Suburban - Water Heater Models SW4D, SW6D, SW6DE, SW6DM, SW6DEM - Operation Manual

Oct 29, 2026

Upload by Adam

Installation and operation manual for direct vent gas water heater models SW4D, SW6D, SW6DE, SW6DM, and SW6DEM, intended for recreational vehicles and mobile housing. Provides safety instructions, including what to do if gas is smelled, freeze warnings to drain the heater, and fire/explosion prevention steps. Covers safety warnings such as proper tank filling before operation, hydrogen gas risk after two weeks of non-use, venting guidance, ignition system precautions, and limits on temperature/thermostat settings.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryTechnology

FormatPDF

Pages20

Reading Time50 min

AccessFree to download

Safety Warnings

What to do if you smell gas

Freeze warning

Hydrogen gas warnings

Installation requirements

Installation and Operation Notes

Tank filling before operation

Vent inspection and soot guidance

Refueling and ignition precautions

| INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
DIRECT VENT GAS WATER HEATER MODELS
SW4D Direct Spark Ignition
SW6D Direct Spark Ignition
SW6DE Direct Spark Ignition and Electric Element
SW6DM Direct Spark Ignition and Motor Aid SW6DEM Direct Spark Ignition, Electric Element, and Motor Aid

FOR INSTALLATION IN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES AND MOBILE HOUSING
FOR YOUR SAFETY
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
• DO NOT TRY TO LIGHT ANY APPLIANCE.
• DO NOT TOUCH ANY ELECTRIC SWITCH: DO NOT USE ANY PHONE IN YOUR VEHICLE.
• IMMEDIATELY CALL YOUR GAS SUPPLIER FROM A NEIGHBOR’S PHONE. FOLLOW THE GAS SUPPLIER’S INSTRUCTIONS.
• IF YOU CANNOT REACH YOUR GAS SUPPLIER, CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
FREEZE WARNING
DRAIN HEATER IF SUBJECT TO FREEZING TEMPERATURES.
WARNING: IMPROPER INSTALLATION, ADJUSTMENT, ALTERATION, SERVICE OR MAINTENANCE CAN CAUSE INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. REFER TO THIS MANUAL. FOR ASSISTANCE OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONSULT A QUALIFIED INSTALLER, SERVICE AGENCY OR THE GAS SUPPLIER.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
DO NOT STORE OR USE GASOLINE OR OTHER COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS OR LIQUIDS NEAR OR ADJACENT TO THIS HEATER OR ANY OTHER APPLIANCE. THIS APPLIANCE SHALL NOT BE INSTALLED IN ANY LOCATION WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OR VAPORS ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT.
AN ODORANT IS ADDED TO THE GAS USED BY THIS WATER HEATER.
INSTALLER: AFFIX THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO OR ADJACENT TO WATER HEATER. OWNER: RETAIN THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARRANTY FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
ALL TECHNICAL AND WARRANTY QUESTIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE COMPANY LISTED ON THE WARRANTY OR RATING PLATE WHICH CAME WITH YOUR WATER HEATER. | | | --- | --- | | | AIRXCEL, INC. -SUBURBAN DIVISION
676 Broadway Street Dayton, Tennessee 37321 423-775-2131 [www.Airxcel.com](www.Airxcel.com) | Part Number 204670 12-15-2014 SAFETY WARNINGS WARNING! It is imperative that the water heater tank be filled with water before operating the water heater. Operation of the water heater without water in the tank may result in damage to the tank and/or controls. This type of damage is not covered by the limited warranty. WARNING! Hydrogen gas may result if you have not used this heater for two weeks or more. HYDROGEN GAS IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. To reduce the risk of injury under these conditions, open the hot water faucet for several minutes at the kitchen sink before you use any electrical appliance connected to the hot water system. If hydrogen is present, you probably will hear an unusual sound such as air escaping through the pipe as the water begins to flow. Hydrogen gas may be present even after water has been drained from the tank. Open faucet at sink and allow system to vent for several minutes (5-10 minutes) . Do not smoke or have any open flame near the open faucet. Do not attempt to light pilot or main burner. On DSI models, be sure the switch is “OFF”. Should overheating occur, or the gas supply fail to shut off, shut off the manual gas valve to the appliance before shutting off the electrical supply. Do not use this appliance if any part has been submerged under water. Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect the appliance and to replace any part of the control system and any gas control that has been submerged under water. Do not alter the operation of your water heater nor change the design/construction of your water heater. Accessories are being marketed for RV products which we do not recommend. For your safety, only factory authorized parts are to be used on your water heater. Periodically inspect the vent for obstructions or presence of soot. Soot is formed whenever combustion is incomplete. This is your visual warning that the water heater is operating inan unsafe manner. If soot is present, immediately shut the water heater down and contact your dealer or a qualified service person. When considering add-on rooms, porch or patio, attention must be given to the venting of your water heater. For your safety, do not

FAQs

What should you do if you smell gas in the vehicle?

Do not try to light any appliance, do not touch electric switches, and call the gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone. If the supplier cannot be reached, call the fire department.

What safety step must be done before operating the water heater?

Fill the water heater tank with water before operating. Operating without water may damage the tank and/or controls, which is not covered by the limited warranty.

How should you reduce risk from hydrogen gas after the heater has not been used for two weeks or more?

Open the hot water faucet at the kitchen sink for several minutes before using any electrical appliance connected to the hot water system. If hydrogen is present, an unusual sound may occur, and hydrogen may still be present even after draining, so vent again by allowing the system to vent for several minutes.

Oct 29, 2026

Upload by Adam