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Jake4902's avatar
Jake4902
Explorer
Apr 28, 2020

New water heater install help needed.

I need to replace my old suburban manual pilot light water heater and I was thinking about upgrading to the electronic ignition model. Besides the proper switch and providing power, is there anything else that is required? The water heater appears to come with the control board.

Thanks
  • I installed a new Suburban electronic ignition water heater in place of a leaking standing pilot model some years ago in a 1986 Toyota/Dolphin Class C. A lighted switch came with it and all I needed to supply was the additional wire needed to reach the switch location and power source, plus the caulk for the heater opening. I don't know if the switch is still supplied though. Also, some Suburban models do not include the exterior access door and your existing door may not fit. The correct doors are available separately.
  • Need to run a FUSED 12VDC to GAS on/off switch location.
    Then run 12VDC wiring from switch & fault light to DC Junction Box and connect to the OEM wires provided at junction box (DC Junction Box on left side of WH Tank looking from rear




    If going with a combo unit (gas AND electric)
    Need to run CB protected 120VAC to AC Junction Box ---right side of WH Tank looking from rear.
    Unless you install and inside on/off switch....then from CB to inside switch to AC Junction Box where you can wire into OEM provided wiring