Suburban SW4DEFA Operating, Installation And Service Manual Download Page 3

it cannot be subjected to moisture, cleaning chemicals, flammable vapors and 

liquids, etc. The board and all wiring to the board must be protected in order to 

prevent damages and accidental contact with these parts. The module board 

may be mounted with two (2) No. 6 x 5/8 screws or other suitable hardware.

Silicone caulking is required in several places to ensure an airtight seal. Suburban 

recommends using an industrial grade silicone such as Henkel Teroson SI 9160, Bostik 922, 

Selleys 401 or equivalent.

MAKING WATER CONNECTIONS

WARNING!

 

A tempering valve or other similar device must be installed between the 

outlet of the hot water service and any faucet.

Connect water lines to rear of unit. Suitable fittings must be used in rear of hot 

and cold water connections. 

DO NOT

 glue metal fittings. This will void warranty.

NOTE

Inside each fitting is a suitable fill tube installed by manufacturer. Its purpose is to 

enhance water circulation. 

DO NOT REMOVE THE PLASTIC FILL TUBES.

Fill tank with water. Always open both the cold and hot water taps when filling vehicle water tank 

to allow air pockets to be forced out of the water heater. When tank is filled, turn off taps and 

check for leaks at connections.  After leak testing, drain water from tank.

MAKING GAS CONNECTIONS

Connect 3/8” flare fitting gas supply to gas connection located in the control hous

-

ing. When making the gas connection, hold the gas fitting on the valve with a 

wrench when tightening the flare nut. Failure to hold fitting secure could result in a 

gas leak due to fitting being damaged. 

NOTE:

 

It will be necessary to remove the grom-

met from the control housing, make the gas connection at the valve, then reinstall grommet. 

Refer to AS5601 for gas pipe size.

WARNING!

 

It is imperative that grommet and gas line through grommet be caulked air 

tight. If not tightly sealed, moisture and potential harmful flue products could vent through 

opening and into living area of trailer. (See Figure 4.)

Before leaving:

 check all connections for gas leaks with soap and water.  Do not use a naked 

flame for detecting leaks.  Ignite burner to ensure correct operation of gas valve, burner and 

ignition.  Observe stability of the flame.  When satisfied with the heater, please instruct the user 

on the correct method of operation.  In case the appliance fails to operate correctly after all 

checks have been carried out, refer to the authorised service provider in your area.

MAKING ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

12 VOLTS D.C. 

(For All Models)

A. 

Refer to Figure 2 for location of D.C. junction box.

B. 

The electrical connection must be made to conform with the local authority 

having jurisdiction or in the absence of such requirement with the latest Aus-

tralian electrical code.

C. 

Make the 12 Volt D.C. electrical connections following the wiring diagram il-

lustrated in Figure 5.

We recommend insulated terminals be used on all electrical connections.

MAKING ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

240 VOLTS A.C. 

(For Models SW4DERA, SW4DEFA, SW6DERA, 

and SW6DEFA)

A. 

Refer to Figure 2 for location of A.C. Junction box.

B. 

The electrical connection must be made to conform with the local authority having 

jurisdiction or in the absence of such requirement with the latest Australian electri-

cal code. All electrical work to be conducted by a licensed electrician.

C. 

Check rating plate and wiring diagram (Figure 5A) before proceeding. 

It is necessary to allow disconnection of the appliance from the supply after in-

stallation. The disconnection can be achieved by having the plug accessible or 

by incorporating a switch in the fixed wiring in accordance with the wiring rules.

CAUTION: Water heater must be plugged into receptacle with dedicated cir

-

cuit breaker. Before plugging in water heater, be sure the circuit breaker is 

in the “OFF” position.

If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its 

service agent or similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard.

WARNING!

 

Before the circuit breaker for the electric element is turned to the “ON” 

position, the water heater tank must be filled with water.  See “SAFETY WARNINGS”

MAINTENANCE

WARNING! 

If the user of this appliance fails to maintain it in the condition in which it was 

shipped from the factory or if the appliance is not used solely for its intended purpose or if 

appliance is not maintained in accordance with the instructions in this manual, then the risk 

of a fire and/or the production of carbon monoxide exists which can cause personal injury, 

property damage or loss of life.

WARNING!

 

For your safety, all repairs should be performed by an authorised service person.

A. 

If  the  burner  flame  burns  yellow,  check  for  an  obstruction  in  the  burner  or 

flue box.  Also, check to be sure there is no flame present at burner orifice or 

burner whenever main gas valve is closed.  This can be checked by turning 

the circuit breaker switch to the “OFF” position.  A stiff brush is recommended 

for the removal of soot deposits.

B. 

Frequent checks should be made of the grommet on the gas inlet to assure 

tight seal. (See “Making Gas Connections”).

C.

  Periodically check wiring and wire connection to be sure wiring is not dam-

aged/frayed and that all terminals and connections are tight and in compliance 

with codes (See “Making Electrical Connections”).

D.

  The following is information regarding Hot Water Services and corrosion of the 

tank in Australia. The single biggest factor is metal/water contact.

 

1.

  Mains Water Connection- For correct performance and warranty of the 

unit, when connected to mains water supply, pressure must be limited to 

approximately 350 kPa (50 PSI) by the use of a suitable pressure regula-

tor. Failure to do so will void warranty.

 2.

  A suitable 1/2” BSPT fitting must be used for coupling HWS to water sup

-

ply.

 3.

  Water supply is an overall factor.

 4.

  Tanks should be drained and flushed regularly - how often depends on 

soluble/silt content in water. Outback areas will be more of a problem than 

major city supplies.

 5.

  Do not use bore water. This will void your warranty as the salt contents of 

bore water are extremely high.

 6.

  The life of the anodes, which are a low valve replacement part, varies with 

water quality. Anodes must be inspected periodically. Use only genuine 

Suburban anode rods. Use of other anodes may void the waranty. Please 

see Anode Protection Section.

 7.

  Your water system should be operated periodically even though the van is 

not being used, at least twice per week.

 8.

  Anodes must be checked every 6 (six) months. Please see Anode Protec-

tion Section.

SAFETY WARNINGS

WARNING!

  

It  is  imperative  that  the  water  heater  tank  be  filled  with  water  before 

operating the water heater.  Operation of the water heater without water in the tank may 

result in damage to the tank and/or controls.  This type of damage is not covered by the 

limited warranty.

WARNING!

 

Hydrogen gas may result if you have not used this heater for two weeks or 

more. HYDROGEN GAS IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. To reduce the risk of injury under 

these conditions, open the hot water faucet for several minutes at the kitchen sink before 

you use any electrical appliance connected to the hot water system. If hydrogen is present, 

you probably will hear an unusual sound such as air escaping through the pipe as the water 

begins to flow.

Hydrogen gas may be present even after water has been drained from the tank. Open faucet 

at sink and allow system to vent for several minutes (5-10 minutes).  Do not smoke or have 

any open flame near the open faucet.  Do not attempt to light pilot or main burner. On DSI 

models, be sure the switch is “OFF”.

Should overheating occur, or the gas supply fail to shut off, shut off the manual gas valve 

to the appliance before shutting off the electrical supply.Do not use this appliance if any 

part has been submerged under water. Immediately call an authorised service technician to 

inspect the appliance and to replace any part of the control system and any gas control that 

has been submerged under water

Do not alter the operation of your water heater nor change the design/construction of your 

water heater. Accessories are being marketed for RV products which we do not recommend. 

For your safety, only factory authorized parts are to be used on your water heater.

Periodically inspect the vent for obstructions or presence of soot. Soot is formed whenever 

combustion is incomplete. This is your visual warning that the water heater is operating in 

an unsafe manner. If soot is present, immediately shut the water heater down and contact 

your dealer or an authorised service person.

When considering add-on rooms, porch or patio, attention must be given to the venting of 

your water heater. For your safety, do not terminate the vent on your water heater inside 

add-on rooms, screen porch or onto patios. Doing so will result in products of combustion 

being vented into the rooms or occupied areas.

Never operate the heater if you smell gas. Do not assume that the smell of gas in your RV 

is normal. Any time you detect the odor of gas, it is to be considered life threatening and 

corrected immediately. Extinguish any open flames including cigarettes and evacuate all 

persons from the vehicle. Shut off gas supply at LP gas bottle. (See Safety notice on front 

cover of this manual.)

Pressure relief valve to be operated at least once every 6 months to remove lime deposits 

and verify it is not blocked. Failure to do so may result in heater exploding. Continuous 

leakage from valve may indicate a problem with unit.

NOTE: 

Always open both the cold and hot water faucets when filling vehicle water tank 

to allow air pockets to be forced out of the water heater.  When water flows from the heater 

faucets, close both faucets.

WARNING!

 

Do not store or use combustible materials or liquids near or adjacent to 

this heater. The appliance shall not be installed in any location where flammable liquids or 

vapors are likely to be present.

Be sure the power is “OFF” to the water heater ignition system during any type of refueling 

and while vehicle is in motion or being towed.

WARNING!

 

The thermostat on your water heater is not adjustable. It is a temperature 

sensing limit designed to maintain a temperature above 60°C to comply with AS/NZS 3500 

Part 4.2. Water temperatures over 60°C can cause severe burns instantly or death from 

scalds; therefore, be careful when using hot water. Children, disabled and elderly are at 

highest risk of being scalded. Always feel water before bathing or showering. Children or 

infirm persons must not adjust, light, or operate any electrical or gas controls on this unit.

3

Summary of Contents for SW4DEFA

Page 1: ...H ANY ELECTRICAL SWITCH DO NOT USE ANY PHONE IN YOUR BUILDING OR RV IMMEDIATELY CALL YOUR GAS SUPPLIER FROM A NEIGHBORS PHONE FOL LOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS FREEZE WARNING DRAIN HEATER IF SUBJECTED TO FRE...

Page 2: ...ion heater into framed opening as illustrated D On mesa or yoder type sidewalls flatten the wall area around the opening E Caulk around framed opening trailer skin as illustrated F Apply a bead of sil...

Page 3: ...connections are tight and in compliance with codes See Making Electrical Connections D The following is information regarding Hot Water Services and corrosion of the tank in Australia The single bigg...

Page 4: ...om the valve until it stops 5 Release handle on P T Valve it should snap closed 6 Close tap and turn on cold water supply as the tank fills the air pocket will develop Repeat this procedure as often a...

Page 5: ...provided 2 Turn off all electric power to the appliance 3 Turn OFF gas supply 4 Wait five minutes for gas to clear the area If you smell gas then STOP Follow instruc tions in item B of the safety info...

Page 6: ...EAL DOOR FRAME TO SKIN WATER TIGHT SEE DETAIL A Figure 2B Models SW4DRA and SW6DRA Figure 2A Models SW4DERA and SW6DERA A FRAMED OPENING DETAIL A SPECIAL SCREW CONTROL HOUSING GASKET DOOR LATCH RADIUS...

Page 7: ...S FRAME TO COACH WALL FLUSH MOUNT DOOR FRAME A INTERMEDIATE FRAME WITH GASKET FRAMED OPENING DETAIL A SPECIAL SCREW CONTROL HOUSING GASKET CONTROL HOUSING GASKET OR CAULK AROUND OPENING TO SEAL CONTRO...

Page 8: ...CTORY WIRING FIELD WIRING DISCONNECT POWER SUPPLY BEFORE SERVICING THERMOSTAT AND HI LIMIT UNDER ACCESS COVER 1 3 4 6 CAUTION DO NOT HI POT DIELECTIC HIGH VOLTAGE TEST THIS UNIT AFTER INSTALLATION TO...

Page 9: ...ILL NOT COME ON NOT ENOUGH HOT WATER WATER TOO HOT POSSIBLE CAUSE XXXXX Possible malfunction of the bottled gas regulator XXXXX Main burner orifice too small or clogged XXXXX Check thermostat position...

Page 10: ...7 6 27 42 28 59 6 63 47 38 10 12 13 13 13 13 13 13 66 66 66 Figure 12 SW4DERA AND SW6DERA SW4DEFA AND SW6DEFA MODEL SERIAL NO PLATE 12 20 21 53 26 39 35 38 34 37 55 56 36 45 41 29 50 51 1 3 52 15 8 4...

Page 11: ...ment with Gasket 520831 29 Anode 233514 31 Connector Electric Gas valve wire 521264 34 Gas Fitting 170374 35 Bracket Valve Mounting 063243 36 Valve Gas LP 161164 37 Manifold Outlet 171420 38 Screw 8 x...

Page 12: ...y or diagnosis without repair 3 Damage or repairs required as a consequence of faulty or incorrect installation or application not in conformance with installation instructions 4 Failure to start or o...

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