Question about Suburban water heater w/ electric function.

[Ron3rd]

I've got the SW6 DE Suburban water heater with electric function. I've read the manual over and over and want to make sure I understand the electric function.

First, I turn on the switch inside the TT and it lights the water heater on propane. What I've done in the past is then go outside the TT and turn on the black rocker switch that is inside the external access panel to turn on the electric function.

So once I've done that, does that mean the propane burner will never come on again? Can you run this water heater solely on electric and never use any propane?

It seems like the burner comes on from time to time when I'm running the water heater on electric.

[Dr_Quick]

The Propane is a "Backup" for when the electric heater can not meet demand for hot water. This ensures that you should always have adequate hot water.
If you do not have shore power, propane is the mode that you must use.

[Ron3rd]

Thanks for all the info. All is clear now

[BB_TX]

If the weather is warm/hot I typically run mine on electric only. But if temps are cold (meaning the incoming water is cold) I run mine on both electric and propane for the better recovery rate. I never run propane only. I have forgotten to turn it off before going to bed and the propane WH kicking on at 2 am will wake you up. Electric will keep the tank hot enough the propane will not kick on until you start running the hot water.

[SoundGuy]

Seems no one has pointed out the obvious - why you would want to run your water heater on both modes simultaneously. Answer - quicker recovery, so your wife doesn't yell at you halfway through a shower. :W

Assuming your Suburban hasn't been installed with an switch inside the trailer that can be used to turn the electric mode on / off just add your own as I did with our previous K-Z Spree. I used a paddle switch with a built in light which would indicate when the water heater's electric heating element was on ... much easier than running outside.

[Ron3rd]

Good info. Thanks OB

[Old-Biscuit]

Your Suburban has TWO sets of T-stats
ONE set (Hi/Normal) for 120V AC function (electric element)
ONE set (Hi/Normal) for 12V DC function (propane)

BOTH sets are pre-set disc type t-stats
HI-OPENS/Trips at 170*F....has to be manually reset
Normal....OPENS at 130*F to stop normal heating cycle/CLOSES at 100*F to allow for reheating cycle.

T-stats are located under the rubber cover with "Push To Reset" (above gas valve
LEFT SIDE-120V AC (Black Wires)
Right SIDE-12V DC (Red Wires)


You can operate either system independently or use both at same time
Electric only.....roughly 6 gal/hr recovery time (initial fill/cold water)
Propane only......rough;y 10 gal/hr recovery time (initial fill/cold water)
Electric/Propane...roughly 16 gal/hr recovery time (initial fill/cold water)


Although the 120V AC & 12V DC T-stats listed as being same set point they are mass produced and can have a +/- 5*F
So one may come on/go off before other heating system will (electric and/or propane) but if both ON then both will cause heating to occur and cycle based on their set of t-stats.


On your RV the Inside Switch is for the Propane System and the Outside Switch is for the Electric System
(Suburban OEM Electric Switch is OUTSIDE)----some RV MFGs will install a 'second' on/off switch in series inside rv for the electric---both switches have to be ON for electric function

[Ron3rd]

enblethen wrote:
First thing to do is insure the water heater tank has water in it!

Yes, I always do!

[enblethen]

First thing to do is insure the water heater tank has water in it!

[Ron3rd]

reppoc12 wrote:
No, you are running both electric and propane with those steps. To run just electric ensure there is water in the tank and flip the rocker switch. Leave the other (inside) switch off.

OK, that's the answer I was looking for and the manual was not clear. I did not know I could run the water heater with the inside switch off.

[reppoc12]

No, you are running both electric and propane with those steps. To run just electric ensure there is water in the tank and flip the rocker switch. Leave the other (inside) switch off.