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  1. #1
    Seasoned Camper
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    Propane for hot water heater

    Hello, it looks like I have the option of electric and/or propane for heating the hot water heater. But what if the Propane tanks are shut off and try to use that option ...I see the red light come on and hear a sound, but not sure exactly what is happening?
    Thanks, IceMan

  2. #2
    Seasoned Camper
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    It’s trying to start, but can’t because propane is off. Check owner manual for water heater, some allow gas, electric or both. If this is all new to you I would spend the time reading all literature you got for a basic understanding of your systems. Welcome to RV’ing.
    Bob and Cheryl, Puka the doodle
    2018 Ram 2500 Crew,Diesel,4x4
    2016 Reflection 27RL
    2012 Palomino 6.5 camper

  3. #3
    Long Hauler DaveMatthewsBand's Avatar
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    Propane for hot water heater

    Quote Originally Posted by Grand Master IceMan View Post
    Hello, it looks like I have the option of electric and/or propane for heating the hot water heater. But what if the Propane tanks are shut off and try to use that option ...I see the red light come on and hear a sound, but not sure exactly what is happening?
    Thanks, IceMan
    Pretty simple... turn on the “electric” water heater switch.

    If you don’t have the switch you don’t have an electric water heater.

    Here’s mine:

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Last edited by DaveMatthewsBand; 06-03-2020 at 10:54 AM.
    Resistance is Not Futile, It's Voltage Divided by Current.


  4. #4
    Rolling Along LV Naturist's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Grand Master IceMan View Post
    Hello, it looks like I have the option of electric and/or propane for heating the hot water heater. But what if the Propane tanks are shut off and try to use that option ...I see the red light come on and hear a sound, but not sure exactly what is happening?
    Thanks, IceMan
    Why would you want to heat your hot water heater? And/or why would you want to heat hot water? If it's hot why heat it?

    Actually, as mentioned above, you can use electric, gas, or both. We have found if we use both we have virtually unlimited hot water. It comes real close to being an on demand, continuous water heater. This is good because my DW likes long hot showers.

    John
    2018 Silverado LTZ 3500HD CC LB 4X4 DRW Duramax/Allison
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    1997 Bayliner Capri 1950 affectionately named Skinnydipper
    MSgt, USAF (Ret)
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  5. #5
    Seasoned Camper
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    Sure, I'm not having any trouble with the hot water heater. ...However, what I'm curious about, is IF I happen to have the Propane shut OFF, and I switch ON the GAS for the Hot Water Heater, what happens?

  6. #6
    Long Hauler Canyonlight's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Grand Master IceMan View Post
    Sure, I'm not having any trouble with the hot water heater. ...However, what I'm curious about, is IF I happen to have the Propane shut OFF, and I switch ON the GAS for the Hot Water Heater, what happens?
    The DSI (Direct Spark Igniter) is clicking trying to light the propane. If the propane is not flowing as you shared to the WH, then you will hear the clicking over and over. I do not recall if it will stop after so many "non-lighting" attempts or not. You can determine this. I would not let this occur as the spark igniter only has so much life. This same process applies to RV gas/electric fridges as well when set to propane gas or in the auto mode if 120V is not available.

    Dan
    Dan & Carol
    2014 303RLS Reflection #185 (10/2013 build)
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  7. #7
    Site Sponsor
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    Quote Originally Posted by Grand Master IceMan View Post
    Sure, I'm not having any trouble with the hot water heater. ...However, what I'm curious about, is IF I happen to have the Propane shut OFF, and I switch ON the GAS for the Hot Water Heater, what happens?
    In that case it will try to light the gas three(?) times and then shut off. No problem or harm will be done. There should be a DSI Fault warning light that comes on saying it did not light.

    Chris

    Note: And this is CRITICAL, do not run your water heater on either gas or electric without it being full of water. This will burn out the element/tank very quickly.
    Last edited by CoChris; 06-03-2020 at 12:15 PM.
    Chris & Karen
    Fort Collins, CO
    2017 F-350 SRW 6.7 Lariat Value CC LB 4x4
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  8. #8
    Seasoned Camper
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    OK thanks to all of you for that information!

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