Where Is the Fuse on a Water Heater? (Quick Guide)

The fuse on a water heater is typically located near the thermostat or control panel, often inside the access panel on the side or bottom of the unit, depending on the model.

Finding the fuse on your water heater can be tricky if you don’t know where to look. Most electric and RV water heaters have fuses that protect the control board from power surges. This guide will show you exactly where to find them and how to replace them.

Locate the fuse on a water heater for easy troubleshooting.

Locating the Fuse on Different Water Heater Types

Standard Electric Water Heaters

For residential electric water heaters, check these locations:

  • Behind the access panel near the thermostat
  • At the bottom of the unit near the heating elements
  • In the junction box where power enters the heater

RV Water Heaters

RV models like Dometic WH-6GEA often have a 2 amp fuse:

  • On the control panel (usually behind an access door)
  • Near the circuit board
  • Sometimes hidden behind wiring

Tankless Water Heaters

Furrion tankless models (C-FWH09A-009) have fuses:

  • Behind the front panel
  • Near the power input connection
  • On the control board itself
Locate the water heater fuse for easy replacement.

How to Check and Replace a Blown Fuse

Signs of a Blown Fuse

Your water heater might have a blown fuse if:

  • Neither gas nor electric heating works
  • The unit won’t power on
  • You experience sudden loss of hot water

Replacement Steps

  1. Turn off power to the water heater
  2. Locate the fuse (refer to sections above)
  3. Remove the old fuse and inspect it
  4. Install a new fuse of the same rating
  5. Restore power and test operation

Common Fuse Types and Ratings

Water Heater Type Fuse Rating Common Location
Residential Electric 15-30 amp Junction box
RV (Dometic) 2 amp Control panel
Tankless (Furrion) 5-10 amp Behind front cover
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Preventive Maintenance Tips

Carry Spare Fuses

As mentioned in the water heater fuse replacement guide, always keep extra fuses on hand. RV owners especially should carry 2 amp spares.

Use a Surge Protector

Even with a surge protector (as noted in the RV forum post), small power fluctuations can still blow fuses. Consider upgrading your protection.

Regular Inspections

Check fuses annually or when experiencing issues. Some homeowners discover their water heater flashing red light indicates fuse problems.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve replaced the fuse and still have no hot water, you might need to:

  • Check the thermal cutoff switch
  • Inspect the heating elements
  • Test the thermostat

For complex issues, consult our troubleshooting guide or call a licensed technician.

Additional Resources

For more information on water heater components, see RV Repair Club or Water Heater Hub.

Joye
Joye

I am a mechanical engineer and love doing research on different home and outdoor heating options. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy blogging about my findings and helping others to find the best heating options for their needs.