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joshuajim's avatar
joshuajim
Explorer II
May 25, 2013

Power to Suburban water heater

I discovered that the heater element in my water heater was burned out. I figured that I forgot to turn off the power when I last drained it. Off to HD for a new one, only a couple of bucks.

I'm always cautious around electricity, so I put my meter on the leads. 120v. Went inside and checked and the switch is off. Turned off the switch at the heater and then it went dead.

Is it normal to have 120v to the heater at all times?

3 Replies

  • joshuajim's avatar
    joshuajim
    Explorer II
    May 25, 2013
    Old-Biscuit wrote:

    When working on the electric side.......find/identify 110V AC circuit breaker and turn it OFF.


    Being a licensed General Contractor for 35 years, I always test wires before I touch them. I don't trust anybody or thing (switch or breaker). I've seen electrical stuff fail in ways that are "impossible".
  • GMT830's avatar
    GMT830
    Explorer
    May 25, 2013
    Our camper has a switch on the wall to switch from water heater to microwave.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    May 25, 2013
    YES......sorta

    Is the inside switch for 'electric' OR propane?

    Outside switch IS for 'electric'!!

    When working on the electric side.......find/identify 110V AC circuit breaker and turn it OFF.

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