What Is The Red Switch Under The Thermostat In My RV For?

by Larry
(TN)

I just purchased a 2003 Trail Bay by R-Vision. There is a switch on the wall under the thermostat (has Atwood on it). When I flip it on it lights up red and there is a sound that seems to come from under the refrigerator or near the water heater.

The unit has an Atwood water heater and an Atwood furnace. The Atwood water heater is gas/electric. Would this have something to do with switching from gas to electric? I can find no information whatsoever in the manual. The water heater needs to be replaced so I can't fill it and see what the switch does. Any ideas?

ANSWER: Greetings Larry thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

My best educated guess is that the switch is for your water heater.

You are probably hearing a popping or clicking sound and that is in all likelihood is the electric ignition on the Water Heater trying to ignite the propane burner on your water heater.

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Again, I am only guessing the only way you will know for sure is when you replace your RV Water Heater.

Hope this helped.

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Happy RVing

RVing Al

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starstarstarstarstar 		Not for the water heater
by: Anonymous

I also have this switch under my thermostat. It is not for the water heater. The switch for my water heater is in the kitchen on the wall by the kitchen sink. It is an off and on switch.

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