Otis Singleton
The Suburban SW6DE Water Heater is a 6-gallon water heater that can be installed in recreational vehicles. It has both electric and LP modes, but some users have reported issues with the electric heating element. Testing the heating element requires working with electricity, so it is important to proceed with caution and consult a professional if you are uncomfortable with the process. To test the electric element, you will need to disconnect the water heater from its power source and use a tool like a multimeter to check for voltage and resistance.
Characteristics and Values for Testing an Electric Element on SW6DE
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water heater element replacement | CAM02143 |
| Anode replacement | CAM11563 |
| Element removal tool | CAM09883 |
| Power source | Disconnect and drain |
| Multimeter | Used to test element |
| Volts | 120V AC |
| Ohms | 15 |
| Amps | 0 |
| Wattage | 1440 |
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What You'll Learn
Check for corrosion
Checking for corrosion on an electric element is an important part of maintaining your water heater. Corrosion can cause operational issues and even health hazards if left unchecked. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to check for corrosion on the electric element of your SW6DE water heater:
Check the Anode Rod:
The anode rod is a sacrificial rod designed to attract corrosion. Over time, it will deteriorate and need replacement. Check the anode rod for any signs of corrosion or degradation. If the anode rod is heavily corroded, replace it with a new one. You can find the replacement anode rod part number in the resources provided by the manufacturer or online.
Inspect Connectors, Elbows, and Joints:
Pay close attention to the connectors, elbows, and joints of the electric element. Look for any signs of build-up or greenish crusty film, which indicates corrosion. This type of inspection can help you catch corrosion-related issues before they escalate.
Test Water Quality:
Test your water supply for factors that may accelerate corrosion. Check the pH level using litmus strips; if the pH is below 6, your water is acidic and more likely to corrode pipes. Also, consider the mineral content, as hard water can coat and eventually restrict the flow in your pipes. Finally, check for contaminants like iron, chlorine, and sulfur, which are corrosive substances.
Use a Multimeter:
A multimeter can be used to measure the electrical conductivity of your water samples. Take conductivity measurements over time and compare the results. An increase in conductivity may indicate advancing corrosion in your plumbing system. Higher conductivity readings suggest a higher presence of corrosive ions in the water.
Infrared Camera Inspection:
Use an infrared camera to inspect your pipes. Aim the camera at the pipes to identify any cold spots, which could indicate underlying corrosion issues. The camera can also help detect temperature differences along the pipes, especially under insulation.
Remember, corrosion can cause severe damage to your water heater and plumbing system, leading to leaks, clogs, reduced water pressure, and even contamination of your drinking water with heavy metals. Always refer to safety guidelines and seek professional assistance if you are uncomfortable performing these checks yourself.
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Disconnect the power source
Disconnecting the power source is a crucial step when working with electrical appliances, such as the Suburban SW6DE water heater. It ensures your safety and allows you to perform tests or repairs without live electricity. Here are detailed instructions on how to disconnect the power source from the electric element of the SW6DE water heater:
Locate the Power Source: The SW6DE water heater has separate switches for its electric and propane heating elements. The electric heating element switch is typically accessed outside the RV, while the propane switch is inside.
Turn Off the Power: If the water heater has a disconnectable plug, simply unplug it from the power outlet. If it does not have a plug, you need to turn off the power at the breaker box or fuse box.
Identify Your Home's Electrical Service Panel: This is usually a large grey metal box attached to a wall in or around your home. Older homes may have fuse boxes, which are typically smaller white boxes mounted horizontally on an exterior wall.
Access the Breaker Box or Fuse Box: Open the service panel to reveal the circuit breakers or fuses. Make sure to check that the floor around you is dry before proceeding.
Locate the Correct Breaker or Fuse: The breaker box will have two columns of labelled circuit breakers, with a larger breaker switch above or below. Find the specific breaker or fuse associated with the SW6DE water heater's electric element.
Turn Off the Correct Breaker or Remove the Fuse: To disconnect the power, toggle the identified breaker to the "OFF" position. If your home has fuses, remove the fuse associated with the water heater's electric element.
Double-Check the Power Disconnection: Before proceeding with any tests or repairs, ensure that the power is indeed off. Use a non-contact electrical tester to verify that there is no live electricity.
Remember, working with electricity can be hazardous. If you are not confident in your ability to work with electrical systems, it is best to consult a professional electrician or electrical engineer. Safety should always be the top priority.
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Drain the tank
To drain the tank, follow these steps:
First, disconnect the water heater from its power source. If it has a plug, simply unplug it from the wall. If it does not have a plug, you must disconnect the power by turning off the power breaker or removing the fuse. This is an important safety precaution to prevent electrical accidents.
Next, locate the drain valve on the tank. This valve is typically near the bottom of the tank and may require a wrench or other tool to open. Place a bucket or container underneath the valve to catch the water that will be drained out.
Slowly open the drain valve. The water should begin draining into the bucket. If the water flow is too strong or uncontrolled, you may need to adjust the valve to reduce the flow rate. Ensure that the drained water is disposed of safely and appropriately, following local guidelines for wastewater disposal.
Monitor the draining process and close the valve once the tank is empty. You may need to tilt the tank slightly to ensure all the water drains out completely. Be cautious when handling the tank, especially if it is a large or heavy unit, to avoid injury or damage.
Finally, before proceeding with any further testing or maintenance, ensure that the tank is thoroughly dried. Moisture can affect the accuracy of electrical tests and may pose safety hazards when working with electricity.
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Use a multimeter to check for voltage
Using a multimeter to check for voltage is a helpful skill when performing electrical repairs and DIY maintenance projects. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to use a multimeter to check for voltage:
Step 1: Understand the Basics
A multimeter is an electrical tool used to measure electricity. It comes in digital and analog versions, both of which can measure alternating current (AC) voltage, direct current (DC) voltage, resistance, and amperage. The multimeter has two probes: a black probe (negative) and a red probe (positive). These probes are plugged into the respective ports on the multimeter.
Step 2: Prepare the Multimeter
Before you begin, ensure that all parts of your multimeter are functioning properly. Check that the probes are plugged into the correct ports. The black probe always plugs into the common port, while the red probe goes into the port for the unit you're measuring.
Step 3: Select the Correct Settings
Turn the dial on the multimeter to select the type of current you will be measuring (AC or DC). AC is used in buildings, electronics, and devices requiring multiple currents, while DC is common in batteries and other low-voltage power sources. Next, choose the voltage range. Set the multimeter to a range that can measure the voltage you're testing. For example, if measuring a 12V battery, use a setting of 20V.
Step 4: Connect the Probes
With the correct settings in place, it's time to connect the probes to the item you're testing. Push the probes onto exposed pieces of metal, ensuring one probe contacts a GND connection, and the other a VCC or 5V connection. If you're testing a wall outlet, be extremely careful to avoid touching active wires or metal parts, as this could lead to an electrical shock.
Step 5: Read the Results
The multimeter display will change as soon as it detects an active circuit. If you've set the dial to the correct voltage range, you will get an accurate reading. If you're unsure of the normal voltage, gradually turn the dial down until you get a reading. If the voltage is too low, the multimeter will display a '1'.
Safety Reminders:
- Never touch the metal tips of the probes while testing with a live current.
- Do not bump the metal tips of the probes together, as this could short-circuit the multimeter.
- Always set the multimeter to a higher voltage than the item you're testing.
- When measuring wall outlets with AC power, exercise extreme caution as this can be dangerous.
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Check the wiring
It is important to be cautious when dealing with electricity. If you are not confident in your ability to work with electricity, do not attempt any repairs and contact an electrician or electrical engineer.
To check the wiring of your electric element on the SW6DE water heater, start by consulting the wiring diagram for your model. This will show you the correct wiring configuration and help you identify any discrepancies.
Next, disconnect the water heater from its power source. If it has a plug, simply unplug it. If it does not have a plug, disconnect the power by turning off the power breaker or removing the fuse. Once the power is off, you can safely inspect the wiring.
Look for any signs of damage, such as frayed or chewed cables. Frayed wiring can be dangerous as it may cause a fire or lead to electric shock. Chew marks on the wiring indicate rodent activity and require immediate attention from a technician. Also, be wary of tangled and messy wiring, as this could indicate rushed or poor electrical work.
If you notice that your outlets or electrical fixtures feel hot to the touch, this is another indicator of faulty wiring. Discontinue use and contact an electrician to resolve the issue. Similarly, if you experience a shock when touching electrical fixtures, it means your electric system is not properly grounded, and an electrician should be consulted.
Keep in mind that a well-wired house should operate silently. Any buzzing or fizzing noises could indicate a damaged wire, loose connection, or other underlying issues. These sounds suggest that the electric current is jumping to another conductive object nearby, typically due to a damaged protective sheath. If you encounter these sounds, stop using the outlet and have an electrician address the problem.
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