Electric water heater question

[SeventyGTX]

Our Eagle came with a dual electric/gas water heater. How long should it take the electric heater to heat the tank? I filled it with water and turned on the switch (which lights up) 3 1/2 hours ago, and the hot water is still room temperature. Since the light on the switch is on, I assume it is working.

[Robbbyr]

Originally Posted by SeventyGTX

Our Eagle came with a dual electric/gas water heater. How long should it take the electric heater to heat the tank? I filled it with water and turned on the switch (which lights up) 3 1/2 hours ago, and the hot water is still room temperature. Since the light on the switch is on, I assume it is working.

Mine will heat the tank in about an hour. Have you checked the circuit breaker in your rig's power center? If the breaker is off no heating but you still may see the light since the control system operates on 12-volts. If breaker is indeed on then further troubleshooting is indicated!

[SeventyGTX]

Originally Posted by Robbbyr

Mine will heat the tank in about an hour. Have you checked the circuit breaker in your rig's power center? If the breaker is off no heating but you still may see the light since the control system operates on 12-volts. If breaker is indeed on then further troubleshooting is indicated!

Doh! I went out and checked the fuse/breaker panel and the switch was OFF!

I assumed it was on since the switch in the main panel was lit. I had lit the gas side and now have 6 gallons of hot water so can't really test it until it cools off or I drain it. Will check it out tomorrw. Thanks for the help.

[RetiredOne]

On electric, in my experience, it takes like a little over a half hour or so to come up to full temperature (depending on how cold the entry water is). Also, keep in mind, you can run it BOTH electric mode and gas mode at the SAME time, which really speeds up recovery time.

Here's a chart:

[Robbbyr]

I purposely shut my breaker off whenever I drain my water system to prevent ruining my heater element in the event the switch is inadvertently turned on with the tank empty. And more than once I've forgotten to turn it back on when we set out again!

I hope it works okay now!

[SeventyGTX]

Originally Posted by Robbbyr

I purposely shut my breaker off whenever I drain my water system to prevent ruining my heater element in the event the switch is inadvertently turned on with the tank empty. And more than once I've forgotten to turn it back on when we set out again!

I hope it works okay now!

That is probably why this one was shut off too. Evidently the dealer we got it from shut it off. We bought this last December used and have yet to use it but getting ready to live it in for several months while our new home is being built. So I'm just checking and double checking everything out before we leave next week.

[SeventyGTX]

Originally Posted by RetiredOne

On electric, in my experience, it takes like a little over a half hour or so to come up to full temperature (depending on how cold the entry water is). Also, keep in mind, you can run it BOTH electric mode and gas mode at the SAME time, which really speeds up recovery time.

Here's a chart:

Thanks, that's good to know. I was wondering if you could run both at the same time.

[norty1]

I made a small sign that I can turn over and stick to velcro in the switch compartment, warning "water heater drained, Do not turn on"

I move it out of the way and turn it over when it is not drained.

[Marine71-76]

Am researching and came across this thread. Our electric side didn't work this past week. I opened the panel box that is located inside below our "hall closet" door. Is this the same panel box being referenced? Or is there another location for the fuse/breaker box? If a circuit breaker, which #? If a mini-fuse, which #?

TIA

[TWP723]

Originally Posted by Marine71-76

Am researching and came across this thread. Our electric side didn't work this past week. I opened the panel box that is located inside below our "hall closet" door. Is this the same panel box being referenced? Or is there another location for the fuse/breaker box? If a circuit breaker, which #? If a mini-fuse, which #?

TIA

You may have another switch directly on the HWH that needs to be flipped. Mine won't work, even with the inside switch on and red, without flipping the outside switch. But not all HWH's have them. Just a suggestion.

[Marine71-76]

Originally Posted by TWP723

You may have another switch directly on the HWH that needs to be flipped. Mine won't work, even with the inside switch on and red, without flipping the outside switch. But not all HWH's have them. Just a suggestion.

Is your HWH an Atwood or a Suburban?

[TCNashville]

Attwoods don't have the exterior switch, only Surburban WH have them.