What does this do? 1980 Itasca Sunflyer

[SueC]

I’m hoping someone can help me. Does anyone here know what this is, and what happens when you flip the switch.
This is in my 1980, Itasca Sunflyer, in the hallway, across from the bathroom.

[JLUSoCal]

It would either light the water heater or activate the electric element (to save propane). Atwood makes water heaters.

[be happy]

x2 On the water heater switch. To look into the water heater, do you have another switch to turn the heater on? It may say propane or just water heater. The one you have pictured if you have an other switch is most likely for the electric part of the heater.

Welcome and may I add, if you put your "rig" info in the signature it will help folks in the future help you out.

[SueC]

I have never used the water heater, when I bought the old RV, I had the intentions of turning it into a permanently parked “cabin”, and have little shed that I use as my bath house, with an old galvanized tub, and a propane hot water on demand, setup. Not knowing what it was I pushed the switch once and there’s a very loud alarm that goes off, and the red light comes on. I didn’t leave it on for more than a second because it scared the crap out of me. LOL!