Use caution – only a qualified technician should accomplish the following procedures. Electrical and LP gas safety issues are involved.
- Your 120 volt heating element will use 10 to 12 amps of power.
- Our recommended heating element will use 3 to 4 amps.
- Yes, your water heater will not heat up as fast, but you can use the LP gas heat at the same time as the electric.
- Remove the 120-volt, 1440-watt heating element and replace it with a 236-volt, 1440-watt element. This replacement will look just like your 120-volt element. Ace Hardware, True-Value Hardware, Lowe’s and Home Depot should be able to supply the element you wan for about $10.
- Check the condition of your anode, if you have one, flush the water heater tank while you are there. Magnesium anodes work better than zinc or aluminum. If 50% of your anode is gone, replace it. Atwood brand water heaters do not require an anode. Their tanks are porcelain lined.
If you are qualified:
- Disconnect the 120-volt power from the water heater; better yet unplug your rig from the pedestal. Your convertor will provide 12 volt DC power if not disabled.
- Turn of the LP gas at the tank.
- Disconnect the volt DC power – best done by disconnecting the wire(s) from the
negative post of the coach batteries. - Run water through the hot water faucet until the heater tank is cold.
Turn off the water to the rig at the pedestal. - Open the hot water faucets to release the pressure from the hot water tank. Do not
open the pressure relief valve to relieve the pressure. The seals in these valves have a
tendency to seep after they are tripped. Small particles in the water stays in the seal
and causes this seeping. - Carefully remove any gas lines or burner tubes found in the way of the heating
element. - Remove the cover, wiring and heating element. A lug wrench could be used to
remove the element if it is the right size. - Take this element with you to the store. Purchase the same size element but, but a
236/240 volt element, in the 1200 to 1500 watt range. You will be wiring up a 236-
volt element with the same wires you used to connect to the 120-volt element.
Do not over tighten the element, and only give the LP gas lines ¼ turn with a wrench
after hand tightening. - Close all faucets and turn on the water at the pedestal. Fill the tank with the faucets
closed, this will allow an air cushion to develop in your tank. Water expands as it
heats up and you need this space. - Check for water leaks, turn on the hot water faucets to make sure the tank is full.
Turn on the 120-volt power, connect the 12-volt power and open the LP gas valve at
the tank. Check for gas leaks with a non-ammonia soapy solution. - These water heaters reach a temperature of 140 degrees F, Be aware of this scald
hazard.
Every morning you will have a full tank of hot water, use your hot water only as needed.
Enjoy that extra power, you have given yourself 6 to 8 amps to use for other appliances.
Happy Camping
Fred Brandeberry
RV101BYFRED.COM