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rtate's avatar
rtate
Explorer
Dec 26, 2014

Suburban Water Heater not Heating

My Suburban water quit working on 120 volt but works fine on gas. I checked the voltage where it connects to the heater element and get 120 volts..

Anyone know what the resistance should be? Anything else I should check before I replace the element?
  • burnt out heating element I think..easy to change and not expensive
  • USAFBILL wrote:
    burnt out heating element I think..easy to change and not expensive


    I think you are correct. I just ordered a new one for $12 delivered to my door.
  • Testing for and finding 120V AC at element means AC circuit is good.....from CB to On/OFF switch to set of t-stats to element.

    Test for resistance....across the two terminals there should be continuity and then check each terminal to the body there should not be continiuity (a short to ground).
    If you have high resistance then element is bad



    That is one nice feature with Suburban....independent heating functions
    Atwood combined functions 10 yrs. ago. Same circuit board and same set of t-stats
  • It could be the t-stat. I have had to replace my electric t-stat twice in four years of full time use. The original heating element is still working great. I keep a spare t-stat now for both the electric and propane sides.
  • edatlanta wrote:
    It could be the t-stat. I have had to replace my electric t-stat twice in four years of full time use. The original heating element is still working great. I keep a spare t-stat now for both the electric and propane sides.


    IF 120V AC voltage is measured at element as in the OPs case the set of t-stats are good......if bad no AC voltage to element.

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