Water heater switch MOD to prevent accidental turn on
With the bad weather we had this weekend I decided to tackle an inside RV project. I wish I could take full credit for the idea but I have to admit I saw it somewhere on this forum. I don't know who to give credit but I thought others would enjoy seeing this again.
Our 5th wheel has three sets of switches in a row right as you come in the door.
The problem is that they put the switch for the water heater on the bottom and it is the only switch that really looks and feels like a regular light switch. This creates a big problem because it is so natural to come in the door and hit the switch, not only the kids mistake this but most the adults do too.
It makes me think yet again, have the RV designers ever actually stayed in one before???
The fix was quick and easy using a simple mirror clip. These are sold in hardware stores to hang mirrors on the wall in your home. I got a box of 6 for $1.49
To make the safety switch work best you need to remove most of the "stem" of the clip so that it will lay nearly flat and keep your switch securely in the off position. This was easily done with my hand grinder in about 2 seconds. It could also be done with a sander or other tool.
The one on the left is the original clip, the one on the right has been altered
Next center the clip under the switch. MAKE SURE to give the clip enough clearance so that the switch can be turned on when the clip in in the sideways position.
With the clip in place the water heater switch cannot be accidentally turned on.
Use a small screw to attach the clip to the wall plate. The screws that came with the clips seemed a little long so I used a shorter one. I did not pre-drill. Make it just snug but not too tight. You want the clip to be able to turn with pressure but not on it's own.
With the clip to the side the water heater switch can be turned ON
The whole project took only a few minutes!
Our 5th wheel has three sets of switches in a row right as you come in the door.
The problem is that they put the switch for the water heater on the bottom and it is the only switch that really looks and feels like a regular light switch. This creates a big problem because it is so natural to come in the door and hit the switch, not only the kids mistake this but most the adults do too.
It makes me think yet again, have the RV designers ever actually stayed in one before???
The fix was quick and easy using a simple mirror clip. These are sold in hardware stores to hang mirrors on the wall in your home. I got a box of 6 for $1.49
To make the safety switch work best you need to remove most of the "stem" of the clip so that it will lay nearly flat and keep your switch securely in the off position. This was easily done with my hand grinder in about 2 seconds. It could also be done with a sander or other tool.
The one on the left is the original clip, the one on the right has been altered
Next center the clip under the switch. MAKE SURE to give the clip enough clearance so that the switch can be turned on when the clip in in the sideways position.
With the clip in place the water heater switch cannot be accidentally turned on.
Use a small screw to attach the clip to the wall plate. The screws that came with the clips seemed a little long so I used a shorter one. I did not pre-drill. Make it just snug but not too tight. You want the clip to be able to turn with pressure but not on it's own.
With the clip to the side the water heater switch can be turned ON
The whole project took only a few minutes!
