Whale Control Panel Only For Gas & Electric Water Heater

Whale Control Panel Only For Gas & Electric Water Heater 

The Whale Control Panel (Gas & Electric Water Heater) is installed inside the living area of a caravan, motorhome or campervan and is used to operate and monitor a Whale gas & electric water heater.

It is a user control interface, allowing you to:

• Turn water heating on/off

• Select gas or electric heating modes

• Monitor heater operation and status

The panel is wall-mounted (flush fit) and connects to the water heater via a control wiring loom.

Typical mounting locations:

• Lounge or dinette wall

• Near other Whale control panels (space heater / iVan / iVan Duo)

• Interior furniture panel at comfortable reach height

How is it fitted

Important: Installation should be carried out by a competent installer. Always isolate electrical supplies before fitting.

Before you start

• Isolate 12 V DC and 230 V AC supplies to the vehicle.

• Confirm compatibility with your Whale gas & electric water heater.

• Choose an interior wall away from direct heat, water splash, or draughts.

• Tools required: drill, jigsaw or panel saw, screwdriver, file.

Step-by-step fitting instructions

1. Mark the cut-out

   • On the chosen interior wall, mark the panel cut-out using the template or panel body.

   • Typical cut-out is a small rectangular opening sized to accept the control body (confirm exact dimensions before cutting).

2. Cut the opening

   • Carefully cut the opening using a jigsaw or panel saw.

   • Smooth edges so the panel sits flush and square.

3. Route the control cable

   • Feed the Whale control loom from the water heater to the cut-out location.

   • Avoid routing near hot ducts, sharp edges, or moving parts.

4. Connect the wiring

   • Plug the control cable into the rear socket of the control panel.

   • The connection is low-voltage and plug-and-play (no direct mains wiring at the panel).

5. Fit the control panel

   • Insert the panel into the cut-out from the front.

   • Secure using the supplied fixing screws or clips until flush with the wall.

6. Restore power and test

   • Reconnect vehicle power.

   • Switch on the water heater and confirm:

     • Panel powers up

     • Gas and electric modes respond correctly

     • Heater operates as expected

Quick fit notes 

• Product type: Water heater control panel (panel only)

• Fits: Whale gas & electric water heaters

• Installation location: Interior wall / furniture panel

• Mounting type: Flush-mounted control panel

• Connection: Low-voltage control loom to heater

• Power: Supplied via heater control circuit (no separate power feed)

• Installation level: Competent DIY or professional installer

Pro tip

For a tidy installation, mount this panel close to other Whale controls and leave slack behind the panel so it can be removed easily for future servicing.

Cut-Out Dimension Graphics (Flush-Mounted Control Panel)

Typical cut-out size (guide):

• Width: ~95 mm

• Height: ~42 mm

• Depth clearance behind panel: allow 25–30 mm for wiring loom

Installer notes

• Cut carefully and test-fit before final fixing

• Panel mounts flush once clipped/screwed in

• Leave slack in the cable so the panel can be removed for servicing

• Always confirm dimensions against the supplied panel before cutting

 Wiring Connection Diagram (Water Heater Control)

Wiring overview

• Control panel connects to the water heater via a low-voltage control loom

• No 230 V mains wiring at the panel itself

• Typical loom functions:

  • 12 V DC supply (from heater)

  • Ground

  • Control & communication signals (mode selection, status)

Best-practice notes:

• Isolate 12 V and 230 V supplies before connecting

• Route wiring away from hot air ducts and sharp edges

• Secure loom to prevent vibration damage

• Test gas and electric modes after installation

🧭 Combined “Water + Space Heater Controls” Layout Guide

Recommended layout inside the vehicle:

• Mount Water Heater Control Panel and Space Heater Control Panel side-by-side or vertically aligned

• Position at comfortable reach height (approx. 1.4–1.6 m from floor)

• Keep away from:

  • Direct heat sources

  • Exterior doors/windows (draughts)

  • Splash zones (kitchens/showers)

Why this layout works:

• Intuitive user experience (all heating controls in one place)

• Cleaner cable routing

• Easier troubleshooting and servicing

• Consistent temperature sensing

Typical pairing:

• Whale Gas & Electric Water Heater Control Panel

• Whale Gas & Electric Space Heater Control Panel

• Both connected independently to their respective appliances, but grouped visually

🔧 Quick Installer Checklist 

• □ Confirm cut-out size before cutting

• □ Isolate power supplies

• □ Route looms safely and secure

• □ Flush-mount panels level and square

• □ Restore power and test all functions