Water heater

[Duzfire1]

Why would a water heater work on propane but not on electricity? What do I need to check?


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[Rich T]

Why would a water heater work on propane but not on electricity? What do I need to check?


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The electric heating element could be bad. With 110V power off and the water drained from the tank unhook the wires from the element an do a continuity check.
Rich

[xrated]

Hopefully, you are aware that there are normally two switches involved in order to turn the water heater on using the 120VAC for it. One switch is usually inside the trailer on the control panel, and the other is located at the water heater. If both of those switches are on, then you need to start taking voltage readings.....IF you know that the 120V breaker that feeds the water heater is on and you do have voltage coming to the trailer. The logical place to check would be at the wires that are on the heating element itself. If there is no voltage there, make sure that the water heater isn't already hot and the thermostat for it satisfied. If everything points towards the water heater element should be on, check those terminals on the heating element and see if there is 120VAC at the terminals. If there is, and it's still not heating, you have a bad (open circuit) through the element and it will need to be replaced......with the same voltage/wattage type element that is the same length as the original.

[Keebler]

As Rich mentioned above, I have had a bad element (in my case, the heater was turned on while the heater was empty; burns out REALLY fast).

Good news is that if this is your problem, the fix is easy (less than 30 mins) and relatively cheap (~$13). Just need the right size socket or a water heater element wrench (~$7) and a screwdriver.

[sbarlag]

I just looked at an Imagine 2500rl water heater. I could not find "the other" switch at the water heater. Where is it?

[huntr70]

Atwood water heater do not have the second switch, Dometics do.

For the OP, couple things to look for. As mentioned above, the elements burn out quickly. People play with switches when plugged in and no water in the water heater tank.

Check the breaker to make sure it is turned on. Switch in the control panel could be bad.

[Keebler]

Atwood water heater do not have the second switch, Dometics do.

I will add, I have a Suburban, and I have the second switch. I had to order a new element, and went ahead and ordered a new switch at the same time, just to have a spare.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[huntr70]

I will add, I have a Suburban, and I have the second switch. I had to order a new element, and went ahead and ordered a new switch at the same time, just to have a spare.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yep, I actually meant Suburban.

Atwood and Dometic are the same.

[yattr0]

I just purchased a Reflection 367BHS with this exact issue. AC wire was too short and pulled from back of water heater. Quickly fixed by mobile tech and reimbursed by GD. Luckily no fire started but duct and floor show damage from live AC wire...

[bigjaike]

I just purchased a Reflection 367BHS with this exact issue. AC wire was too short and pulled from back of water heater. Quickly fixed by mobile tech and reimbursed by GD. Luckily no fire started but duct and floor show damage from live AC wire...

You were right about 'Dodging the Bullet'. There had to be some heat to melt thru the duct.