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12th_Man_Fan's avatar
12th_Man_Fan
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015

Water heater element

I bought a new Rv and I noticed there was a on off switch on thee outside of the unit for electric operation. It was hidden behind some tape.

Well of course i had it plugged in with the water tank empty.

When I noticed what was going on I disconnected the element and checked it with an ohms meter and it shows a solid short.

Does this mean the element might be ok? I can only plug in to 20amp service where it is parked so I can't check it through the electrical system.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Doug

7 Replies

  • aruba5er's avatar
    aruba5er
    Explorer
    Mar 12, 2015
    It should last 2 to 5 minutes with out burning out. 10 to 12 ohms would be good. Check both across terminals (10/12 ohms) and terminal to ground (infinity)
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer III
    Mar 12, 2015
    Generally, a bad element shows an open circuit, not a short. Fill it with water, turn off all the other circuits, turn on the element and see if the water gets hot.
  • Dave_H_M's avatar
    Dave_H_M
    Explorer II
    Mar 12, 2015
    Apparently you are indicting that it was taped to the ON position?

    I would have thought new would have been taped to the off pos.

    Mine has a safety pin for locking it in the off pos. :h

    I found a great youtube on how to test the element.
  • haddy1's avatar
    haddy1
    Explorer
    Mar 12, 2015
    12th Man Fan wrote:
    I bought a new Rv and I noticed there was a on off switch on thee outside of the unit for electric operation. It was hidden behind some tape.

    Well of course i had it plugged in with the water tank empty.

    When I noticed what was going on I disconnected the element and checked it with an ohms meter and it shows a solid short.

    Does this mean the element might be ok? I can only plug in to 20amp service where it is parked so I can't check it through the electrical system.

    Thanks in advance for your help.

    Doug


    If it's a Suburban it's probably toast. Attwood, there is a possibility that it still works. 20A service should be plenty of power to test the heater. Just don't have any other high amp items on at the same time.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Mar 11, 2015
    Dead short most likely would have tripped the breaker.
    Fill with water and give it a go. Element draws about 12 amps normally so 20a service is fine with everything else off.

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