Suburban SW10DELC 10 Gallon Gas/Electric RV Water Heater – 5230A

The Suburban SW10DELC 5230A is a 10-gallon RV water heater with Direct Spark Ignition, a 1,440-watt electric heating element, a 12V relay, and a factory 120V AC power cord. It gives RV owners the convenience of propane and electric operation while also allowing the electric heating circuit to be controlled from inside the RV through the 12V relay.

Suburban identifies the SW10DELC as the full-featured 10-gallon configuration in this family: D = Direct Spark Ignition, E = 120V electric element, L = 12V relay, C = 120V AC power cord.

Model & SKU

Model: SW10DELC
Suburban SKU: 5230A
Bulk-Pack SKU: 5230F
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
120V AC Power Cord: Yes

What Does SW10DELC Mean?

The model letters explain the features built into the water heater:

• SW – Suburban Water Heater

• 10 – 10 Gallon Tank

• D – Direct Spark Ignition

• E – 120V AC Electric Heating Element

• L – 12V DC Relay for Interior Electric Control

• C – Factory 120V AC Power Cord

That makes the SW10DELC one of the most complete versions of the Suburban 10-gallon tank water heater.

Gas & Electric Operation

The SW10DELC can heat water using:

• LP gas only

• 120V electric only

• LP gas and electric together

Using both heat sources at the same time provides the fastest recovery.

Suburban rates the 10-gallon gas/electric models at approximately:

• 10.1 gallons per hour on gas only

• 6.1 gallons per hour on electric only

• 16.2 gallons per hour with gas and electric operating together

Built-In 12V Relay

The L in SW10DELC indicates that the water heater includes a 12V DC relay.

This allows the 120V electric heating element to be controlled from an interior switch panel using a low-voltage control circuit, rather than relying only on a switch located at the water heater.

Suburban specifically identifies DEL and DELC models as the versions that allow the interior control switch to operate both the gas ignition system and the electric element circuit.

Factory 120V AC Power Cord

The C in SW10DELC means the unit includes a 120V AC power cord.

That distinguishes it from the SW10DEL, which has the relay but does not include the factory cord configuration.

This can simplify installation in RVs already equipped with the appropriate receptacle or wiring arrangement.

SW10DELC vs. SW10DEL

These two models are very similar, but there is one important difference.

SW10DEL

• LP gas + 120V electric

• Direct Spark Ignition

• 1,440-watt electric element

• 12V relay

• No factory 120V power cord

SW10DELC

• LP gas + 120V electric

• Direct Spark Ignition

• 1,440-watt electric element

• 12V relay

• Includes factory 120V AC power cord

If your existing RV is set up for the corded version, the SW10DELC is the correct configuration to match.

Direct Spark Ignition

The propane side uses a 12V Direct Spark Ignition system.

When propane heat is selected, the water heater automatically:

• Opens the gas valve

• Produces spark at the burner

• Ignites the LP gas

• Monitors the flame

• Cycles the burner as needed to maintain water temperature

There is no standing pilot flame to light manually.

10 Gallon Porcelain-Lined Steel Tank

The SW10DELC uses Suburban’s porcelain-lined steel tank with a replaceable anode rod for corrosion protection.

The 10-gallon capacity gives it more stored hot water than a 6-gallon model, making it a strong choice for larger RVs, multiple occupants, and heavier hot-water demand.

Dimensions

Suburban lists the 10-gallon tank water heater dimensions at approximately:

Unit Size: 16.22" H x 16.22" W x 20.50" D
Cutout Size: 16.38" H x 16.38" W x 20.50" D

Always verify the existing RV opening before ordering.

Exterior Access Door

The 10-gallon SW-Series water heaters use a flush-mount exterior access door.

The access door is typically sold separately, so verify the existing door style and color before ordering a replacement.

Common Replacement Parts

The SW10DELC shares many service parts with other 10-gallon Suburban SW-Series gas/electric water heaters, including:

• 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 parts may have serial-number-specific fitment, so verify the complete model and serial number before ordering those components.

Recovery Performance

The SW10DELC provides:

Gas Only: approximately 10.1 GPH
Electric Only: approximately 6.1 GPH
Gas + Electric: approximately 16.2 GPH

Running both heat sources together is useful when recovering after showers or other high-demand hot-water use.

Maintenance

Routine maintenance should include:

• Inspecting and replacing the anode rod as needed

• Flushing sediment from the tank

• Inspecting the burner and orifice

• Checking the ignition electrode

• Inspecting the 120V heating element

• Checking the AC and DC thermostat circuits

• Inspecting the 12V relay and wiring

• Verifying the 120V power cord and receptacle are in good condition

• Checking LP gas pressure

• Inspecting the pressure-relief valve

Product Specifications

Manufacturer: Suburban / Airxcel
Model: SW10DELC
SKU: 5230A
Bulk SKU: 5230F
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
120V AC Power Cord: Yes
Gas Recovery: Approximately 10.1 GPH
Electric Recovery: Approximately 6.1 GPH
Combined Recovery: Approximately 16.2 GPH
Unit Dimensions: Approximately 16.22" H x 16.22" W x 20.50" D
Cutout Dimensions: Approximately 16.38" H x 16.38" W x 20.50" D
Tank Construction: Porcelain-Lined Steel
Anode Rod: Yes

Important Fitment Note

The SW10DELC is the 10-gallon gas/electric model with both a 12V relay and a factory 120V AC power cord.

It should not be confused with the SW10DE or SW10DEL, which use different electric-control and wiring configurations.

Verify the complete model number on the original water heater data plate before ordering.