Forum Discussion

Explorer

May 03, 2013

water heater switch

i have a 98 starcraft that i bought used and according to the owners manual it says that the water heater has a gas and electric capability but i do not see a switch to turn on the electric portion. i know it has electric to it because i have verified the romex wire feeding the water heater plus the breaker is on to the unit. all i see in the cabinet is a one sided switch that has only one switch and a reset red button beside it. i am not sure of the model number it seems to be all rubbed off in all places that i can see. i do know that it is a surburban because of the owners manual it does have a control module on the back of the water heater but i do not see a switch in there either when i turn this switch on in the cabinet the gas will light up. does this do this automatically to help the with a faster recovery or do i need to look elsewhere for another switch

15 Replies

skipnchar
Explorer
May 03, 2013
Usually the switch is inside the service panel (outside) i've never HEARD of any being "hard wired" as it would almost immediately burn up if you couldn't turn it off and the tank is empty.
Ex-Tech
Explorer
May 03, 2013
"Hardwired in"?
Unless it is an add-on accessory, the Suburban and Atwood water heaters with the electric option are all hardwired.

Suburban: Electric switch located outside within the water heater access panel at the lower, left side.

Atwood: Switch usually located on the back side of the case, usually accessable through a cabinet.
ChooChooMan74
Explorer
May 03, 2013
Mine has a switch outside. I have a mod (see my blogs) that I wired in a switch and indicator light.
Dtaylor
Explorer
May 03, 2013
With a volt meter and the TT plugged in to shore power see if you have current to the water heater. If you do, it has been hardwired in.(or the switch is hidden)
donn0128
Explorer II
May 03, 2013
My water heater has a small switch outside on the heater for the electric element