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cameront120 · 05-15-2008, 07:59 AM

I just received my new Atwood GC6AA-10E, combination gas/electric with electronic ignition. Does anyone have the patience to look at the photos of my electrical panel and wiring and describe how I hook up the wiring of the new heater?

Here is my electrical box:

Here it is showing 12v (2 wires) going to the bunk light in the upper right:

Here is the information on the inside cover of the existing electrical box shown in the first two photos:

Here is the back of the Atwood showing the 12v wires (blue, white orange and green) at the top. The 110v wires (green, black & white) are coming out of the black box at bottom. What isn't shown is the two switch unit that attaches to the wall. I've attached a PDF of the Install Manual and the last two pages show the switch as well as the wiring diagrams, etc.

This stcker is on the back of the heater:

Can anyone help, or am I better off hiring an electrician?

Cheers!

RUSSELL · 05-15-2008, 09:33 AM

If you have any knowledge of electricity it would be simple but according to you you have no idea. My recomendation is to hire an electrician. The question schould be how much current will your heater draw and do you have to upgrade the panel to a higher amparage brakers.
Regards from Russell in sunny and cool Tucson Az.

Aerowood · 05-15-2008, 09:41 AM

If it was me doing this, I would upgrade to a more modern box with a couple more spaces for extra breakers and put in a dedicated circut for the water heater. Any good electrican should be able to easily do this if you do not feel comfortable installing a new box. Just make sure that you do not put in a main breaker that has an amp rating higher then the power cord is rated for.

cameront120 · 05-15-2008, 09:43 AM

I'm willing to learn, sadly I just don't have the knowledge to tackle it.

Excella CM · 05-15-2008, 11:47 AM

The question is first: How much power is the heater going to use? How many amps, (or how many watts/110). Heating appliances typically use a lot of power, so you may exceed the 20 amp supply (2000 Watt) from either breaker. As was suggested, you may need a box with one more breaker of sufficient size.
As was also said you will need to make sure the power cord to the trailer can handle the load when everything is running. You can add an extra box, or a bigger box. Have someone knowledgeable go over the set up with you.

cameront120 · 05-15-2008, 01:01 PM

Okay, sounds like I need to hire someone. I know plumbers, engineers, roofers, but no electricians. Time to go make some phone calls.
Thanks for the input, all!

musketeer · 05-15-2008, 02:34 PM

I just finished wiring my identical w/h this morning. There are a couple of options, but you are going to need to install a new dedicated 15 amp circuit. Which means you will need to replace the existing electrical box or install an additional box for the new breaker. I sent a PM.