Forum Discussion

werni9's avatar
werni9
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014

breaker bad???

Atwood 10 gal elec/gas water heater. Electric not working, gas fine. The switch inside coach, to turn on electric, ??? It always gave me no trouble. I watched the voltage meter in the wall outlet and when I turn switch to on, it does not even twitch. Breaker isn't kicked. Should I put multi meter on breaker and check for juice there? Then check juice to switch? It is on a 2000 Winn. Ultimate Advantage. Just had the entire unit out because that is the way they built around it to replace a $4.00 check valve. The on/off switch for it is on the very back. If electric tests out ok, maybe the heating element? Thank you all.
  • Thank you all. Breaker good, switch good, replaced worn looking ECO and T-stat and was headed to check and replace heating element. Needed to pull it completely out and my heat exchange hoses were full and thought there might be a shut off, but no luck. Going to clamp hoses shut or put plugs in the ends. Last time I pulled this unit out, did not have a drop of antifreeze come out.
  • So, has your problem been solved? What was the cause of the problem?

    It is always nice to get feedback. Maybe it will help the next person with this problem.
  • Thank you all. I am going to learn more about posting. Sorry for the repeats
  • Info about your model

    Atwood GCH10A-3E
    G-----GAS
    C-----Combo gas & electric
    H-----Engine heat exchange
    10----10 gallon
    A-----Screw in electric element
    3-----Version
    E-----Electronic Ignition
  • Whenever I read that work has just been done on a unit and now it doesn't work, I suspect that the unit hasn't been reconnected correctly.

    One of the first things to check after making sure it is reconnected correctly is the electric heating element. Did you fill the heater with water before turning it on?
  • Your year Atwood uses 120V AC power directly.......
    From circuit breaker in AC panel to ON/OFF switch to/thru the set of t-stats and then to terminals on electric element

    Depending on which model the t-stats could be attached to electric element or separate (mounted on backside of WH tank)

    A GC10A--XX would have a bolt on element with t-stats
    A GC10AA-XX would use a screw in element with separate t-stats

    Check for AC power coming from circuit breaker (load side screw/wire)
    WITH WATER HEATER FULL----With ON/OFF switch ON, check for AC power at terminals on normal t-stat.....then at terminals on ECO (high temp t-stat----should have a button to reset it if tripped).
    Then at terminals on electric element.

    Tripped CB
    Bad On/OFF Switch
    Bad set of t-stats (either one)
    Bad element
    Bad ground connections.

    IF ECO has tripped.....then normal t-stat has failed and ECO shutdown heating.
    IF water temp is over 130*F/140*F (depending on set point of t-stat) no heating (water needs to cool down below 110*F before reheating cycle can occur.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,192 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 26, 2025