Suburban SW6DEL 6 Gallon Gas/Electric RV Water Heater – 5240A

The Suburban SW6DEL 5240A is a 6-gallon RV water heater with Direct Spark Ignition, a 1,440-watt electric heating element, and a built-in 12V relay. The relay is the key difference between the SW6DEL and the standard SW6DE because it allows both propane and electric operation to be controlled from inside the RV with the proper switch panel.

With a 12,000 BTU LP burner and 1,440-watt Incoloy electric element, the SW6DEL can operate on propane, 120V electric, or both at the same time for faster hot-water recovery.

Model & SKU

Model: SW6DEL
Suburban SKU: 5240A
Tank Capacity: 6 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

Gas & Electric Operation

The SW6DEL can heat water using:

• LP gas only

• 120V electric only

• LP gas and electric together

Using both heat sources simultaneously provides the fastest recovery.

Suburban rates the SW6DEL at approximately:

• 6.1 gallons per hour on electric

• 10.1 gallons per hour on gas

• 16.2 gallons per hour with gas and electric operating together

Built-In 12V Relay

The biggest advantage of the SW6DEL is the factory 12V relay for the electric heating system.

On the standard SW6DE, the electric element is controlled at the water heater itself. On the SW6DEL, the relay allows the 120V electric element to be switched through a 12V interior control circuit, so both the propane and electric modes can be turned on and off from inside the RV with the appropriate switch panel.

This makes the SW6DEL especially useful when replacing an existing DEL-model water heater or when the RV is already wired for interior electric-element control.

Direct Spark Ignition

The propane side uses Direct Spark Ignition (DSI).

When propane operation is selected, the water heater automatically:

• Energizes the gas valve

• Produces spark at the burner

• Ignites the propane

• Monitors the 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 SW6DEL includes a 1,440-watt Incoloy 120V AC heating element for operation from campground shore power or a suitable generator.

The electric element can be used alone to conserve propane or combined with the 12,000 BTU gas burner when faster recovery is needed.

SW6DEL vs. SW6DE

The two models are very similar mechanically, but their electric controls are different.

SW6DE – 5239A

• LP gas + 120V electric

• Direct Spark Ignition

• 12,000 BTU burner

• 1,440-watt heating element

• Electric mode controlled at the water heater

SW6DEL – 5240A

• LP gas + 120V electric

• Direct Spark Ignition

• 12,000 BTU burner

• 1,440-watt heating element

• Includes 12V relay

• Gas and electric modes can both be controlled from inside the RV

Suburban specifically distinguishes the DEL models as the versions with the electric element and 12V relay.

6 Gallon Porcelain-Lined Steel Tank

The SW6DEL uses Suburban’s traditional porcelain-lined steel tank with a replaceable anode rod for corrosion protection.

The anode rod is designed to deteriorate instead of the tank itself, so regular inspection and replacement of the anode is one of the most important maintenance items on a Suburban water heater.

Dimensions

Approximate SW6DEL dimensions are:

Height: 12.69"
Width: 12.69"
Depth: 19.19"
Cutout: approximately 12.75" x 12.75" x 19.19"

Always verify the existing RV opening before ordering.

Common Replacement Parts

Common SW6DEL 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 / 232258 – Ignition Electrode

• 520814 – Ignition Control Board on applicable production ranges

• 233514 – Magnesium Anode Rod

• 010843 – Main Burner Assembly with Orifice on applicable later units

Suburban service documentation shows several SW6DEL components with a production break at approximately serial number 953401118, so the serial number should be checked when ordering model-specific gas or ignition parts.

Recovery Performance

The SW6DEL provides:

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

Running gas and electric together is useful when recovering after showers or other heavy hot-water use.

Exterior Access Door

The exterior access door is typically sold separately.

Because Suburban offers different door styles and colors for 4- and 6-gallon installations, verify the existing door and frame before ordering a replacement.

Product Specifications

Manufacturer: Suburban / Airxcel
Model: SW6DEL
SKU: 5240A
Tank Capacity: 6 Gallons
Fuel: LP Gas + 120V AC Electric
Ignition: Direct Spark Ignition
Gas Input: 12,000 BTU/hr
Electric Element: 1,440 Watts
12V Electric Relay: Yes
Electric Recovery: Approximately 6.1 GPH
Gas Recovery: Approximately 10.1 GPH
Combined Recovery: Approximately 16.2 GPH
Dimensions: Approximately 12.69" H x 12.69" W x 19.19" D
Tank Construction: Porcelain-Lined Steel
Anode Rod: Yes

Important Fitment Note

The SW6DEL is not identical to the SW6DE.

Both models use propane and 120V electric heat, but the SW6DEL includes a 12V relay that allows the electric heating system to be controlled from inside the RV. If replacing an existing SW6DEL, verify that the RV’s interior switch wiring and 120V connections match the replacement unit.

Suburban Part Number: 5240A