Suburban SW10DEL 10 Gallon Gas/Electric RV Water Heater – 5244A

The Suburban SW10DEL 5244A is a 10-gallon RV water heater with Direct Spark Ignition, a 1,440-watt electric heating element, and a built-in 12V relay. It can heat water with propane, 120V electric power, or both at the same time for faster recovery.

The 12V relay is what separates the SW10DEL from the standard SW10DE. It allows the electric heating element to be controlled from an interior RV switch panel rather than only at the water heater.

Model & SKU

Model: SW10DEL
Current Suburban SKU: 5244A
Legacy SKU References: 5144A / 5144F
Tank Capacity: 10 Gallons
Fuel Type: LP Gas + 120V Electric
Ignition: Direct Spark Ignition
Gas Input: 12,000 BTU/hr
Electric Element: 1,440 Watts
12V Relay: Yes

What Does SW10DEL Mean?

The model designation identifies the major features of the water heater:

• SW – Suburban Water Heater

• 10 – 10 Gallon Tank

• D – Direct Spark Ignition

• E – 120V Electric Heating Element

• L – 12V Relay for Interior Electric Control

This makes the SW10DEL a dual-fuel gas/electric water heater with interior control capability for both heating modes.

Gas & Electric Operation

The SW10DEL can operate using:

• LP gas only

• 120V electric only

• LP gas and electric together

Using gas and electric simultaneously provides the fastest recovery and is useful after showers or during periods of heavy hot-water demand.

Built-In 12V Relay

The L in SW10DEL indicates that the water heater includes a 12V relay for the electric heating circuit.

The relay allows the 120V electric element to be switched using a low-voltage interior control switch.

This is especially useful when replacing an existing SW10DEL because the RV may already be wired for separate interior gas and electric ON/OFF controls.

Direct Spark Ignition

The propane side uses Direct Spark Ignition (DSI).

When propane operation is selected, the water heater automatically:

• Opens the LP gas valve

• Produces spark at the burner

• Ignites the propane

• Monitors burner flame

• Cycles the burner as needed to maintain water temperature

There is no standing pilot flame to light manually.

1,440-Watt Electric Heating Element

The SW10DEL includes a 1,440-watt 120V AC heating element.

This allows the water heater to use campground shore power or generator power instead of propane when 120V service is available.

The electric element can also operate at the same time as the propane burner for faster recovery.

SW10DEL vs. SW10DE

The two models share the same basic gas/electric heating system, but their electric controls differ.

SW10DE – 5243A

• LP gas + 120V electric

• Direct Spark Ignition

• 12,000 BTU burner

• 1,440-watt electric element

• No 12V relay for interior electric control

SW10DEL – 5244A

• LP gas + 120V electric

• Direct Spark Ignition

• 12,000 BTU burner

• 1,440-watt electric element

• Includes 12V relay

• Electric mode can be controlled from inside the RV

If the RV is already wired for interior electric-water-heater control, the SW10DEL is typically the proper configuration.

SW10DEL vs. SW10DELC

The SW10DEL and SW10DELC both include the 12V relay.

The difference is that the SW10DELC also includes a factory 120V AC power cord.

SW10DEL – 5244A

• Gas + electric

• DSI

• 12V relay

• No factory AC power cord

SW10DELC – 5230A

• Gas + electric

• DSI

• 12V relay

• Factory 120V AC power cord included

10 Gallon Porcelain-Lined Steel Tank

The SW10DEL uses Suburban’s porcelain-lined steel tank with a replaceable anode rod.

The 10-gallon capacity provides more stored hot water than a standard 6-gallon water heater, making it well suited for:

• Fifth wheels

• Larger travel trailers

• Motorhomes

• Multiple occupants

• Longer showers

• Back-to-back hot-water use

Common Replacement Parts

Common SW10DEL service parts include:

• 520900 – 120V / 1,440W Heating Element

• 525002 / 232306 – 120V AC Thermostat / Hi-Limit

• 525007 – 12V Thermostat / Hi-Limit

• 525022 – Thermostat / Hi-Limit Cover

• 525005 – Ignition Electrode Kit

• 520814 – Ignition Control Board on applicable production ranges

• 233514 – Magnesium Anode Rod

Gas valves, burner assemblies, and some ignition components may have serial-number-specific fitment, so verify the model and serial number before ordering those parts.

Recovery Performance

The SW10DEL provides approximately:

Gas Only: 10.1 gallons per hour
Electric Only: 6.1 gallons per hour
Gas + Electric: 16.2 gallons per hour

Using both heat sources together provides the fastest recovery.

Exterior Access Door

The exterior access door is typically sold separately.

The SW10DEL uses the larger Suburban access-door family designed for 10-, 12-, and 16-gallon tank water heaters.

Verify the existing opening, door style, and color before ordering.

Maintenance

Routine maintenance should include:

• Inspecting and replacing the anode rod as needed

• Flushing sediment from the tank

• Inspecting the burner tube and orifice

• Checking the ignition electrode

• Testing the 120V heating element

• Inspecting the AC and DC thermostat circuits

• Checking the 12V relay and wiring

• Verifying proper LP gas pressure

• Inspecting the pressure-relief valve

Product Specifications

Manufacturer: Suburban / Airxcel
Model: SW10DEL
Current SKU: 5244A
Legacy SKU: 5144A / 5144F
Tank Capacity: 10 Gallons
Fuel: LP Gas + 120V AC Electric
Ignition: Direct Spark Ignition
Gas Input: 12,000 BTU/hr
Electric Element: 1,440 Watts
12V Relay: Yes
Gas Recovery: Approximately 10.1 GPH
Electric Recovery: Approximately 6.1 GPH
Combined Recovery: Approximately 16.2 GPH
Tank Construction: Porcelain-Lined Steel
Anode Rod: Yes
Application: RV / Fifth Wheel / Travel Trailer / Motorhome

Important Fitment Note

The SW10DEL is the 10-gallon gas/electric model equipped with a 12V relay for interior electric-element control.

If replacing an existing SW10DE, SW10DEL, or SW10DELC, verify the exact model designation and RV wiring configuration before ordering.

Suburban Part Number: 5244A