Hi there.I have an Atwood water heater (DSI-6)in my class C. The problem is that I have no idea how to use it! I know that it runs on gas, but I can't tell if it runs on electricity as well. I have looked everywhere and can't find a model number.In addition to the remote switch at the sink, there is an on/off button on the back of the heater where the wires go into the unit. What is that switch for? I am not sure of the procedure to get this unit running.Any help on this would be appreciated.

from your description... i think you have one that is supposed to run on gas AND electric. turn the switch at the outside in the door for the water heater OFF to turn off the electric element ( when you are not plugged in or when you are paying for electric) and turn on the remote switch ( does a little red light come on just above it? that indicates the auto light feature is there...and trying to light the pilot. of course you must have the gas on ....and abouve all... since you never ran this...make sure the tank is FULL of water. The best way i know to be SURE is to manually open the popit valve on the out side ( red circle ring around it ...with a lever) and watch out for water to come out. if the electric feature does not work it may well be burnt out from being turned on with out water in the tank. feel free to pm me for more info if this did not solve your problem

Model number should be on the frame around the outside access.It sounds like it is a combination DSI and 120 volt.

I see where there used to be a tag on the outside (that most likely had the model number on it), but it is all ripped up. I will look again to see if there is a model number.There is a switch on the sink that has a red light. I don't have any propane right now, but I will clean up the unit and then see if I can get it to light.I can only assume that the electrical element (if there is indeed one there) is burnt out, as I know it has been plugged in and the switch was left on. The switch on the back of the unit is a rocker style switch with "on" and "off" written on it. one side is flush with the bezel, while the other side sticks up. Is it on when the "on" side of the switch is pushed down? The attached (poorly-done) drawing shows this condition:Thanks for the info.

That would be in the "ON" position.

I was pretty sure, but wanted to be certain.I took a look at the back, and there is an element behind there. Do I just use a continuity tester to see if the element is still ok?Thanks.

Atwwod Water Heater Questions | Good Sam Community

12 Replies

enblethen
Nomad
Jul 31, 2013
Model number should be on the frame around the outside access.
It sounds like it is a combination DSI and 120 volt.
Wheel_Estate
Explorer
Jul 31, 2013
from your description... i think you have one that is supposed to run on gas AND electric. turn the switch at the outside in the door for the water heater OFF to turn off the electric element ( when you are not plugged in or when you are paying for electric) and turn on the remote switch ( does a little red light come on just above it? that indicates the auto light feature is there...and trying to light the pilot. of course you must have the gas on ....and abouve all... since you never ran this...make sure the tank is FULL of water. The best way i know to be SURE is to manually open the popit valve on the out side ( red circle ring around it ...with a lever) and watch out for water to come out.
if the electric feature does not work it may well be burnt out from being turned on with out water in the tank.
feel free to pm me for more info if this did not solve your problem

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Atwwod Water Heater Questions

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