LED LIGHT FOR TANK HEATER SWITCH

In looking at the tank heater switch in the bathroom I realized it would be very easy to turn the switch on by accident.  Also, if turned on it would be easy to forget and leave it on.  Why was there no lighted tank heater switch like the water pump switch?  To correct this wrong I decided to add a light to the existing tank heater switch.

The tank heater is a 12 volt system.  If I could tap onto the “heater” side of the switch and then find a “ground” I would be in business.  I removed the switch housing from the wall and discovered there was room to add a 12 volt LED light in the switch housing.  I obtained a Red LED from Radio Shack™ for $2.79.  I drilled the required 3/16 inch hole in the housing and mounted the LED.  Using a spade connector I attached one LED wire to the side of the switch that had power on it when the switch was “on” (the “heater’ side of the switch).  

Finding a good “ground” connection turned out to be simple.  On the PC 2350 there is a 110 volt outlet on the sink base about 18 inches from the tank heater switch.  The top of the wall inside the sink cabinet below the switch is open.  Therefore, it was easy to push a number 14 stranded wire up to the tank heater switch and attach it to the remaining LED wire using a wire crimp connector.  I then attached the other end of the stranded wire to the “ground” terminal (not the white neutral wire terminal) on the 110 volt outlet.  I routed the ground wire up beneath the sink and attached it to the back of the cabinet using wire clips.  

Now when I turn the tank heater on the Red LED glows brightly.  Hopefully, this will eliminate accidently turning/leaving the heater on.

I have attached a photo that shows the finished product.

Nice job, it looks really professional.

That's really nice!!Think I'll try that on the hot water heater switch also.

I need to do this project too.  We have three switches located there, and my wife frequently picks the wrong one.  The top switch turns on/off the vanity light (see pics).  Which, by the way, was one of the best changes we made when we had the coach built.  The vanity light is far, far better than the overhead light for shaving, my wife’s makeup, etc.  We rarely use the overhead light.

When I recommended to Stewart that the light be made standard on the rear bedroom configuration, I only got a curt, unfriendly reply.  Still, I feel it should be standard.

Thanks for this great idea and info provided.  As GoPhoenix  said in his reply, this will work well on other switches as well..... Added to my ToDo list and gave you a Helpful as well.

Bill G   

Nice job,,,, I would like a little more detail regarding heating the tank....Manual says it's for when temps get to freezing to protect it, understand especially since the tank is in the back of the unit.   how is the water warmed,, I going to assume something like heat strips on the tank???    is there any reason to warm the water in the tank other than protection???    I would guess if you were camping in very cold temps,,, warm the tank,,, run some water through all your piping prior to going to sleep would help all the pipes and tanks....
thanks
Sparky

Oh, I like that indicator light.  One more project for off season.

A helpful clicky for you!