New member, quick question

[Motox_727]

Hey all,

I am new to full time rv living, been a month and so far I am enjoying it. As a traveling electrician, it affords me the ability to chase the high paying jobs and spend as little as possible on lodging expenses.

I am trying to figure out what this switch on my control panel does. I have one labeled dsi water heater and one labeled electric heater. Is the switch labeled electric heater for the water heater or the furnace? There’s also a switch on the water heater itself for turning on the electric element.

Picture attached.

Thank you

Model is Cougar 27reswe

[wiredgeorge]

The DSI switch when turned on, starts the flow of gas to your water heater and on my trailer you will here the spark click. A red light comes on and once ignition (direct spark ignition) occurs and the water heater is lit, the light goes out. The water heater also has an electric heating element to augment the propane heat. On my water heater the switch is an inconvenient location on the outside on the heater itself. We only use propane heat in the summer when it is warm out and in the winter run both. The water will heat faster with both propane and electric heating the water.

[Motox_727]

Thanks for the response, what I’m trying to figure out is what the switch labeled electric heater goes to.

Just like yours, I also have a switch outside on the water heater to turn the electric element on.

[JDDilly]

It turns on the electric element on the water heater. You also need the switch on the water heater turned on. It is a safety measure so you don't turn on the electric element with no water in the tank.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by Motox_727

Thanks for the response, what I’m trying to figure out is what the switch labeled electric heater goes to.

As noted, there is an electric heating element IN the water heater. When you do turn on the heat, be it propane or electric, ensure that the water heater tank is full first. On mine, I open the pressure relief valve (on outside under the water heater cover) and make sure water runs out before trying to heat the tank. If the tank is heated without water, the electric element will fry.

[Motox_727]

Perfect, thanks for the information it’s much appreciated.

[travelin texans]

For faster hot water recovery you can run the water heater on both gas & electric simultaneously without problems.
The only furnace switch I've ever seen is on the thermostat.

[spicercars]

Welcome from northern MN.

[Gary R.]

Hello Moto, and welcome to the forum!

Enjoy your travels and stay safe!