Water Heater Switch Light

Conuma · 07-04-2011, 11:21 PM

Have upgraded from the 17.5 to 5.0 and have a question about the Water Heater switch panel. On the left is a standard switch and on the right is a red light. What is the red light supposed to indicate? I recollect that on my 17.5 the red light was always on indicating hot water was available. But now the light doesn't come on. I have read the manual cover to cover and the only mention of the switch is on page 8, a really nice graphic that I can see with out glasses.

gbaglo · 07-04-2011, 11:54 PM

I'd like to understand the theory behind that light as well. On my 17B, the red light comes on when you switch the heater on. And then it goes out after some period of time.
So, the light doesn't alert me that the heater is still on. And I have no idea what it means when it goes out, not that I would notice that it's no longer lit.

I await enlightenment.

baglo

Hokie Escape · 07-05-2011, 04:56 AM

I assumed (perhaps wrongly), that it meant that the water heater is now ON (or lit). Kinda like when the light stops flashing on the refrigerator when you are pressing the button to light the pilot.
You are right in that it doesn't have any indicator (except the switch being in the ON position) that it is on. I've left it on a few times, and wasted some propane.

escape artist · 07-05-2011, 05:48 AM

Hi: conuma... I also have "Seen the light"...but having a dual fuel w/heater use the electric side for hot water almost all the time. No light there to indicate anything, and if you turn the element on with no water in the tank

burns out the element!!! Don't ask me how I know

Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

ronstew · 07-05-2011, 12:06 PM

In my two-year-old 17B, the light indicates that the flame management system has started the sequence that leads to the gas igniting, but has not yet detected flame.

I am trying to remember if this is only true when I first turn on the system, or every time the flame is required.

Roger C H · 07-05-2011, 12:46 PM

I don't know, but I would surmise that the red light on means that power is flowing to the water heater. When the power turns off because the water is hot, the light goes out. Does the light come on periodically? That would be when the water cools enough to kick in the heat again.

gbaglo · 07-05-2011, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roger C H

I don't know, but I would surmise that the red light on means that power is flowing to the water heater. When the power turns off because the water is hot, the light goes out. Does the light come on periodically? That would be when the water cools enough to kick in the heat again.

That would make sense, but in my experience I don't think that's what is happening. The light only stays on for five minutes or so and I've not notice it come back on when I forget to turn it off.

Near as I can tell, the light indicates that you have successfully activated the switch.

baglo

hippo · 07-05-2011, 10:41 PM

The EFB19RB or 19 foot water heater switch works like this. Turn on switch red light comes on and goes out when the ignition starts the water heater on gas. Did not order the order the electric option.

Jim Bennett · 07-08-2011, 07:58 PM

On my gas switch for the water heater, there is a light in the middle or the plate that indicates that it is on. See the photo below.

gbaglo · 07-08-2011, 08:36 PM

Well, that makes sense.

baglo

Hokie Escape · 07-08-2011, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Well, that makes sense.
baglo

It would if OURS looked like Jim's (he must have gotten special treatment from ETT)! I keep mine a little cleaner as you will notice : - )
Mine looks like pic #1 right after I flip the switch on. About 15 seconds (or so) later, it looks like pic #2 (ie. after the pilot lights up and the heater is working). It looks like #2 from then on, with no indication that it's working (except that you have hot water). It looks like pic #2 when it's off too....cause it IS off in pic #2!

Jim Bennett · 07-08-2011, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Well, that makes sense.

baglo

Might make a bit more sense if you read THIS post.

Sandra L · 08-04-2011, 07:10 PM

Sorry for the incomplete comment.

I called the manufacturer of my dual fuel water heater and was told not to use the inside switch unless I had the propane turned on. Instead to use electricity only, one must go to the outside compartment and use the on/off switch in the lower left hand corner. I had to stoop to find it. I generally use electricity only provided by the places where I stay. Hope this is helpful.

You may also like: