Why do I have 2 places to turn on the hot water heater on my 351M?

[CaliMClass]

I’m not sure how to use the hot water heater on my ( new to me ) 351M. It has an on / off switch on the heater itself ( as shown in the picture ), but there is also an on / off on the control panel inside.

So far I’ve been turning them both on when we arrive at our site. Do I need to do this? Or is it one or the other?

Thank you as always in advance! [emoji4]

[Scocciante]

If I Am correct the switch on the hot water heater is for service, used to disable heater when being worked on. Use the other one for on off.

[CaliMClass]

If I Am correct the switch on the hot water heater is for service, used to disable heater when being worked on. Use the other one for on off.

Got it! Thank you! So the switch on the heater can be left in the ON position permanently, I then control it on and off from the panel inside?

[CoChris]

Got it! Thank you! So the switch on the heater can be left in the ON position permanently, I then control it on and off from the panel inside?

Yes. I only turn the outside witch off when I drain the water heater (such as winterize the trailer). Then I have to remember to turn it back on in the spring (that is what check lists are for). Both switches must be on for the heater to work on 120v AC. Not sure if the outside switch effects operation on gas.

Chris

[FirstAscent]

I agree.

I had this same question on my 381M but couldn’t find the info anywhere, except the lovely people here who answered in another thread.

I tested multiple scenarios as well and they both have to be on to get your hot water. I leave the physical switch on the water heater ON always, then just use the touchscreen when I’m getting to a site or leaving a site.