Airxcel Suburban IW60

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Summary

Caution Notes

Hazard Symbols and Warnings

Explains NOTICE, CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER symbols used in the manual for safe operation.

General Safety Precautions

Outlines essential safety information, including proper use, maintenance, and emergency procedures.

Gas Leak Safety Procedures

Step-by-step instructions on what to do if you smell gas to ensure safety.

Fire, Explosion, and Electrical Hazards

Details risks associated with fire, explosion, and electrical shock, including preventative measures.

Burn Hazards and Prevention

Warns about hot surfaces and provides guidance to prevent burns during operation.

Operating Instructions

Turning the Water Heater On

Step-by-step guide on how to turn on the water heater and initial startup procedures.

Operating Instructions & Maintenance

Summary

Caution Notes

Hazard Symbols and Warnings

Explains NOTICE, CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER symbols used in the manual for safe operation.

General Safety Precautions

Outlines essential safety information, including proper use, maintenance, and emergency procedures.

Gas Leak Safety Procedures

Step-by-step instructions on what to do if you smell gas to ensure safety.

Fire, Explosion, and Electrical Hazards

Details risks associated with fire, explosion, and electrical shock, including preventative measures.

Burn Hazards and Prevention

Warns about hot surfaces and provides guidance to prevent burns during operation.

Operating Instructions

Turning the Water Heater On

Step-by-step guide on how to turn on the water heater and initial startup procedures.

Operating Instructions & Maintenance

The Suburban Tankless Water Heater is designed to provide continuous hot water for recreational vehicles (RVs), offering a "feels like home" experience. This operation and maintenance guide covers models IW60 and IW60RL, detailing their functions, usage, and necessary upkeep to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Function Description

The Suburban Tankless Water Heater is a continuous water heater, meaning it heats water on demand rather than storing it in a tank. This design provides an endless supply of hot water, making it ideal for RVs where space and hot water capacity can be limited. The unit operates on propane gas and requires electrical power for its controls and ignition.

For IW60 models, hot water flow begins approximately 3 seconds after ignition, though it takes longer for hot water to reach the faucet as the lines clear of remaining cold water. The time depends on the length of the hot water line.

The IW60RL models feature a recirculation function, which helps maintain hot water at the faucets continuously. This feature can be enabled or disabled via the "RECIRC" button on the On-Demand Control Center. In recirculation mode, the water heater will periodically cycle on and off to keep the water lines at a set temperature. This model also includes an energy mode circuit that will shut down operation if it runs continuously for three hours. If the recirculation pump becomes loud, it typically indicates air in the pump; running hot water at multiple faucets for 5 minutes can help flush out the air.

The water heater is designed with multiple safety features. If it fails to light, it will automatically attempt ignition two more times. If all three attempts fail, the unit enters a lock-out mode and will not try to light the burner again until it is reset. Resetting involves turning the faucet off and then back on (for On-Demand Control Center) or turning the ON/OFF Control Switch off and then back on.

A temperature and pressure relief valve is integrated into the system. This valve is designed to open if the water temperature reaches 210°F (99°C) or if the water pressure reaches 145 PSI. This prevents dangerous pressure buildup within the system. It is crucial never to plug this relief valve or place another valve between it and the unit.

Usage Features

The Suburban Tankless Water Heater can be controlled in two ways: via ON/OFF Switch Plates or an optional On-Demand Control Center.

ON/OFF Switch Plates: These plates typically include switches for "GAS" and "ELECTRIC" and a "RESET" button. To turn the water heater ON, ensure the gas supply is on, electrical power is supplied, and then press the "GAS" rocker switch to the ON position. If the burner does not light, the system will attempt ignition two more times before locking out. To reset after a lock-out, turn the switch OFF, wait five seconds, and then turn it back ON. Temperature adjustments for units without the On-Demand Control Center are made using dip-switches (D3 & D4) located on the blue circuit board inside the water heater. The factory setting is 120°F (49°C), with options for 108°F (42°C), 125°F (52°C), and 130°F (54°C).

On-Demand Control Center (optional): This digital control panel offers more precise control and feedback.

Power Button (3): Turns the unit ON or OFF.
Recirculation Button (4): Toggles the recirculation feature ON or OFF (for IW60RL models). An icon (1) on the display indicates when recirculation is active.
UP (5) and DOWN (6) Buttons: Adjust the set temperature in 1-degree increments, ranging from 95°F (35°C) to 130°F (54°C). The temperature display (2) flashes while setting and returns to the set temperature after a few seconds. To switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius, press and hold both UP and DOWN buttons until the °F or °C blinks, then use UP or DOWN to select.
Display (2): Shows the setting temperature indicator and outlet water temperature indicator. When the unit is off, "OFF" is displayed.

Operating Faucets and Showers:

Ensure water supply is on and purge air from water lines by opening each faucet.
Turn on main power supply and propane supply. Gas lines may need to be cycled several times to purge air.
The water heater only activates when there is a demand for water (i.e., an open hot water faucet).
A minimum flow of 0.5 gallons per minute is required for the water heater to operate.
Adjust the faucet to the desired temperature and flow before entering the shower.
Avoid using showerhead buttons that stop or reduce water flow, as this can cause the water heater to shut down due to insufficient flow.
For optimal performance, flow restrictors in faucets and showerheads should be removed.

Safety Information:

Always read the user manual before operation.
Ensure all repairs and maintenance are performed by a qualified service technician.
Know the location of the main gas shut-off valve.
Operate the appliance only for its intended purpose.
Failure to follow instructions can lead to serious injury, death, or property damage.
The surfaces of the appliance become hot during use (above 194°F / 90°C); avoid bare skin contact.
Gas Leaks: If you smell gas, immediately evacuate the vehicle, shut off the gas supply, avoid electrical switches or starting engines, and contact a gas supplier or fire department. Do not turn on the gas supply until repairs are complete.
Electric Shock: Before cleaning, ensure power is turned off at the circuit breaker and the appliance is cool.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of the Suburban Tankless Water Heater.

Periodic Inspection:

Soot Check: Periodically inspect the unit for soot. Soot indicates incomplete combustion and requires immediate shutdown and correction before further operation.
Vent Obstruction: Check the vent cap for obstructions.
Foreign Material: Ensure no foreign material has accumulated in the vent to impede combustion and ventilating air.

Draining and Storage (Winterizing):

If the RV will be stored in freezing temperatures, the water heater system must be drained to prevent damage from freezing.

Turn off electrical power to the water heater (via On-Demand Control Center, switch plate, or by removing the fuse).
Shut off the gas supply to the water heater.
Turn off the pressure pump on the water system.
Open both hot and cold-water faucets.
For IW60 Models: Locate the red drain valve knob at the rear of the water heater (where plumbing enters). Remove the service panel to access it and open the valve.
For IW60RL Models: Locate the red drain valve knob at the rear of the water heater. Turn it clockwise one-quarter turn and leave it open. Then, locate the black drain handle behind the red valve. Turn the black handle counterclockwise one-quarter turn to allow full system draining. Once drained, turn the black handle clockwise one-quarter turn to close it, then turn the red drain valve knob counterclockwise one-quarter turn to close it. Finally, replace the service panel.
Follow RV manufacturer's instructions for draining the entire water system.
Once drained, RV NON-TOXIC antifreeze can be added if recommended by your coach manufacturer.

Freeze Protection (IW60RL Models):

The NAUTILUS RL (IW60RL) model has built-in freeze protection. It will intermittently cycle the burner when the water temperature falls below 40°F (4°C) and continue until the water temperature rises above 50°F (10°C). For this feature to work, the gas supply and electrical power must be on and available. If water drips from the drain line in cold weather and doesn't stop when the water temperature rises above 38°F (3°C), contact a service center. The mechanical freeze protection can be disabled by turning the needle valve (located on the front of the On-Demand Water Heater) 5.5 turns clockwise. If disabled, the water system must be drained when not in use to prevent damage from ice expansion.

Descaling:

Annually, drain the water from the system and flush the heat exchanger with an approved descaling solution. Suburban offers a descaling kit (Part # 521163) with detailed instructions. Contact your local RV service center, dealer, or agency for pricing and ordering.

Important Note: It is imperative that the water heater tank be filled with water before operating the water heater. Operating the unit without water can damage the tank and/or controls, and this type of damage is not covered by the limited warranty.