I am upgrading my LP 6g water heater that doesn't work with a dual LP/Eletric heater from Atwood. The question/ issue I ran into is my 120 panel doesn't have room to add another breaker. I saw on a youtube video a rocker switch someone was using to switch between the microwave and the eletronic water heater. Basically, you can either have 120 going to microwave or the heater but not both.Has anyone else done this or can help me figure out the correct switch to buy? I will already have the lighted LP/electronic switch (12v) for turning the heater on and off. Just need to supply the 120v.Heard double pull/double throw and also 3 way on-off-on switch, but can't figure out which iOS the correct one.Thank you in advance for your feedback and nay links that might help me.

Double Pole, double throwSwitch hot and neutralYou 20 amp switchBe Very CAREFUL when wiring the switchDon't cross cross the hot and neutral wires at the switch

Thanks, any links to where I can get one? My local big box Loses was clueless.

That sounds like a great idea. I need to implement something like that in our 5th W. That would stop a lot of running to reset the breaker. Still wouldn't stop it all as the wife has a hair dryer and electric skillet.I do a lot of electrical work and would go with a standard 3 way light switch simply because they are easy to find and cheap. Most are made for 15Amp. Not sure if they make a 20 amp version.Any electrical/hardware store sells them.

Joe417 wrote:That sounds like a great idea. I need to implement something like that in our 5th W. That would stop a lot of running to reset the breaker. Still wouldn't stop it all as the wife has a hair dryer and electric skillet.I do a lot of electrical work and would go with a standard 3 way light switch simply because they are easy to find and cheap. Most are made for 15Amp. Not sure if they make a 20 amp version.I was wondering if a 3 way switch would work too. Any wiring drawings you could share? I'm pretty new to modding 120v. 12v i am good with.Thanks in advance.

Look for electronic surplus house, or look on lineIt will have 6 termenal connections on back , most likely a toggle switchNot a rocker switch

Help upgrading to lp/electric heater 120 switch

Malster1
Explorer
Jun 29, 2017
Joe417 wrote:
That sounds like a great idea. I need to implement something like that in our 5th W. That would stop a lot of running to reset the breaker. Still wouldn't stop it all as the wife has a hair dryer and electric skillet.

I do a lot of electrical work and would go with a standard 3 way light switch simply because they are easy to find and cheap. Most are made for 15Amp. Not sure if they make a 20 amp version.

I was wondering if a 3 way switch would work too. Any wiring drawings you could share? I'm pretty new to modding 120v. 12v i am good with.

Thanks in advance.
Joe417
Explorer
Jun 29, 2017
That sounds like a great idea. I need to implement something like that in our 5th W. That would stop a lot of running to reset the breaker. Still wouldn't stop it all as the wife has a hair dryer and electric skillet.

I do a lot of electrical work and would go with a standard 3 way light switch simply because they are easy to find and cheap. Most are made for 15Amp. Not sure if they make a 20 amp version.

Any electrical/hardware store sells them.
Malster1
Explorer
Jun 29, 2017
Thanks, any links to where I can get one? My local big box Loses was clueless.
MrWizard
Moderator
Jun 29, 2017
Double Pole, double throw
Switch hot and neutral
You 20 amp switch

Be Very CAREFUL when wiring the switch
Don't cross cross the hot and neutral wires at the switch

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Help upgrading to lp/electric heater 120 switch

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