The switch assembly on the left is the Over Temp switch when operating on propane. It kills the 12 VDC to the gas solenoid if the water temp gets too high. The switch on the right is the Over Temp switch when operating on 120 VAC and kills power to the heating element if the water temp gets too high. The small wire that melted (the one the burned open for you and that you replaced) carries all of the 120 VAC heater element current and would likely melt before the 120 V, 20 Amp circuit breaker would trip. I do think that it burned because of the heater element short.
Heater element failure can be either burned "open" (no short) or burned "shorted". It is a random type of event so the failure would not always burn the jumper you found melted.
Good information. It helps arm me with more information for my future trouble shooting.
Jerry
__________________
Essie, Jerry and Lil' Bit the Mini Schnauzer-(now replaced by TWO Mini Schnauzers, Sassy and Schotzi)
2010 TM 3326 loaded for 3 day trip, 4955# GTW, 26 gal. water, 9.5 gal. LP, 530# Tongue Wt., 15" Dual Axle, TST Tire monitor, Hensley Cub Hitch
2004 Suburban 1500, 11,100# CGVW
|