ATF: North Country - What is this switch for?

[Ted-Nancy]

We have a 2011 North Country 29RKS trailer. In the bathroom we have a switch, that looks like a light switch, but it is not. (We have a switch box for the fan & ights. We have the control monitor.) This switch is a white box and red switch, that is mounted to the left of the control box. No label on it. Nothing in our owners manuals. Does it control/switch the heating system to/from electric to our propane? Help. Thanks!

 

[branson4020]

Turns on the electric heating element for your hot water tank.

 

[Ray LeTourneau]

If you operate the Hot Water Heater on electric, be sure to have the water system full of water or you may burn out the heating element.

 

[pegmikef]

You can run your hot water heater on propane or electricity (or both at the same time if you are in a hurry to heat up the water). We always run ours on electricity when hooked up to shore power, but on propane if we are using the generators for power when boondocking.

 

[TeJay]

Just as Ray says, Make sure the water tank is full of water except it's not that you may burn out the element you WILL burn out the element. With no water the element will very quickly heat up and melt. The water prevents it from getting to the melting point of the metal element. Think of it this way. Can you boil water in a paper cup??? Yes because the water prevents the paper from reaching its ignition point. Now be careful of the creased edges on the cup that may not be in direct contact with the water.

TeJay

 

[CactusTwo]

Yes, for the electric water heater, yes, make sure the tank is full, but also check that the breaker is on in your 120v panel AND that the switch is on that is on your water heater, the switch may be behind the heater between the water inlets or outside next to the drain plug. Leave that switch always on as you can control it from inside. Our last rig only had that switch and the breaker on the 120v panel no wall mounted switch

 

[Ted-Nancy]

THANKS! You were all so helpful! From the looks of our rig, I have this switch in the bathroom AND the other one outside (next to the drain plug.) Why don't the owners manual tell us about this? Obviously, you guys helped me avoid a burned out element! Again, much THANKS!!!