Suburban SW10P Installation guide

SUBURBAN
WATER HEATER
SERVICE & TRAINING
MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................. 3
PRODUCT OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Spec Sheet ............................................................................................................................................... 6
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Installation of Water Heater ...................................................................................................................... 7
Installation of Exterior Door ...................................................................................................................... 8
Water Connections ................................................................................................................................. 10
Gas Connections .................................................................................................................................... 10
Electrical Connections ............................................................................................................................ 10
GAS HEATING OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
Pilot Ignition ............................................................................................................................................ 12
Pilot Ignition with Re-Igniter.................................................................................................................... 13
12 Volt DC Direct Spark Ignition ............................................................................................................. 14
120 Volt DC Direct Spark Ignition ........................................................................................................... 15
DIRECT SPARK IGNITION SEQUENCE OF OPERATION & TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ...16 & 17
ELECTRIC HEATING OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................................... 18
ELECTRIC HEATING SEQUENCE OF OPERATION & TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION .................... 18
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
Electric Element...................................................................................................................................... 19
Anode Rod.............................................................................................................................................. 19
Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve..................................................................................................... 20
On/Off Power Switch (DSI)..................................................................................................................... 21
Thermostat & ECO Assembly................................................................................................................. 21
DSI Circuit Board.................................................................................................................................... 21
Electrode................................................................................................................................................. 21
DSI Gas Valve ........................................................................................................................................ 22
Burner..................................................................................................................................................... 22
Pilot Gas Valve/Thermostat .................................................................................................................... 22
Pilot Burner/Thermocouple Assembly..................................................................................................... 22
DEL RELAY ............................................................................................................................................ 22
DEFUSER TUBE .................................................................................................................................... 22
GENERAL WATER HEATER INFORMATION
Draining and Storage.............................................................................................................................. 23
Winterizing/Flushing ............................................................................................................................... 23
Odor from Water Heater ......................................................................................................................... 23
WARRANTY INFORMATION............................................................................................................................. 24
Warranty Policy Terms & Procedures ..................................................................................................... 25
Flat Rate Schedule ................................................................................................................................. 26
APPLICATION NOTE: Flame Current Measurement...................................................................................... 28
EXPLODED ILLUSTRATIONS AND PARTS LISTS
SW4P...................................................................................................................................................... 29
SW4D, SW6D, SW6DE .......................................................................................................................... 30
SW6DEM................................................................................................................................................ 32
SW6P, SW6PR, SW6PE, SW6PER ....................................................................................................... 33
SW10P, SW10PR, SW10PE, SW10PER ............................................................................................... 34
SW10DEM, SW12DEM, SW16DEM ...................................................................................................... 35
SW10D, SW10DE, SW12D, SW12DE, SW16D, SW16DE .................................................................... 36
SW6DEL, SW10DEL, SW12DEL, SW16DEL......................................................................................... 38
NOTES ............................................................................................................................................................... 40
WARRANTY SERVICE CLAIM FORM .............................................................................................................. 43

INTRODUCTION
This Service andTraining Manual provided by the Suburban Products Factory
Service Department is intended to be used by qualied service technicians
only as a valuable tool in terms of product identication, troubleshooting and
diagnosis of service issues, and as an outline for information concerning
proper procedures for ling warranty service claims.
Included in this manual are product and component identication
descriptions, sequence of operation information, maintenance and service
recommendations, and warranty processing procedures. In addition to the
information available in this manual other resources for servicing Suburban
Products RV appliances include our website at www.RVComfort.com, our
Factory Service Department Support Line at 423-775-2131 EXT. 7102,
and our Customer Service Department Ofce at 423-775-2131 EXT.
7101.
Having an understanding of the appliance’s sequence of operation and
access to or knowledge of the wiring diagram are the cornerstones of
proper diagnosis and troubleshooting. Other points of emphasis include
an understanding of the appliance’s individual component identication
and function, the adherence to proper installation methods which includes
variables such as voltage and gas pressure, along with constant measurable
factors such as the compliance to the physical installation tolerances and
clearances. This manual is designed to assist service technicians in making
the correct diagnosis efciently.
Proper maintenance and service of an appliance is of the upmost importance.
Failure to keep the appliance clean and well maintained is a signicant
contributing factor in the component breakdown and premature failure of
the appliance.
3
SERVICE TOOLS REQUIRED:
Manometer or U-Tube
Multi-Meter
Circuit Board Tester - Part No. 641511
Gas Thermostat Wrench
Various Nut Drivers
Various Open End Wrenches
Adjustable Wrench
Phillips Screwdriver
Leak Test Solution
Needle Nose Pliers
1 1/16” & 1 1/2” Sockets with Ratchet
and Extensions
Safety Glasses

SUBURBAN RV WATER HEATERS
The Suburban line of water heaters includes high recovery gas, gas-electric and motor aid models with sizes and features
to match the requirements of almost any recreational vehicle. Suburban uses a porcelain-lined, steel water heater tank with
an anode rod to “absorb” the electrolytical action. The anode rod is attached to the drain plug and can be easily inspected
and replaced, as necessary, when the tank is drained.
The module board is completely protected from moisture and the outside environment by being placed at the rear of the unit
inside the coach, which makes it possible to locate the module board on the appliance or on the wall next to the appliance.
The Suburban water heater has a fast recovery time and fewer cool water cycles. 6, 10, 12 and 16 gallon water heaters
have 12,000 BTU/h input and a recovery rate of 10.2 gallons per hour. Combination gas/electric models are equipped with a
1440 watt element to recover at 6.0 gallons per hour. The 4 gallon water heater has 9,000 BTU/h input and a recovery rate
of 7.6 gallons per hour. The tank is insulated with a molded copolymer insulation. This insulation helps retain heat.
All the water heaters are designed for easy installation, operation and maintenance. The controls are located in the front of
the water heater along with the anode rod for better serviceability.
WATER HEATER OVERALL CONSTRUCTION
Glass-lined Tank
The steel, glass-lined tanks provide long life under varying water conditions. This same construction is what is used for
more than 7 million residential water heaters sold annually. Three (3) year limited tank warranty, replaceable anode rod, high
output, fast recovery, and foam jacket are on all gas/electric models.
4

SUBURBAN RV WATER HEATER
IDENTIFICATION
EXAMPLE OF MODEL NUMBER EXPLINATION
SW 10 D E M
Motor Aid Heat Exchanger
120 Volt AC Heating Element
12 Volt DC Direct Spark Ignition Gas Heating System
Tank Capacity (US Gallons)
Suburban Water Heater
EXAMPLE SERIAL NUMBER DESCRIPTION
Sample Serial Number:
07 25 03340
Serial Number for that Week
Week of the Year
Year of Manufacture
MODEL OPTIONS:
P: Pilot Gas Heating Only
PR: Pilot Gas heating with 12 Volt DC Pilot Re-igniter
PE: Pilot Gas Heating with 120 Volt AC Heating Element
PER: Pilot Gas Heating with 12 Volt DC Pilot Re-igniter and 120 Volt AC Heating Element
D: 12 Volt DC Direct Spark Ignition Gas Heating Only
DE: 12 Volt DC Direct Spark Ignition Gas Heating and 120 Volt AC Heating Element
DEL: 12 Volt DC Direct Spark Ignition Gas Heating and 120 Volt AC Heating Element with 12 Volt Relay for Interior
Operation of Electric Heating System.
DEM: 12 Volt DC Direct Spark Ignition Gas Heating and 120 Volt AC Heating Element and Motor Aid Heat Exchanger
*(Motor Home Only)
V: 120 Volt DC Direct Spark Ignition Gas Heating Only
VE: 120 Volt DC Direct Spark Ignition GasHeating and 120 Volt AC Heating Element
CAPACITY SIZES:
4 Gallon
6 Gallon
10 Gallon
12 Gallon
16 Gallon
5

SUBURBAN RV WATER HEATERS
SPEC SHEET MODEL
NUMBER
NOM.
GALS.
BTU/h
INPUT Height Width Depth
Shipping
Weight
STANDARD PILOT
SW4P 4 9,000 12-11/16” 12-11/16” 16-1/8” 30
SUPER PERFORMANCE PILOT
SW6P 6 12,000 12-11/16” 12-11/16” 19-3/16” 37
SW10P 10 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 20-1/2” 48
SUPER PERFORMANCE PILOT WITH RE-IGNITOR
SW6PR 6 12,000 12-11/16” 12-11/16” 19-3/16” 37
SW10PR 10 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 20-1/2” 48
SUPER PERFORMANCE COMBINATION ELECTRIC AND PILOT
SW6PE 6 12,000 12-11/16” 12-11/16” 19-3/16” 37
SW10PE 10 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 20-1/2” 48
SUPER PERFORMANCE COMBINATION ELECTRIC AND PILOT W/RE-IGNITOR
SW6PER 6 12,000 12-11/16” 12-11/16” 19-3/16” 37
SW10PER 10 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 20-1/2” 49
DIRECT SPARK IGNITION
SW6D 6 12,000 12-11/16” 12-11/16” 19-3/16” 35
SW10D 10 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 20-1/2” 49
SW12D 12 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 22-1/4” 51
SW16D 16 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 27” 53
ELECTRIC and DIRECT SPARK IGNITION
SW6DE 6 12,000 12-11/16” 12-11/16” 19-3/16” 37
SW10DE 10 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 20-1/2” 50
SW12DE 12 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 22-1/4” 52
SW16DE 16 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 27” 53
ELECTRIC with 12 VOLT RELAY and DIRECT SPARK IGNITION
SW6DEL 6 12,000 12-11/16” 12-11/16” 19-3/16” 37
SW10DEL 10 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 20-1/2” 50
SW12DEL 12 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 22-1/4” 52
SW16DEL 16 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 27” 53
ELECTRIC and DIRECT SPARK IGNITION with MOTOR AID
SW6DEM 6 12,000 12-11/16” 12-11/16” 19-3/16” 39
SW10DEM 10 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 20-1/2” 60
SW12DEM 12 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 22-1/4” 62
SW16DEM 16 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 27” 64
120 VOLT AC DIRECT SPARK IGNITION
SW16V 16 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 27” 53
ELECTRIC and 120 VOLT AC DIRECT SPARK IGNITION
SW16VE 16 12,000 16-7/32” 16-7/32” 27” 53
ACCESSORIES DESCRIPTION
520821 Re-Ignitor Kit (Applicable only to models above. See #991801501
6261ACW
697205
690578
520781
Door, Colonial White, SW Model, Radius Corner - 4, 6 Gallon
Door, Colonial White, V Model, Radius Corner - 4, 6 and 8 Gallon
Door, Colonial White, V Model, Square Corner - 4, 6 and 8 Gallon
Kit to adapt old V Model 6 Gallon Radius Door to SW6 Water Heater
6255ACW
697221
520771
Door, Colonial White, SW Model, Flush Mount - 4, 6 Gallon
Door, Colonial White, V Model, Flush Mount - 6 Gallon
Kit to adapt old V Model Flush Mount Door to SW6 Water Heater
6257ACW
697213
Door, Colonial White, V Model, Radius Corner - 10 Gallon
Door, Colonial White, V Model, Square Corner - 10 Gallon
6259ACW
520787
520818
Door, Colonial White, SW Model, Flush Mount, 10, 12 & 16 Gallon
Door Kit (6 Gallon Aluminum Tank Replacement Kit) Colonial White
Door Kit (6 Gallon Aluminum Tank Replacement Kit) Polar White
Radius Corner Door
Flush Mount Door
WATER HEATERS AND DOORS ARE SOLD SEPERATELY
6

FLOORING
FRAMING
INNER COACH WALL
OUTER COACH WALL
B
A
A=12 3/4" + 1/8 - 0
B=12 3/4" + 1/8 - 0
4 & 6 Gallons
A=16 3/8" ± 1/16
B=16 3/8" ± 1/16
10, 12 & 16 Gallons
WATER HEATER AS VIEW FROM INSIDE R.V.
SECURE CHOCKS, ONE ON EACH SIDE, TIGHTLY AGAINST WATER HEATER JACKET
AND FASTEN TO VEHICLE FLOOR TO PREVENT MOVEMENT. CHOCKS SHOULD BE
APPROXIMATELY 2" X 2" X 6"
FRAMED OPENING
FLOOR
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Minimum clearance is 0” from combustible construction on sides, top, oor and rear as listed in the installation
manual for your specic model. Provide room for access to rear of heater for servicing.
Provide an opening ush with oor in outer wall of coach. Wall of coach should be framed as shown in Figure 1.
Maintain inside dimensions listed below. Do not install on carpet unless the carpet is covered by a metal or wood
shield covering the entire area underneath the water heater. If preferred, cut away the carpet from this area.
Chocks must be in place to secure rear of unit (See Figure 1A).
Figure 1
Figure 1A
7

INSTALLATION USING FLUSH MOUNT FRAME AND DOOR
(4, 6, 10, 12 & 16 Gallons)
A. Position heater into framed opening. Slide unit into opening until the front of the control housing is ush with the exterior
coach skin as illustrated.
B. Secure the control housing to the coach wall (framed opening) at the top and sides of control housing compartment
using screws or other suitable fasteners. Recess the screws or fasteners back far enough from the front edge of the
control housing (approximately 1 1/2”) in order to clear the ange on the door frame. The door frame, when installed,
must not overlap onto screw or other fastener head. If due to the wall thickness, it is not possible to secure the water
heater without covering the fastener head with the door frame, it is important to not over tighten the fastener and distort
the control housing. Over tightening of the fastener may cause leaks between the control housing and the door frame.
NOTE: Caulk around screw or fastener heads to assure water tight seal.
C. Install chocks, one on each side of water heater, as illustrated in Figure 1A.
D. On mesa or yoder type sidewalls, atten the wall area around the opening.
E. Caulk around framed opening as illustrated in Figure 2.
F. Caulk around door frame using 2 beads of silicone caulking (or suitable caulking) one on the ange to seal the control
housing and one around back side of frame to seal to coach skin. (See detail A in Figure 2)
G. Insert door frame into control housing and secure with four (4) No. 8-15 x 3 1/2” screws provided for 10 and 12 gallon
applications and (3) No. 8-15 x 3 1/2” screws provided for 4 & 6 gallon applications.
H. To install door, place the two holes in the bottom of the door over the door pins on the frame. Close the door so that the
latch protrudes through the slot in the door. Turn latch 90 degrees to fasten door closed.
FRAMED OPENING
DETAIL A
SPECIAL SCREW
CONTROL HOUSING GASKET
DOOR LATCH
CONTROL HOUSING
FLUSH MOUNT DOOR
CAULK AROUND OPENING
FRAMED OPENING
(SEE FIGURE NO. 1)
EXTERIOR
COACH SKIN
CAULK ALL THE WAY AROUND DOOR FRAME TO
SEAL FRAME WATER TIGHT (USE TWO BEADS
AS SHOWN IN DETAIL A)
MOUNTING SCREWS (SPECIAL)
(3) REQ'D.
(4) SCREWS ON 10 Gallon
CAULKING
DOOR FRAME
AC JUNCTION BOX
MODELS: SW6DE, PE
PER, SW10DE, PE, PER
DC JUNCTION BOX
MODELS: SW4D, SW6D,
SW6DE, SW10D, SW10DE
PLACE SCREW OR SUITABLE FASTENER
AS SHOWN. DOOR FRAME WHEN
INSTALLED MUST NOT OVERLAP ONTO
HEAD OR FASTENER.
HOLE IN DOOR
FOR DOOR PIN
DOOR PIN
FLUSH MOUNT DOOR FRAME
WITH GASKET
Figure 2
8
DC JUNCTION BOX
MODELS: SW4D, SW6D, SW6DE,
SW6DEL, SW10D, SW10DE, SW10DEL,
SW12D, SW12DE, SW12DEL, SW16D,
SW16DE, SW16DEL
AC JUNCTION BOX
MODELS: SW6DE, PE,
PER, SW10DE, PE, PER,
SW12DE, DEL

INSTALLATION USING RADIUS FRAME AND DOOR
(4 and 6 Gallon Only)
A. Position heater into framed opening as illustrated.
B. On mesa or yoder type sidewalls, atten the wall area around the opening.
C. Caulk around framed opening (trailer skin) as illustrated in Figure 3.
D. Apply a bead of silicone caulking (or suitable caulking) around the inner edge of the control housing. See detail “A” in
Figure 3. This will seal the frame to control housing.
E. Apply a bead of silicone caulking (or suitable caulking) around back side of door frame. See detail “A” in Figure 3. This
will seal frame to coach skin.
F. Fit the door frame into control housing (over the caulking already applied) and pull frame tight to control housing using
the three (3) No. 8-15 x 3 1/2” screws provided.
G. Push water heater into framed opening until back side of door frame is against the side of the coach and rmly attach
with screws around the perimeter of the frame. NOTE: The two holes in bottom of frame identied as “A” in Figure 3 are
also used to mount door hinge to the frame.
H. Install chocks, one on each side of water heater, as illustrated in Figure 1A.
I. Attach door to frame as illustrated in Figure 3.
J. Close the door so that the door latch protrudes through the slot in the door. Turn latch 90 degrees to fasten door shut.
A
FRAMED OPENING
DETAIL A
SPECIAL SCREW
CONTROL HOUSING GASKET
DOOR LATCH
RADIUS CORNER DOOR FRAME
CONTROL HOUSING
HINGE ROD
RADIUS CORNER DOOR
SILICONE CAULKING INNER EDGE OF
CONTROL HOUSING
CAULK AROUND OPENING
TO SEAL CONTROL HOUSING
TO SKIN, WATER TIGHT
FRAMED OPENING
(SEE FIGURE NO. 1)
EXTERIOR
COACH SKIN
CAULK ALL THE WAY AROUND DOOR FRAME TO
SEAL FRAME TO COACH WALL, WATER TIGHT
(SEE DETAIL A)
MOUNTING SCREWS, FRAME TO COACH WALL
(11) REQ'D.
MOUNTING SCREW (SPECIAL)
DOOR FRAME TO CONTROL HOUSING
(3) REQ'D.
SILICONE CAULKING
DOOR FRAME
MOUNTING SCREW
AC JUNCTION BOX
MODEL: SW6DE,
PE, PER
DC JUNCTION BOX
MODELS: SW4D, SW6D,
SW6DE
Figure 3
9
DC JUNCTION BOX
MODELS: SW4D, SW6D,
SW6DE, SW6DEL
AC JUNCTION BOX
MODELS: SW6DE, PE,
PER, SW6DEL

MAKING WATER CONNECTIONS
A. Water connections are made at the rear of the water heater. Refer to Figure 4. Connect the hot and cold water lines to
the 1/2” female pipe tting provided on rear of tank. These ttings are marked “HOT” and
“COLD”. NOTE: Inside each tting is a plastic ll tube. Its purpose is to enhance water
circulation. DO NOT REMOVE PLASTIC FILL TUBE.
IMPORTANT: Use a pipe thread compound suitable for potable water or pipe thread
tape on all connections to assure they will not leak.
B. Fill tank with water. Open both hot and cold water faucets to expel air from tank. When
tank is lled and water ows from faucets, close both faucets and check all connections
for leaks.
CAUTION: If you use air pressure to check for leaks, the pressure must not exceed 30
PSI.
NOTE: After leak testing, drain water from tank.
MAKING GAS
CONNECTIONS
A. Connect a 3/8” gas supply line to the 3/8 are tting at gas
valve located in the control housing. When making the gas
connection, hold the gas tting on the valve with a wrench
when tightening the are nut. Failure to hold tting secure
could result in a gas leak due to tting being damaged.
NOTE: It will be necessary to remove the grommet from
the control housing, make the gas connection at the valve,
then reinstall grommet.
B. Turn on gas and check all ttings and connections for leaks,
using a soap and water solution. Correct even the slightest
leak immediately.
HOT
COLD
GAS PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS
Supply Presure: Minimum 11” WC, Maximum 14” WC
WC = Water Column
Figure 4
GAS VALVE
GROMMET
(GAS INLET)
LE TUBE À GAZ
CONTROL HOUSING
ILLUSTRATED SHOWING
INSIDE OF HOUSING
LA BOÎTE DE COMMANDE
ILLUSTRÉE, MONTRANT
L'INTÉRIEUR DE LA BOÎTE
LA BAGUE
(L'ADMISSION
DE GAZ)
CAULK AND SEAL GROMMET (INCLUDING SLIT
AND TUBING) ALL AROUND AIR TIGHT
CALFATER ET ÉTANCHÉIER LA BAGUE (Y
COMPRIS LA FENTE ET LA COLONNE DE
PRODUCTION)
Figure 5
MAKING ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
A. Refer to Figure 2 (on page 8), for location of A.C. and D.C. junction box on specic models. All A.C. connections must
be inside junction box.
B. The electrical connections must be made in accordance with local codes and regulations. In the absence of local codes
and regulations, refer back to the installation and operation manual.
C. Be sure the switch for the electric element is “OFF” and that the water heater is lled with water before powering
element. Failure to do so will result in BURN-OUT of the electric element.
NOTE: Check rating plate and wiring diagram (Figure 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) before proceeding. Install a fused safety
switch or circuit breaker of adequate capacity between heater and electrical power source. Attach the black and
white wires from the fused switch or breaker to corresponding colored wires in heater junction box. A wire from a
well grounded source must be attached to the green nut in the junction box.
DC/AC VOLTAGE REQUIREMENTS
Models with pilot reignitor and all DSI Models
All Models with electric elements 120 VAC Gas Control
Minimum 10.5 Volts D.C. Total connected Watts 1440 - 12 amps
Maximum 13.5 Volts D.C. 120 Volts A.C.
10