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xyz's avatar
xyz
Explorer
Aug 18, 2017

Cameo electric water heater switch

I have a 2000 Cameo Carriage 5th wheel. I am new to RVing. The propane water heater works but I can't heat the water electrically. There are 2 switches for the water heater above the lavatory sink. I assume one is electric but switching it up or down doesn't seem to heat the water. Looking for suggestions or advice.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    That sounds like the Atwood System.. YES there is a chance of a second switch

    now.. One option: Lighted switch IF it is a lighted switch turning it ON should light it up.. Unless the bulb is burned out

    Switch is a 12 volt device.. When ON it sends battery voltage to a pin on the Water Heater control board that says "Use AC" The control board then sends 12 volts... as needed... to a relay on the back of the water heater (Control board is in the OUTside compartment, Relay inside on what I call the backside)

    Suspects:
    Bad switch (Check with test lamp or volt meter
    Bad control board (On mine the Propane side went out)
    Bad relay
    Tripped circuit breaker
    Bad connection at the Circuit Breaker (I had several of those, assorted branch circuits)
    Bad connection RELAY
    Bad connection Heat element
    Bad heat element.


    Now on some systems the 120 volt and Propane systems are independent.. On those th 120 volt switch may be a 120 volt switch (SO USE CAUTION)

    Possible issues include bad 120 volt side Thermostats and again all connections.
  • Cameo uses a Suburban Water Heater so it will have an OEM ON/OFF switch for electric element in outside compartment (lower left corner)

    Also.Hi temp t-stat could be tripped.
    'Push To Reset' cover above gas valve.
    Left one is for 120V AC element (Right is 12V DC propane)

    Trips on HI temp 170*F
    120V AC connects to HI then goes to Normal via a connecting wire then to element
    Connecting wire can burn thru....remove cover and check

    If not tripped then Element could be bad/shorted
    Under oval cover below gas valve
    120V AC across the two terminals with Switches ON and water temp below 100*F.
  • There are a number of things that could be the problem;
    Bad heating element
    Bad thermostat/hi temp cutout
    Bad switch inside
    Bad switch on the water heater (or switch is off)
    Tripped circuit breaker
    Bad or loose wire connection
    Just a process of elimination using a voltmeter.
  • Look for another switch on the back of the water heater...access through the outside panel....It's a small black toggle switch usually in the lower left corner.....

    Google Photo:

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