Posted 2010-11-11 7:38 PM (#126961) Subject: Hot water heater questions
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
Getting to know my trailer and have a few questions...if the trailer has no power does the hot water heater stop working? If I install a battery disconnect and open the switch will the hot water heater continue to run or will it shut off?
The guy I bought the trailer from said he just had the switch put in and the light doesn't work. The more I look into it I think he didn't understand the purpose of the light...it shouldn't go in when the hot water heater is on but only when you need to reset it correct?
Posted 2010-11-12 7:31 AM (#126974 - in reply to #126961) Subject: RE: Hot water heater questions
Location: Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...
You have got to have the 12 volt power for the igniter on the hot water heater. As far as the light on the switch, when you first flip the switch on, the light will be on. In a few minutes it should go off, if your burner lights. It will come on and stay on when your flame is not lit.
Posted 2010-11-12 8:26 AM (#126978 - in reply to #126974) Subject: RE: Hot water heater questions
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Posts: 489
Originally written by Tresvolte on 2010-11-12 7:31 AM You have got to have the 12 volt power for the igniter on the hot water heater. As far as the light on the switch, when you first flip the switch on, the light will be on. In a few minutes it should go off, if your burner lights. It will come on and stay on when your flame is not lit.
Thanks for the reply. So if the 12 volt is cut will the water heater shut down or will it keep running as long as it's already lit?
It appears that my light isn't working as it doesn't come on at all, I may try and replace the switch but before I do that is there anything else I should check such as how it's wired?
Posted 2010-11-13 6:13 AM (#127022 - in reply to #126961) Subject: RE: Hot water heater questions
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Posts: 489
Thanks for the replies...just thought I would respond with my experience so that anyone with the same question could find the answer. No power means no fire in the HWH, the power is need to keep the gas valve open.
Posted 2010-11-15 9:13 AM (#127080 - in reply to #127022) Subject: RE: Hot water heater questions
Location: Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...
Originally written by blackcows on 2010-11-13 6:13 AM
Thanks for the replies...just thought I would respond with my experience so that anyone with the same question could find the answer. No power means no fire in the HWH, the power is need to keep the gas valve open.
Didn't think about the solenoid for the LP. Makes sense though.
Posted 2010-11-15 9:31 AM (#127082 - in reply to #126961) Subject: RE: Hot water heater questions
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
The safety valve shuts off the gas flow if the flame goes out. The safety valve has an electromagnet which holds a valve open to allow gas flow through the line. A thermocouple produces a small voltage when heated and energizes the electromagnet. As long as the flame is lit and the thermocouple generates voltage, the safety valve will stay open. If the flame goes out, the thermocouple will cool and stop generating voltage. The electromagnet will then de-energize and the solenoid will snap shut, stoping the gas flow.
Hot water heater questions
