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Jim4929's avatar
Jim4929
Explorer
May 17, 2015

Has anyone changed Suburban Hot Water heater off on switch?

I'm testing all the stuff after bringing it out of winter hibernation. I turned on the electrical switch and the Surbuban model (SW12DE)got hot. When I tried to turn if off again the switch was stuck so I gave it an extra nudge. I had a feeling the switch was gone so I let the water cool and turned the switch back on and got nothing (gas heating works fine) There is a You tube video but does not show how he got the switch out or back in. He said it will "pop" out with a screw driver. It has two plugs on the back and I'm hoping it is like mine (the panel looks exactly like mine). Any pointers on how to remove and replace switch will be helpful. Also is the replacement switch easy to find?

9 Replies

  • Endricken's avatar
    Endricken
    Explorer
    May 18, 2015
    Unfortunately, the supposedly rated 15AMP cheap little rocker switch doesn't seem to hold up too well under these loads. I replaced it once, and the second time it failed (in conjunction with a short in the electrical box on the WH), I rewired the whole WH, installed a residential $10 Switch inside the RV (eliminated the Electrical Box), and replaced the Breaker (which didn't trip for the umpteenth time when it needed to - worn out...).

    Safe Travels!
  • Jim4929's avatar
    Jim4929
    Explorer
    May 17, 2015
    Up and running with a new switch from Advance stores ($6). Thanks to all that helped, it is greatly appreciated.
  • golf_bears's avatar
    golf_bears
    Explorer
    May 17, 2015
    Here's what you are looking for.

    Switch

    Notice the tab on the top. There's one just like it on the bottom. Use a screw driver to pop it out.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    May 17, 2015
    The switch is a 120VAC toggle switch that snaps in place. Taps that hold it in place are top/bottom of switch....just pry it out (AC circuit breaker OFF)

    Suburban part number 232362

    You can use any 120V AC 15 amp ON/OFF switch that fits opening
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    May 17, 2015
    I haven't replaced it but I got an Atwood wall switch and added it in series so I can control the 120 side from inside the TT. I also added an indicator light to the element so I can see when ever it's on or has finished heating the water so I can take a shower.
  • Me_Again's avatar
    Me_Again
    Explorer III
    May 17, 2015
    Got a similar switch at Ace Hardware. Installed it the other way up. Top in is now on.

    The new switch does not have the hole for the safety pin. Chris
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    May 17, 2015
    I had to take the Water Heater out of the RV since it was so hard to get to the parts and found burned wiring along with a bad switch.
  • K_Charles's avatar
    K_Charles
    Explorer
    May 17, 2015
    Look at the new switch, it just pops in. The little things that hold it may brake but it should just come out if you pry it with a screw driver.

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