Suburban SW12DE - User Manual

FOR YOUR SAFETY
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
• DO NOT TRY TO LIGHT ANY APPLIANCE.
• DO NOT TOUCH ANY ELECTRIC SWITCH: DO NOT USE ANY PHONE IN YOUR VEHICLE.
• IMMEDIATELY CALL YOUR GAS SUPPLIER FROM A NEIGHBOR’S PHONE. FOLLOW THE GAS SUPPLIER’S
INSTRUCTIONS.
• IF YOU CANNOT REACH YOUR GAS SUPPLIER, CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
FREEZE WARNING
DRAIN HEATER IF SUBJECT TO FREEZING TEMPERATURES.
WARNING: IMPROPER INSTALLATION, ADJUSTMENT, ALTERATION, SERVICE OR MAINTENANCE CAN
CAUSE INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. REFER TO THIS MANUAL. FOR ASSISTANCE OR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION, CONSULT A QUALIFIED INSTALLER, SERVICE AGENCY OR THE GAS SUPPLIER.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
DO NOT STORE OR USE GASOLINE OR OTHER COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS OR LIQUIDS NEAR OR
ADJACENT TO THIS HEATER OR ANY OTHER APPLIANCE. THIS APPLIANCE SHALL NOT BE INSTALLED IN
ANY LOCATION WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OR VAPORS ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT.
AN ODORANT IS ADDED TO THE GAS USED BY THIS WATER HEATER.
INSTALLER: AFFIX THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO OR ADJACENT TO WATER HEATER.
OWNER: RETAIN THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARRANTY FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
ALL TECHNICAL AND WARRANTY QUESTIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE COMPANY
LISTED ON THE WARRANTY, OR RATING PLATE WHICH CAME WITH YOUR WATER HEATER.
SUBURBAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY
676 Broadway Street
Dayton, Tennessee 37321
423-775-2131
www.rvcomfort.com
Part Number 204671
3-24-09
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
DIRECT VENT
GAS WATER HEATER
DIRECT SPARK IGNITION (DSI)
MODELS
SW10D • SW10DM • SW10DE • SW10DEM
SW12D • SW12DE • SW12DEM
SW16D • SW16DE • 16DEM
FOR INSTALLATION IN RECREATIONAL
VEHICLES AND MOBILE HOUSING

Summary

Safety Information

Gas Leak Response Procedures

Procedures to follow if a gas odor is detected.

Freeze Warning and Protection

Instructions for protecting the unit from freezing temperatures.

Installation Requirements and Procedures

Recreational Vehicle Installation Guidelines

Specific requirements for RV installations.

Mobile Housing Installation Guidelines

Specific requirements for mobile home installations.

General Installation Instructions

Step-by-step installation guidance and clearances.

Flush Mount Frame & Door Installation

Method for installing the unit with a flush mount.

Water and Gas Connection Procedures

How to connect water and gas lines.

Electrical Connections Guide

12 Volt DC Wiring Instructions

Wiring instructions for the 12V DC system.

120 Volt AC Wiring Instructions

Wiring instructions for the 120V AC system.

Motor Aid Heat Exchanger Installation

Maintenance and Inspection Guidelines

Burner, Soot, and Grommet Checks

Inspecting the burner, checking for soot, and inspecting grommets.

Electrical Wiring Integrity Checks

Checking the integrity of electrical wiring.

Critical Safety Warnings for Operation

Anode Rod Maintenance and Protection

Pressure Relief Valve Operation and Troubleshooting

Thermostat and Manual Reset Procedures

Draining, Storage, and Winterizing Procedures

Draining and Storage Instructions

Procedures for draining the water heater for storage.

Hot Water System Odor Resolution

Causes and solutions for odors in the hot water system.

Water Heater Removal Steps

Steps for safely removing the water heater.

Winterizing the Plumbing System

Preparing the water heater for cold weather.

Operating and Lighting Instructions

Pre-Lighting Safety Checks

Essential safety steps before igniting the heater.

Gas Leak Response Procedures

Actions to take if a gas odor is detected.

General Operating Instructions

Step-by-step guide for normal operation.

Electric Element Operation Guide

Specific instructions for units with an electric element.

Shutting Down the Water Heater

Parts Identification and Ordering

Parts List for SW10 D;DE;12 D;DE;16 D;DE Models

List of replaceable parts for specific models.

Parts List for SW10 DM Model

Parts List for SW10 DEM;12 DEM;16 DEM Models

Product Warranty Information

Two Year Limited Warranty Details

Details of the product's limited warranty coverage.

Three Year Tank Warranty Terms

Specific warranty coverage for the water heater tank.

Warranty Limitations and Exclusions

Conditions and exclusions from warranty coverage.

Warranty Claim Process Steps

Steps for initiating a warranty claim.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The provided document is an installation and operation manual for a Suburban Direct Vent Gas Water Heater with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI), designed specifically for recreational vehicles (RVs) and mobile housing.

Function Description

This device is a gas-fired water heater that uses a direct vent system to provide hot water. It incorporates Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) for automatic burner lighting, eliminating the need for a pilot light. The water heater is designed to maintain a water temperature of approximately 130°F (54°C) and includes a high-temperature limit (ECO) as a safety cut-off device, which trips if the water temperature exceeds 180°F. Some models also include an electric heating element for an alternative heating source. The direct vent design ensures that all air for combustion is supplied from outside the structure, and flue products are vented externally, preventing their entry into occupied spaces.

Important Technical Specifications

• Models Covered: SW10D, SW10DM, SW10DE, SW10DEM, SW12D, SW12DE, SW12DEM, SW16D, SW16DE, and 16DEM. The "DE" and "DEM" suffixes indicate models with an electric element.
• Ignition System: Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) for automatic burner lighting.
• Temperature Control: Non-adjustable thermostat set to maintain 130°F (54°C).
• Safety Cut-off: High-temperature limit (ECO) trips at 180°F (82°C) for both gas and electric elements (on applicable models).
• Electrical Connections (Gas Models): 12 Volts D.C. (18 GA., 105°C wire or equivalent).
• Electrical Connections (Electric Element Models): 120 Volts A.C., single phase, 1440 Watt element, 60 Hz, 12 Amps (14 GA., 105°C wire or equivalent).
• Gas Connection: 3/8" gas supply line to a 3/8" flare fitting at the gas valve.
• Water Connections: 1/2" female pipe fittings at the rear of the tank, marked "HOT" and "COLD," each containing a plastic fill tube to enhance water circulation.
• Clearances: Minimum clearance from combustible construction on sides, top, floor, and rear is 0 inches.
• Pressure Relief Valve: Designed to open if water temperature reaches 210°F or water pressure reaches 150 PSI.
• Anode Rod: Magnesium or aluminum anode rod for tank protection.
• Altitude Operation: Approved for use without modification up to 4500 feet. Above this altitude, a 4% reduction in thermal capacity per 1000 feet is recommended.

Usage Features

• Automatic Operation: The DSI system automatically lights the burner, eliminating manual pilot lighting.
• Dual Fuel Capability (on "DE" and "DEM" models): Offers the flexibility of using either gas or an electric element for heating water.
• Safety Warnings: Emphasizes critical safety procedures, including filling the tank with water before operation, checking for gas leaks, and precautions regarding hydrogen gas accumulation after periods of non-use.
• Freeze Protection: Instructions are provided to drain the heater if it will be subjected to freezing temperatures to prevent damage.
• Odor Control: Addresses "sulfur water" odor issues and provides a chlorination procedure for the water system.
• Easy Installation: Detailed instructions for flush mounting the unit, including framing requirements and securing the control housing and door frame.
• Module Board: The module board, which controls the DSI system, is designed to be permanently mounted by the installer in an accessible location, protected from moisture and chemicals.

Maintenance Features

• Anode Rod Protection: The tank is protected by a magnesium or aluminum anode rod, which should be inspected and replaced yearly (or more frequently with high iron/sulfate water) to prolong tank life and maintain warranty.
• Burner Inspection: Regular inspection for yellow or erratic flames and soot accumulation is recommended, as these indicate incomplete combustion and an unsafe operating condition.
• Vent Inspection: Periodic inspection of the vent for obstructions or soot is crucial for safe operation.
• Grommet Seal Check: Frequent checks of the gas inlet grommet are advised to ensure an airtight seal, preventing flue products from entering the living area.
• Wiring Inspection: Periodic inspection of wiring and connections for damage, fraying, and tightness is recommended.
• Draining and Storage: Comprehensive instructions for draining the water heater for winterization or extended storage, including the removal of the anode rod if antifreeze is used in the plumbing system.
• Troubleshooting: Provides a basic checklist for common issues like the burner not lighting (e.g., switch off, gas supply empty, ECO tripped).
• No User Adjustments: The thermostat is not adjustable, and users are warned against altering the operation or design of the water heater. Repairs should only be performed by qualified service personnel using factory-authorized parts.

Suburban SW12DE Specifications

General

Capacity	12 gallons
Ignition	Direct Spark Ignition (DSI)
Recovery Rate	12 Gallons per Hour
BTU	12, 000 BTU
Fuel Type	Propane
Voltage	12 VDC
Warranty	2-year limited warranty
Type	Direct Spark Ignition