What does this switch control?

ratowles · 03-05-2017, 04:40 PM

I have a 2009/2010 Keystone Cougar 27RLS. What's the red eliminated switch located to the right and just below the sink operate? I can't find any reference to it in the user manual.

**hankpage** · 03-05-2017, 04:48 PM

Most likely the water heater. Unless it's too late, do not turn it on without water in the heater tank. Usually has some symbol on the switch plate ... flame or Htr or LP.

ratowles · 03-05-2017, 04:53 PM

No, the water heater switch is on the control panel, along with the pump and tank indicators. Thanks for the reply.

**chuckster57** · 03-05-2017, 05:02 PM

Could it be water pump? I've seen units with multiple water pump switches.

ratowles · 03-05-2017, 06:32 PM

I don't think it is the pump. Whatever it is it trips the GFI in my garage, which is where I have the trailer plugged into right now.

**chuckster57** · 03-05-2017, 08:13 PM

How many amps is the GFI plug?
May be time to start chasing the wires from the switch.

GMcKenzie · 03-06-2017, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratowles

No, the water heater switch is on the control panel, along with the pump and tank indicators. Thanks for the reply.

Is the switch on the control panel for the gas side of the water heater? The one you are looking at might be the electric side of the water heater, in which case don't turn it on if the tank is empty.

cardinal96ss · 03-06-2017, 07:44 AM

If you don't turn it on, are you missing any capability you need or think you should have?

**hankpage** · 03-06-2017, 07:52 AM

Turn off the circuit breaker marked "Water Heater" ... then try the switch and see what happens. If the element is burned out it may be shorted to ground and could trip the GFI before the ac breaker. As mentioned .... electric water heater may draw too much for your garage outlet.

ratowles · 03-11-2017, 04:14 PM

Thanks for all of the replies. I figured out the GIF issue. I don't seem to be missing any capabilities it only operates with shore power applied.

I don't think I have an electric water heater, gas only as far as I know. However, that would make sense given what I am seeing. If that is it, it's probably ruined, as I had it on for several hours while I tried to figure it out. Didn't smell anything, which is odd if that's what it is.

The installation doesn't look factory. Wrong screws etc.... I will try your suggestion about the breaker. I guess if there's no water heater breaker that will answer that question. I will let you know what I find out.

ratowles · 03-11-2017, 04:16 PM

The only thing not working is the furnace won't light. Don't think it is related as it won't light with or without the switch enabled.

ratowles · 03-11-2017, 04:41 PM

No water heater breaker/fuse. So, gas only water heater. Still confused.

Attaching picture of the switch.

ratowles · 03-11-2017, 04:42 PM

Any help is appreciated.

CarKath · 03-11-2017, 05:08 PM

Did the previous owners have satellite tv and place the switch there ? Should be easy to trace backwards from where it is placed . Definitely looks like an add on of some kind to me .

rode2nowhere · 03-11-2017, 05:20 PM

track the wires down if you can

**sourdough** · 03-11-2017, 05:35 PM

Pull the switch. You will have an incoming hot lead. Check with a meter. In the off position the hot lead will still have battery while the lead to the load will not. Turn on the switch to verify that it switched the power to the other side (this is not completely necessary). The incoming (hot) side may well be long. Take the output side wire and pull it; you may very well be able to tell where it goes by the sound it makes (pull/push vigorously if needed). Usually, on an add on the feed line may be long but the new line ran will be short or at least loose enough to hear in the structure. Good luck.

ratowles · 03-11-2017, 05:53 PM

I traced the wires and they run underneath the sink and disappear into the wall adjacent to the stove/oven near the outside wall of the trailer. The wires are secured to the walls with no play at all. Probably installed at a dealer. I will try and follow it down the wall. Mayne a wire comes out somewhere and provides an exterior AC power source for a dish or something else. Thanks for the ideas.

**chuckster57** · 03-11-2017, 06:13 PM

Is the refer next to the stove? If so then take the lower access panel off and if you know the color of the wires, you might be able to see which way it goes. Odds are if a dealer installed it, its only zip tied to existing wires.

**sourdough** · 03-11-2017, 06:52 PM

That switch looks like an "add on" to me....by someone. Chuckster can probably add more but I've not seen one, red, illuminated switch on an RV sticking in a place like that. Of course, that doesn't mean a thing.

You've pulled the switch and pulled "a" wire or "both" wires to determine origination and destination? If indeterminate, pull the switch, disconnect the line going to the load and tape; no more blown fuses and nothing necessary (apparently) turned off.

ctbruce · 03-12-2017, 02:52 AM

Do you know what brand of water heater you have? You will probably need to pull the outside cover and look for a tag on it.

Chip Bruce, RPh
Kansas City, MO
2016 Fuzion Impact 312
2017 3500HD Silverado LTZ

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