Electric switch on hot water heater

[wiredgeorge]

On my Suburban SW6DE hot water heater, there is a switch on the outside to turn on the 120V electric element. The switch under the outside water heater door and buried under the burner tube and a wire and is not easy to see. It would have been great if Keystone had seen fit to locate a toggle switch inside the cabin; perhaps even a lighted switch but they didn't. Has anyone installed a 120V switch in the cabin or somewhere a human can find it? The water heater is right next to the corner (rear) sink and on the other side of the sink is the power box. On the left of the water heater is the refrigerator so I am not keen to remove the refrigerator to run wires up the side of the refrigerator box.

[ptooti]

On my Suburban SW6DE hot water heater, there is a switch on the outside to turn on the 120V electric element. The switch under the outside water heater door and buried under the burner tube and a wire and is not easy to see. It would have been great if Keystone had seen fit to locate a toggle switch inside the cabin; perhaps even a lighted switch but they didn't. Has anyone installed a 120V switch in the cabin or somewhere a human can find it? The water heater is right next to the corner (rear) sink and on the other side of the sink is the power box. On the left of the water heater is the refrigerator so I am not keen to remove the refrigerator to run wires up the side of the refrigerator box.



We use the breaker as a switch on our old camper the new camper has a wired lighted switch are you sure it’s not just a reset switch on the tank itself?

[wiredgeorge]

I am sure. The Suburban water heater has a switch for the propane side (lights automatically) on the monitor panel but the switch for the electric 120V side is on the unit (outside) itself.

[wiredgeorge]

Pic of switch location... handy, huh?

[hankpage]

The switch is located there so you are sure power is off when draining the tank and it is locked out to protect element. (pin through switch) We have always used the circuit breaker to turn water heater on and off for operation on electric.

[ChuckS]

Personnaly I prefer my electric heater element switch outside.. last thing I turn on when hooking up at RV park after I’m sure water heater tank is full and first thing I turn off when breaking down to tow somewhere else..

[RETAFCHIEF]

I have the switch also on the water heater, but it isn't pinned. My previous unit was the same...no pin or hole for one. Not a bad idea for lock-out. Breakers are liable to fail if used as switches too often.

[ken56]

My Laredo has both that switch and 2 on the control panel for each gas and electric operation.

[wiredgeorge]

My Laredo has both that switch and 2 on the control panel for each gas and electric operation.

Ken, while it makes a lot of sense to put that switch up in the cabin such as your switch is located, mine isn't. I asked if anyone had installed an in-cabin switch so the outside switch wouldn't have to be used. I also know how to flip a breaker but breakers are NOT intended to be switches as they will fail if used constantly to switch power on and off.

[flybouy]

George, if you have the knowledge and ability to work with electricity your solution would be simple. Intercept the wire between the breaker and the unit and wire in a switch. An illuminated switch is readily available from home centers or online sources. If you are not competent and comfortable consult an electrician as working with ac circuits is not recommended for the novice.

[gkainz]

The switch is located there so you are sure power is off when draining the tank and it is locked out to protect element. (pin through switch) We have always used the circuit breaker to turn water heater on and off for operation on electric.

I can never fumble-finger than pin back into the lockout hole. I have to use needle nose pliers. But I pin it every time I shut it off.

[roadglide]

I replaced the same switch same heater last week maybe used the switch 10 times in 3 years . Easy fix I got my switch at car parts . I pulled the switch with wire to spear mark the two wires . The switch from car parts needed one tab ground off to fit the water heater slot .You will need your needle nose to pull the wire out .

[Tinner12002]

Well if I remember correctly, my in command has a switch where I can turn on electric or use propane either one without using the switch inside the heater...at least I think that's what I was told...lol!

[cpaulsen]

Very easy to put a lighted switch in for the water heater. I did it the last 3 5th wheels I had..........and left the outside switch on constantly. My new Montana has a switch for electric and gas inside.

[Kylemcmahon1]

My outback has the switch on the water heater and a switch on the control panel. As well as a switch for propane water heater. For electric to work both switches have to be on. So I use the outside switch as a fail safe when the tank is drained.

[RETAFCHIEF]

My thoughts exactly.

[shiggs68]

My thoughts exactly.



Suburban intended the outside electric switch as a Service switch. Many RV manufactures except on higher end models decided to save a few bucks and not implement an additional inside switch. Electrically, it a minor effort to break the 120vac line suppling the water heater and insert a 120vac switch. The difficult part is often finding that Romex and locating a standard 120vac light switch.

On many higher end models, the RV manufacture uses a 12vdc switch similar to the other switches in the panel and a relay to switch the 120vac at the rear of the water heater. Suburban has the relay and mounting as a install option.

[wiredgeorge]

Here is a good thread on Suburban water heaters; includes the SW6DEL which is the unit with relay and inside switch for the electric element side of the water heater.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f226/suburbans-electric-switch-and-much-more-36197.html

[RETAFCHIEF]

Thanks for the posts. I think they will clarify the switch question for many folks. The Forest River Forum is a good source for general information. I had a Flagstaff and found the forum to be extremely valuable. Since many manufacturers use the same parts, using all available sources helps greatly.

[wiredgeorge]

My last 5ver was a Rockwood TH. The folks on that forum are very good about posting specific component info. The water heater in almost any RV will be either a Suburban or Atwood near as I know and on smaller trailers, most will be 6 gallon. I had the cheapy SW6 model on my Rockwood; had to light it outside and no electrical element. Sad that an RV manufacturer will try and save pennies for an item like this. The DSI unit is so so much easier to live with. The SW6DE I have is a real step up but why not put an inside switch for almost the same amount when the location of the on-face and fairly well hidden switch is likely to be a problem with many owners?

[FF/PM]

I have the Suburban with the outside switch. I'm going to add a 12v switch on my control panel to control the 120v element. I see 2 options. 1 is to figure out how to access the 12v switch wires from inside the trailer then spend hours fishing the wires across the roof to the control panel. 2nd is to add a 120v relay triggered by a 12v lighted switch. I'd add this relay at the power distribution center directly below the convenience center.

Number 2 seems like he easiest solution, but this will be my first serious mod to a trailer. Maybe I'm making it too complicated?

Is there any source for 12v better than another? I have the inverter right there, I can take any.

All input and experience is appreciated!

[Brentw]

Been thinking of doing this myself.
So.
Install a 120 v switch at panel, will require cutting feed to HWT, installing a junction box and carrying a 2 wire to the switch.
Or
Install a 12 v switch at panel and install a relay in the feed to the HWT.

Not sure which to do.

There is 12 DC available in the switch panel, so that is not an issue. The 120 v switch at HWT has already failed so I am bit concerned about the ability of those small rocker switches to be carrying that ampacity.

[66joej]

I have the Suburban with the outside switch. I'm going to add a 12v switch on my control panel to control the 120v element. I see 2 options. 1 is to figure out how to access the 12v switch wires from inside the trailer then spend hours fishing the wires across the roof to the control panel. 2nd is to add a 120v relay triggered by a 12v lighted switch. I'd add this relay at the power distribution center directly below the convenience center.

Number 2 seems like he easiest solution, but this will be my first serious mod to a trailer. Maybe I'm making it too complicated?

Is there any source for 12v better than another? I have the inverter right there, I can take any.

All input and experience is appreciated!

Not really sure what you are trying to do. I just use the 120v breaker in the electrical panel to control the off/on for the HWH.

[tech740]

Not really sure what you are trying to do. I just use the 120v breaker in the electrical panel to control the off/on for the HWH.

Probably should admit this publicly, but that just blew my mind. LOL. I will be looking to see if that is all that is on that circuit in my rig. I was just saying that I didn't like how the switch was outside the other day.

[Triple GGG]

Not really sure what you are trying to do. I just use the 120v breaker in the electrical panel to control the off/on for the HWH.Just got our TT but this is what I'm doing. I cannot find a switch anywhere.

[Brentw]

When my rig is at home I am normally plugged into 15 amp power to keep batteries up and precool the fridge. The breaker panel is on the floor and awkward to get to. Just my luck to forget it and either trip the breaker or run the heater for weeks ( risk burning it out or running HWT dry).The outside switch is easier to get to. That said, there should have been a switch in the control panel.

[amsoiltek]

I just use the CB to turn it off, and yes a CB is not meant to be used as a switch but heck a CB is cheap so I carry a spare and it takes maybe 5 minutes to replace it.

[FF/PM]

On my Cougar I used an open 12v switch, pulled power from the awning switch. That switch powers a 110v relay that I put right behind the breaker. All of this wiring was on the same wall. I only had to run 3 feet of 12v wire to the relay, and a few inches of 110v from the breaker to the relay. Now I can power up the heater from inside, and when I winterize I can use the outside switch. Relay and lighted switch cost me about $20 and took about an hour.

[kksfish]

I just use the breaker....... yes I read all the arguments about a breakerfailing ot not intended to be used that many times BUT if you are concerned go to an electric supply house and purchase a breaker that is SWITCH RATED and is designed to be used for that purpose!