Hot Water with propane only

[mosbymorgan]

I have no hot water when my hot water heater is in the electric use position. But when it is in the propane position, it heats up just fine. My wife tells me that earlier she was able to smell some sort of electrical smell. Her sense of smell is much more discriminating that mine so I believe her, but was unable to locate where that smell might be coming from. Any thoughts? Can the water heater be unable to heat water with electricity but still function with propane? The breakers are all on, but is there any breaker or switch elsewhere - perhaps near, or on, the water heater? Or do I have to replace the whole thing?

[urnmor]

You can heat the water by just using propane. May be others can answer the electrical issue.

[cptfish]

I have the same problem! Did you find a fix for the electric heating of your hot water instead of the propane?


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[Foiled Again]

Check the fuses

Then replace the element itself - they DO burn out just like incandescent bulbs.

Even with a zinc anode they will corrode eventually.

Paula

[AtomicNo13]

The smell might be coming from the electric thermostat. I have seen them burn on more than a few friends trailers. I have been lucky thus far!

[macofpei]

I had this happened to me. There is a switch on the wall but also at the water heater. The wiring behind the grey box cover that holds the switch to the water heater is where the wire burnt off The switch was also burnt.. I had to replace the switch ( found at a large box store for about $5.00 Canadian), reconnected the wires and -- presto-- works great.
Just be sure that the 120 volt is shut off for your protection when working on these wires.

[Gnorts]

water heater electric element will burn out quickly if not fully immersed. if you are using tank water and run out of water, turn off heater immediately and dont turn back on until you are sure theres no air in water heater tank.

[cptfish]

On out way to get water electric switch checked in LA and install of new circuit board and motor provided by ZipDee. Seems like after this our trailer will be like it should have been delivered when it was new 14 mths ago. ZipDee has been working hard to get this circuit board right (our third one and fourth motor).


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