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Water Heater General Information
4.2 Terminology
The following table defines some of the terms that are
typically used when dealing with the Water Heater units.
Term Definition
Air Shutter
A part on the burner tube that slides to
adjust the flame height.
Anode Rod
A rod that attracts the corrosive elements
in the water held in the Water Heater to
help prevent internal corrosion. Do not
use an anode rod in a Dometic Water
Heater. Use of an anode rod voids the
warranty.
Bypass Kit
A combination of hoses and valves that
aid in the Water Heater winterization
process.
Circuit Board
Tester
A third-party diagnostic tool used to
test the electrical functions of a control
board.
Diffuser Tube
A tube that acts as a directional water
flow device. Cold diffusers force cold
water to the bottom of the tank and hot
diffusers allow water to be pulled from
the highest point inside the tank.
DSI An initialism for direct spark ignition.
E.C.O.
An initialism for energy cut off. It is a
normally closed safety temperature
switch that opens if the water
temperature exceeds 180°F (83°C).
Electrode
A conductor that establishes an electric
spark at the burner for ignition. It senses
a flame is established and signals the
control board.
Flame
Spreader
A round, deflective device found at the
combustion end of the main burner.
Flue Tube or
U-Tube
A combustion and water heating surface
area on the inside of the tank.
Gas Pressure
The amount of gas supplied to the Water
Heater, measured in inches of water
column (W.C.).
Gas Solenoid
Valve
A 12 VDC mechanical device that turns
the flow of gas Off and On.
Gas Supply
A fuel source that feeds the gas solenoid
valve with 11 in. W.C.
Hot Rod
An aermarket heating method that
screws into the drain plug. Do not use
an aermarket hot rod in a Dometic
Water Heater. Use of a hot rod voids the
warranty.
Magnet
(Gas Only - Pilot
models only)
A device that when receiving 12 mV
or more of electricity, allows gas to
flow freely to the pilot without the user
holding the pilot knob.
Term Definition
Main Burner
Gas Control
The component that supplies gas to the
main burner when the control knob is set
to the On position and the temperature
lever is set to the desired temperature.
Main Burner
Orifice
The component that ignites the gas
when it reaches the end of the burner
tube.
Mixing Valve
(EXT models
only)
The component that mixes hot and
cold water to a fixed temperature of
approximately 130°F (54°C).
On/Off Switch
A control that supplies 12 VDC to the
Water Heater when in the On position
and stops the voltage when in the Off
position.
Orifice
A precision-drilled component that
meters the flow of gas.
Pilot Gas
Control
(Gas Only - Pilot
models only)
The component that supplies gas to the
pilot orifice when the control On/Off
pilot knob is held at the pilot position.
Pilot Orifice
(Gas Only - Pilot
models only)
The component that meters the gas to
the thermocouple. The flame produced
should be high enough to engulf the
thermocouple.
Pressure/
Temperature
(P/T) Relief
Valve
A component designed to open when
the temperature of the water reaches
210°F (99°C) or the pressure in the
heater reaches 150 PSI.
Sight Glass
The burner flame viewing port located on
the access door.
Soot/Sooting
A black powder created when
incomplete combustion occurs.
Temperature
Knob
(Gas Only - Pilot
models only)
The knob location that, when turned,
determines the burner cycle and water
temperature within a range of
70°F–140°F (21°C–60°C).
Thermal Cut-
Off
A heat-sensing fuse that sends power to
the thermostat and is normally closed.
When the fuse is tripped by excessive
heat [208°F (98°C)], the fuse cuts
power to the control board and shuts
down ignition.
Thermocouple
(Gas Only - Pilot
models only)
A device that generates millivolts of
electricity when heated.
Thermostat
A non-adjustable temperature switch
that opens and closes, based on the
temperature level, to cycle the Water
Heater heating cycle off and on.
Winterization
The process of preparing a Water Heater
for cold winter storage.
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