ROCKER SWITCH

[RLVoumard]

I have discovered a rocker switch in the HOT WATER HEATER. This switch is pinned ( safety ) in the OFF position.

Is this the 110 V ON/OFF switch ? I would assume it is set in the OF so the element does not get FRIED . then switch ON as required. ?

[Wrenchtraveller]

Yes you are correct, If you ever have the electric element turned on when the tank is empty, you will burn out the element. This is the same with your electric tank at home and the reason you must leave a hot water tap open while you fill your tank. If the air is not allowed to escape, the tank can't fill with water.

Don & Donna
Vancouver Island
2005 Ford F350 V10 Lariat CC 4x4 LB SRW 11200 GVWR
2006 Montana 2955RL
click on the little pic to see a big pic

[Cat320]

The electic mode of the water heater is buried in the water heater "Installation and Operation Manual," page seven in my manual.

[sreigle]

While that is the main switch and it has to be On to work, some of us leave it on all the time and use the breaker on the breaker panel in the coach for off and on. It's the only thing on that circuit on ours.

Some folks don't like to use the breaker, saying they will wear out. But everything I've read about them wearing out has to do with them wearing out from popping too many times because of high amperage draw, not from being manually turned on and off. Our Montana is 4 years old now and still on the original breaker.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'03 3295RK
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

Our RV Travels (now Firefox-compatible)

[Wrenchtraveller]

Steve, I agree with you on a breaker not wearing out if you use it as a switch.

I have used the breaker on our garage door opener as a switch many times over the last 28 years and it is still working fine.

Don & Donna
Vancouver Island
2005 Ford F350 V10 Lariat CC 4x4 LB SRW 11200 GVWR
2006 Montana 2955RL
click on the little pic to see a big pic