How to Wire the Tank Heater on an RV

Running hot water makes traveling by RV more pleasant.

The tank heater in your recreational vehicle is responsible for heating the water in the RV's hot water tank. An RV's tank heater will need replacement from time to time, due to normal wear and tear from use. Installing and wiring a new tank heater for your RV is a straightforward process. Care must be taken to turn off the RV's electrical power source before starting work, but with the right tools and following the proper steps, the installation process shouldn't take much more than one hour.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Wrench set

Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply leading into the water tank. Also make sure the RV's propane tank is turned off at the source and shut off electrical power to the RV.

2. Trace the electrical wires that run from the tank heater to the 120-volt power supply. Unscrew the positive and negative wire connectors with a screwdriver.

3. Remove the screws or bolts that mount the old tank heater in place on the water tank. If your tank heater is mounted with screws, use a screwdriver. If it is mounted with bolts, use a wrench set.

4. Attach the new tank heater to the outside of the water tank by replacing and tightening the mounting screws or bolts.

5. Connect the white or red wire of the new tank heater to the positive terminal of your RV's power source. Connect the black wire of the tank to the negative terminal.

6. Turn water, propane and electrical connections back on.

References

• Detailed Installation Instructions for UltraHeat Tank Heaters
• Atwood mobile products