Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6DEL (6 Gallon) User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation of your Suburban Advantage SW6DEL RV Tank Water Heater. This 6-gallon unit features a porcelain-lined steel tank, Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) for gas operation, an Incoloy electric element, and a 12VDC relay for versatile power options. Designed for recreational vehicle use, it offers reliable hot water recovery.

Figure 1: Exterior view of the Suburban Advantage SW6DEL RV Water Heater, highlighting the gas valve assembly, direct spark igniter, and electrical connections for both gas and electric operation.

2. Safety Information

Read and understand all safety warnings and instructions before installing, operating, or servicing this appliance. Failure to follow these instructions could result in property damage, personal injury, or death.

• Gas Safety: Ensure proper ventilation when operating the water heater on gas. Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
• Electrical Safety: Disconnect all power sources (12VDC and 120VAC) before performing any service or maintenance. Ensure proper grounding.
• Water Pressure: Do not operate the water heater if the water pressure exceeds 100 PSI.
• Temperature: Hot water can produce scalding. Exercise caution when using hot water.
• Proposition 65 Warning: This product may expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

3. Setup and Installation

The Suburban SW6DEL water heater is designed for integration into recreational vehicles. Proper installation is crucial for safe and efficient operation. It is recommended that installation be performed by a qualified service technician.

3.1 Pre-Installation Considerations

• Dimensions: Ensure adequate space for installation. Product dimensions are 12.69" x 12.69" x 19.19" (H x W x D). Cutout dimensions required are 12.75" x 12.75" x 19.19".
• Mounting: This unit is designed for wall mounting.
• Access: Allow sufficient access for future maintenance, including anode rod replacement and draining.

3.2 Plumbing Connections

1. Connect the cold water inlet and hot water outlet lines to the designated ports on the water heater.
2. Ensure all connections are secure and leak-free.
3. Fill the water heater tank with water before applying heat. Open a hot water faucet in the RV to allow air to escape and the tank to fill completely. Close the faucet once water flows steadily.

3.3 Gas and Electrical Connections

1. Connect the gas supply line to the gas valve on the water heater. Perform a leak test on all gas connections.
2. Connect the 12VDC wiring for the Direct Spark Ignition and the 12VDC relay.
3. Connect the 120VAC wiring for the Incoloy electric element. This allows operation using campsite or generator power.

4. Operating Instructions

The SW6DEL water heater can operate on either propane gas (via Direct Spark Ignition) or 120VAC electricity (via the Incoloy electric element), or both simultaneously for faster recovery.

4.1 Gas Operation (Direct Spark Ignition)

1. Ensure the propane supply is open and the water heater tank is full of water.
2. Locate the interior switch for the water heater's gas operation.
3. Turn the switch to the 'ON' position. The Direct Spark Ignition system will attempt to light the burner. You may hear a clicking sound as it tries to ignite.
4. If the burner does not light after several attempts, turn the switch 'OFF' for a few minutes, then try again. It may take several attempts to purge air from the gas lines, especially after refilling propane tanks.
5. Once lit, the burner will cycle on and off to maintain the set water temperature.

4.2 Electric Operation (Incoloy Electric Element)

1. Ensure the water heater tank is full of water and the RV is connected to a 120VAC power source (shore power or generator).
2. Locate the interior switch for the water heater's electric operation.
3. Turn the switch to the 'ON' position. The electric element will begin heating the water.
4. The electric element has a wattage of 1440 watts.

4.3 Combined Operation

For faster hot water recovery, both the gas and electric heating elements can be operated simultaneously. The gas recovery rate is approximately 10.1 gallons per hour, while the electric-only recovery rate is 6.1 gallons per hour. Combined operation significantly reduces heating time.

5. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and efficient performance of your Suburban water heater. The porcelain-lined steel tank, when properly maintained, offers extended service life.

5.1 Anode Rod Inspection and Replacement

• The water heater is equipped with a replaceable anode rod, which protects the tank from corrosion.
• Inspect the anode rod annually or more frequently depending on water conditions.
• Replace the anode rod when it has corroded to approximately 1/4 inch of its original diameter. The anode rod also serves as the drain plug.

5.2 Draining the Water Heater

1. Turn off all power to the water heater (gas and electric).
2. Allow the water to cool to a safe temperature.
3. Open a hot water faucet in the RV to relieve pressure.
4. Remove the anode rod/drain plug to drain the tank.
5. Flush the tank with fresh water to remove sediment.

5.3 Winterization

Properly winterize your water heater to prevent freeze damage. This typically involves draining the tank completely and bypassing the water heater if using RV antifreeze in the plumbing system.

6. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your water heater.

• No Hot Water (Gas):
  • Check propane supply and ensure gas valve is open.
  • Verify 12VDC power to the water heater.
  • If the unit attempts to ignite but fails, there may be air in the gas lines. Cycle the gas switch off and on several times, allowing time for the system to purge air.
• No Hot Water (Electric):
  • Ensure RV is connected to 120VAC shore power or generator.
  • Check the circuit breaker for the water heater.
  • Verify the electric element switch is in the 'ON' position.
• Low Hot Water Recovery:
  • Ensure both gas and electric elements are operating if faster recovery is desired.
  • Check for excessive sediment buildup in the tank, which can reduce efficiency.
• Water Leaks:
  • Inspect all plumbing connections for tightness.
  • Check the anode rod/drain plug for proper sealing.
  • If leaks persist, professional inspection is recommended.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

The Suburban Advantage SW6DEL water heater is backed by a 2-year limited warranty on the unit and a 3-year tank limited warranty. For warranty claims, technical assistance, or to locate an authorized service center, please contact Suburban customer support directly. Always provide your model number (5240A) and purchase date when seeking support.