Updating a Leaking 10 Year Old Atwood Gas Electric Water Heater

by Sam
(Bedford, Indiana, US)

Question: I've noticed the wiring is completely changed on the newer Atwood replacement water heaters. They've gone to a single set of rocker switches for 110v. and and 12v. compared to the old style Atwood with a 110 switch overhead and the 12v switch for gas on the heater.

My question is can I connect the 110 wires together and use the 2 rockers on 12v. as directed(it appears) on the wiring diagram?

May seem odd to question the factory diagram but there's no explanation, just the diagram.

---

Robbie: With the new wiring requirements from Atwood, you must now use 12V from the switch to turn on the 110V to the water heater (a 12V relay has been added to the back of the new water heater). You will have 110V connected to the water heater and IT WILL BE HOT. But to turn on the 110V to heat your water you must get 12V power to the WHITE wire on the back of the new switch to activate the new relay. You can wire the gas side to the old switch and buy a second independent switch (if you need to relocate it) to get 12V to the white wire to turn on the 110V.

Atwood adamantly suggests you do not hook the white wire to a permanent 12V source leaving the relay on 24/7.

NOTE: The water heater now has one thermostat for the LP and 110V and goes through the computer circuit board. Be careful and hook the wires up correctly.

Good Luck and let me know what you end up doing,
Robbie