Suburban 525002 120V Water Heater Thermostat & Hi-Limit Switch

The Suburban 525002 Water Heater Thermostat & Hi-Limit Switch is the OEM 120V AC temperature-control assembly used on many electric-equipped Suburban SW-Series RV water heaters.

It controls the electric heating element circuit, helping regulate normal water temperature while also providing high-temperature protection for the 120V side of the water heater.

The 525002 is commonly associated with legacy Suburban part number 232306 and is used on many SW-Series gas/electric models manufactured after the applicable serial-number break.

Models It Fits

The Suburban 525002 is commonly used on electric-equipped models including:

• SW6DE

• SW6DEL

• SW6DEM

• SW10DE

• SW10DEL

• SW10DEM

• SW12DE

• SW12DEL

• SW12DEM

• SW16DE

• SW16DEL

• SW16DEM

• SW6PE

• SW6PER

• SW10PE

• SW10PER

Additional applications may exist depending on production date and water heater configuration.

Important Serial Number Fitment

The Suburban 525002 is generally used on water heaters manufactured after serial number 940900091.

Because Suburban serial numbers include production-date coding, the complete model and serial number should be verified before ordering on older water heaters.

Replaces / Cross References

Common numbers associated with this thermostat include:

• 525002

• 232306

The 525002 is the current service part used in applications where the older 232306 thermostat was installed.

525002 vs. 525007

These two Suburban thermostat assemblies are different and should not be confused.

Suburban 525002

• 120V AC

• Controls the electric heating element circuit

• Used on electric-equipped SW-Series models

Suburban 525007

• 12V DC

• Used in the DSI / gas control circuit

• Commonly used across many SW-Series DSI water heaters

On many gas/electric Suburban water heaters, both parts may be installed on the same water heater because they control different circuits.

What the 525002 Does

The 525002 monitors tank temperature on the electric side of the water heater.

When the water temperature drops below the thermostat setting, the circuit allows the electric heating element to operate. Once the proper temperature is reached, the thermostat opens the circuit and stops the element from heating.

The high-limit portion of the assembly provides an additional layer of protection if the water temperature rises beyond the normal operating range.

Signs & Symptoms of a Failed 525002

A faulty 525002 may cause:

• Water heater works on propane but not electric

• No power reaches the electric heating element

• Electric heat operates intermittently

• Water does not reach normal temperature on electric mode

• Water overheats on electric mode

• Thermostat fails continuity testing

• 120V power is present at the water heater but does not pass through the thermostat circuit

Before replacing the thermostat, verify the 120V power supply, circuit breaker, switches, wiring, and heating element.

Estimated Install Time

Approximately 15–30 minutes, depending on access to the thermostat location.

Tools Required

• Phillips screwdriver

• Multimeter

• Electrical tester

• Nut driver or basic hand tools

Installation Notes

Disconnect all 120V AC power before servicing the water heater.

The thermostat must be mounted securely against the tank surface so it can accurately sense water temperature. Poor contact between the thermostat and tank may cause improper heating operation.

After installation, verify that all electrical connections are secure before restoring power.

Product Specifications

Manufacturer: Suburban / Airxcel
Part Number: 525002
Legacy Part Number: 232306
Part Type: 120V Thermostat / Hi-Limit Switch
Voltage: 120V AC
Temperature Rating: Approximately 130°F
Application: Electric-equipped Suburban SW-Series RV Water Heaters
Serial Number Requirement: Generally after 940900091

Important Fitment Note

The Suburban 525002 is specifically for the 120V electric heating circuit.

If you are servicing the propane / DSI temperature-control circuit, the water heater may instead use Suburban 525007.

Always verify the complete water heater model and serial number before ordering.