgur.com/a/lx6WYkc

Does anyone know why the hot water heater on electric is not working? The motorhome is hooked up to shore power.
  • StarkNaked wrote:
    An electric water heater element should be on a dedicated 110V breaker.

    An electric water heater element should be hard wired directly from the breaker to the junction box on the water heater.

    Here's how you described your wiring: "there is an electrical cord that is plugged into the outlet where the water heater tank is located. we tested that the electrical outlet works by plugging a phone charger into it".

    This is NOT how a water heater element should be wired.


    I'll take some pictures and upload them for you.
  • An electric water heater element should be on a dedicated 110V breaker.

    An electric water heater element should be hard wired directly from the breaker to the junction box on the water heater.

    Here's how you described your wiring: "there is an electrical cord that is plugged into the outlet where the water heater tank is located. we tested that the electrical outlet works by plugging a phone charger into it".

    This is NOT how a water heater element should be wired.
  • StarkNaked wrote:
    First question - What kind of water heater do you have?

    This link was just the first one I found, but I don't know if it's the brand of water heater that you have. If it's not, search for a DIY video for your brand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu9EqCPmLOk

    As mentioned already, if you are not comfortable working with 110V power, then you need to find someone that does know how to work on live voltages.

    And last, never turn the 110V water heater switch to the on position if you do not have water in the heater.


    there is water in the water heater tank as we have used it a little since getting it on propane and the water is hot when using it on that method. the water heater "bypass" valve is also turned to normal so that water is indeed flowing into the water heater tank. there is an electrical cord that is plugged into the outlet where the water heater tank is located. we tested that the electrical outlet works by plugging a phone charger into it.

    I will check out your link here shortly.
  • First question - What kind of water heater do you have?

    This link was just the first one I found, but I don't know if it's the brand of water heater that you have. If it's not, search for a DIY video for your brand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu9EqCPmLOk

    The electric water heater element will be on a breaker, not a fuse.

    As mentioned already, if you are not comfortable working with 110V power, then you need to find someone that does know how to work on live voltages.

    And last, never turn the 110V water heater switch to the on position if you do not have water in the heater.
  • CA Traveler wrote:
    Check the AC voltage at the heater, if OK relplace the heater. Other wise trace back to where you have voltage to isolate the problem.

    Be safe - If you're not trained on AC hire a mobile tech.



    How do i do this "check the AC voltage at the heater?"
  • Check the AC voltage at the heater, if OK relplace the heater. Other wise trace back to where you have voltage to isolate the problem.

    Be safe - If you're not trained on AC hire a mobile tech.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,194 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 29, 2025