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goofasap's avatar
goofasap
Explorer
Feb 18, 2014

atwood hot water heater thermal cut off connections

I have a atwood model gc10a4e hot water heater. The thermal cut off wire connection corroded completely off at the end which connects to the water heater.
One of the two male tabs is completely broken off. Will this require an entire water heater replacement or does the component the wire connector plugs onto screw out and is replaceable? I have not found any schematic that clarifies this.
  • The tstat/ECO is sold as a pair. So, you either buy the tstat/ECO AND the Thermal. Very easy to replace. Doug
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    I am not sure which of the mating connectors is gone but...

    IF it is the ECO, you can get a new ECO at most any RV store or Camping world

    If it's the connector on the wire... Any Radio Shack, Auto parts store, Hardware store, Lowes, Home depot, electronics stores

    The ECO is nothing more than a disc thermal switch (Thermostat) that is under the foam plastic,,, The T-Stat is the exact same thing only with a different temp setting, You can get both of them at any RV dealer.
  • Not sure exactly what you are asking but the thermal fuse is easily replaceable, they sell them in 2 packs (I guess they figure if you are shopping for one you should install it and then keep the spare).

    It's very easy to bypass the thermal fuse but I highly recommend against doing so. I'm pretty sure that the thermal fuse stopped my TC from burning up (or at least scorching the outside pretty good).
  • Not sure what you are referring to due to nomenclature .

    The 'thermal cut out' is the one shot fuse inside the clear tube.
    Brown wire from connector on board to the normal t-stat lug.
    It can be unplugged and replaced

    The normal t-stat and the ECO (high temp t-stat---under the foam cover) can be replaced. They are held tight against tank wall with three tabs which hold a plastic washer and compressed spring down.
    Bend the tabs out and remove t-stat(s)

    The spade connectors can be cut off and new ones crimped onto the wires.
    The normal t-stat uses small spade connectors (brown wires) and the ECO t-stat uses a larger size spade connector (red wires).

    Here is a visual.......the label 'flame fuse' is the thermal cut out

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