Suburban 520900 RV Water Heater Heating Element – 120V 1440W

The Suburban 520900 Heating Element replaced Suburban 520789 and is a 120-volt, 1,440-watt replacement electric heating element used in many Suburban SW Series RV water heaters equipped with electric heating capability. It installs directly into the water heater tank and provides the AC-powered heat source when the RV is connected to a suitable 120V power supply.

The 520900 supersedes the older Suburban 520789 heating element and is one of the most commonly used electric elements across the Suburban SW water heater lineup. It includes the sealing gasket required for installation.

Models It Fits

The Suburban 520900 is used with many electric-equipped Suburban SW Series water heaters, including:

• SW4DE / SW4DEL

• SW6DE / SW6DEL / SW6DEM

• SW10DE / SW10DEL / SW10DEM

• SW12DE / SW12DEL / SW12DEM

• SW16DE / SW16DEL / SW16DEM

• Select SAW6DE / SAW6DEL models

Important Serial Number Fitment

For certain SW6 and SW10 models, the serial number should be checked before ordering:

• SW6DE / SW6DEM: 520900 is associated with units above serial number 115103837

• SW10DE / SW10DEM: 520900 is associated with units above serial number 115101002

If your SW6DE/SW6DEM or SW10DE/SW10DEM has an earlier serial number, verify the original heating element and applicable replacement before ordering.

Replaces / Supersedes: Suburban 520789 in applicable installations.

Signs & Symptoms of a Failed Heating Element

A failed or burned-out heating element may cause:

• Water heater works on propane but not electric

• No hot water when using the 120V electric mode

• Water takes significantly longer to heat

• Circuit breaker trips when electric heat is switched on

• Heating element fails a continuity test

• Visible corrosion, damage, or deterioration around the element terminals

Estimated Install Time

Approximately 20–45 minutes, depending on access to the rear of the water heater and whether the tank has already been drained.

Tools Required

• Heating element socket or suitable wrench

• Screwdriver

• Multimeter

• Adjustable wrench or basic hand tools

• Towels or drain pan

Potential Issues

The water heater tank must be drained before removing the heating element.

After installation, completely refill the tank with water before turning the electric heating system on. Applying 120V power to the element while the tank is empty can burn out the new element very quickly.

If the water heater still does not operate on electric after replacing the element, check the 120V power supply, circuit breaker, switches, wiring, thermostat/ECO components, relays, and associated controls.

Suburban Part Number: 520900
Supersedes: 520789
Voltage: 120V AC
Wattage: 1,440W
Mounting: Screw-In
Includes: Heating Element and Gasket