Electric Water Heater Won't Turn On

[Madoc67]

Well, good news is that the element isn't bad. Following Bill's instructions, the element has a resistance of 10-11 ohms. Bad news is that the element doesn't appear to be getting any power. Following Bill's instructions and using the multimeter, I see 0 volts when touching the black and white wire screws.

AC volt testing was done with shore power on and I turned the water heater on with the outside switch. I also made sure the overheat reset switches weren't tripped.

Any suggestions regarding the next steps for an amateur like me?

Madoc67

Follow the wires back to the junction/fuse box. Does TM have circuit breakers for the 120v side? That would be a good place to start, possibly something tripped a breaker?

Aaron

[TM Pilot]

If power is flowing all the way to the outside switch but not reaching the element when turned on, then the switch is bad.

When mine went out it was the thermostat. Fairly easy to replace. There are two of them, one for gas another for AC. It's been a while but if I remember correctly they are under the black bubber reset buttons. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Ed

I normally dry camp, so haven't been overly concerned about the electric heater element. Tank is emptied right now for the winter, but if they're not overly expensive I may just buy a new one in the spring. My trailer is a 2002, and I suspect the element is the original.

[Madoc67]

Quick update: TM Pilot was correct. A friend of mine who is very adept at electrical issues checked the entire system and it was the outside element on/off switch that was bad. It looks like it shorted out and got hot since some of the wire insulation was melted.

I have ordered a new switch and we plan to replace both wires. I'll post another update once this is finished.

Thanks for everyone's helpful suggestions.

Madoc67

[scrubjaysnest]

Originally Posted by Madoc67

Quick update: TM Pilot was correct. A friend of mine who is very adept at electrical issues checked the entire system and it was the outside element on/off switch that was bad. It looks like it shorted out and got hot since some of the wire insulation was melted.

I have ordered a new switch and we plan to replace both wires. I'll post another update once this is finished.

Thanks for everyone's helpful suggestions.

Madoc67

While your at it consider installing a lighted switch inside so you don't have to keep messing with the one outside.