Water Heater relay location

[Fishinstreamers]

Hello,
I have a 2016 Montana 3790rd. I think I need to replace the relay on the water heater. I am wondering if I have to pull the water heater out from the outside to get to it or is there some access from the interior? It looks like the heater sits underneath the front kitchen cabinets but I don't see a way to get to it.

I would appreciate the help!


Thanks

[rohrmann]

The 12 volt DC to 120 AC relay will be attached to the top left corner of the water heater as you see it from outside. You may be able to pull the unit out maybe six inches to get to the relay. What is not happening that you think the relay is bad?

[WeBeFulltime]

I also have to wonder what makes you think the relay needs replacement. I have never heard of anyone doing this. If you're having trouble there are many other things that could cause the problem. What are the symptoms. Lots of experience on this forum willing to help resolve.

[Fishinstreamers]

Thanks for the replies.
The problem is the water heater works perfectly on gas, but not at all on electric. I first pulled the element out and it looks great and tested it's resistance is 10.7 ohms. So I think it's good. With both the interior and outside electric water heater switches turned on I filled it up and checked for power... nothing. No power getting to the element. So I pulled the cover off the hi limit (reset buttons) It looks great. No sign of burning or heat. So I checked for AC power. Nothing again. No power getting to it either. So I think the relay is not sending AC power.

Any other ideas are welcome for sure! I am planning to replace the relay to see if that resolves the issue but I can't find easy access to the interior of the water heater. Maybe there's a hatch or opening I don't know about.... or maybe you have to access it from inside the main front storage area. I'm hoping someone knows that model (3790).

If I have to pull it six inches out from the outside don't I still have to disconnect water connections to do that?

Thanks

[rohrmann]

Those little black switches on the outside of the water heater have been a problem for some in the past. With the power off, pull the switch out and check it. The switch may be bad or the connections on the back of it may have burned. You also might check the 12 volt fuse in the panel that powers the 12 volts to the water heater gas switch. You also did not say you verified that 120 volts is coming from the breaker in the panel, and if you haven't done that, you should double check that also.

[BB_TX]

In addition to what Bob said. If you are using the neutral screw on the element for your meter reference point, there have been some with a similar power problem and found that the neutral wire in the junction box on the water heater had burned due to a poor connection. You could try using a different reference point for neutral before tearing it apart.

[Fishinstreamers]

Ok,
Just went out and checked the breaker and its sending power ok. and the switch on the outside checks out fine too. I will go check the neutral as suggested and see.

I did find the rear access to the water heater and it looks like the PEX has got enough slack to pull out the unit a few inches.

I think the solution is going to require me to pull out the water heater to get to the relay or to fix the neutral as referenced by BB TX. Since the relay is only $9.00 I'm going to order it and do it next week. Thanks

It's really nice having some folks to bounce things off of like this! Many thanks!

[usamericansoldier69]

Originally Posted by Fishinstreamers

Ok,
Just went out and checked the breaker and its sending power ok. and the switch on the outside checks out fine too. I will go check the neutral as suggested and see.

I did find the rear access to the water heater and it looks like the PEX has got enough slack to pull out the unit a few inches.

I think the solution is going to require me to pull out the water heater to get to the relay or to fix the neutral as referenced by BB TX. Since the relay is only $9.00 I'm going to order it and do it next week. Thanks

It's really nice having some folks to bounce things off of like this! Many thanks!

What was the part no.Or do you have a picture of said relay?
Jon Fl.

[usamericansoldier69]

Need a part no fir the hot water tank relay if anyone has that info to reference from would be super helpful.
Thank you..Jon,Mims,Fl.

[Daryles]

The Suburban water heater manual is in the files section. It has an exploded diagram.
It's towards the last couple of pages.

suburban water heater relay 232948


https://parts.unitedrv.com/products/...5e19d6bbb957d9

[BB_TX]

Originally Posted by usamericansoldier69

Need a part no fir the hot water tank relay if anyone has that info to reference from would be super helpful.
Thank you..Jon,Mims,Fl.

Here is one from a Suburban parts web site. Check to see if yours is one of the listed WH model numbers.


https://suburbanrvparts.com/water-heater-parts/relay/

[usamericansoldier69]

What is this?
I assume a relay encased maybe?

[usamericansoldier69]

This was attached to floor board,where a leak of water persisted to burn wiring.The hot water tank works on Gas,but not on electric. I have replaced just about everything except this trouble maker.

[BB_TX]

It does appear to be a relay. Looks like the cover can be removed to see the inside and wiring connections. Would be interesting to see a pic of the inside. If you can read a model number or part number on it you can google it and find out all the details about it.

That is enough burn to be scary. Especially not enclosed inside a J box.

[usamericansoldier69]

I worked Camping World a few years,I've seen first hand some of the shotty work being performed at a very stupid rate.this particular relay was mounted right beside the peks tubing on floor level and without a J box.I was mad I didn't look at this first go around.I will post a pic once I re-engage today.Thete was no part number on putside of box except manufacture name.It is why I needed further help,HEADS IF YOU WILL to get me to a better answer.I love this Forum and the do it yourselfers here..Thanknyou..More to follow..
Jon Mims,Fl.

[Carl n Susan]

That is a Pass & Seymour connector of some type and not looking like the Suburban Relay. I think I saw one of these under the bed where they wanted to split out a 120V circuit. I don't see a 12V wire that would trigger the relay. It will be interesting to open up that puppy and see what is inside.

[usamericansoldier69]

Pictures.
Says replace with
CAT NO. SC 014-R

[Carl n Susan]

There is a used one on E-Bay and it is called "P&S Self Contained Junction Device w/ Back - White, SC014, 20A 125VAC, RV"

https://www.ebay.com/itm/23445115226...UAAOSwIjpiImG-


Or Trekwood (and perhaps other RV suppliers) has a new one at
https://www.trekwood.com/products/12...n-SC014-S3-P-S

[BB_TX]

What a mess. Interestingly the only place I could find one was eBay. Pictures show what it should look like inside. I have never liked that press and cut type connection for anything electrical.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/23445115226...UAAOSwIjpiImG-

Oops! Carl did me one better.

[usamericansoldier69]

I think we are also looking at a new hot water tank as well.
Let the dollars fly..Domenica I think.