Water heater wiring question

[goransons]

Just finished the physical install of a Suburban SW10DE water heater. It's in place, sealed on the outside and gas lines almost finished with new copper and fittings (the wind came up at 30+ mph and 29 degrees outside so I quit) but the inside is warm so thinking of tackling the electrical connections.

I don't have water lines run in the trailer yet so can't test the unit out yet but needed clarification I couldn't find in the instructions or with the search feature.

I understand the circuit board takes care of the brains, but when the water heater is running off gas will the light on the switch be on or does that only come on when the heater fails to light (says reset below it). I'm just worried about damaging the thing in the future by forgetting to turn the thing off either 110 or 12v when the water gets turned off.

Also for the 110 side of it, says to install with a switch or circuit breaker, I was kinda thinking both. Thinking of putting a lighted switch (as a reminder its on) up above the refrigerator where the 12v wh switch is going, but wasn't sure what amp breaker I should use, would 15 amp suffice?

thanks for the help.

Scott

[overlander63]

What is the 120v part rated at?

[lewster]

Originally Posted by goransons

Just finished the physical install of a Suburban SW10DE water heater. It's in place, sealed on the outside and gas lines almost finished with new copper and fittings (the wind came up at 30+ mph and 29 degrees outside so I quit) but the inside is warm so thinking of tackling the electrical connections.

I don't have water lines run in the trailer yet so can't test the unit out yet but needed clarification I couldn't find in the instructions or with the search feature.

I understand the circuit board takes care of the brains, but when the water heater is running off gas will the light on the switch be on or does that only come on when the heater fails to light (says reset below it). I'm just worried about damaging the thing in the future by forgetting to turn the thing off either 110 or 12v when the water gets turned off.

Also for the 110 side of it, says to install with a switch or circuit breaker, I was kinda thinking both. Thinking of putting a lighted switch (as a reminder its on) up above the refrigerator where the 12v wh switch is going, but wasn't sure what amp breaker I should use, would 15 amp suffice?

thanks for the help.

Scott

Be sure that your switch is rated for 20 amps/120VAC if you intend to use it as a shut-off for the AC side of the water heater.

[goransons]

I found fine print in the wiring diagram that says total connected watts = 1440 - Amps = 12. Just wasn't sure if a 20 amp would be needed or if I could get by with 15. Doesn't say if there is a peak load or if that is the peak load.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by goransons

I found fine print in the wiring diagram that says total connected watts = 1440 - Amps = 12. Just wasn't sure if a 20 amp would be needed or if I could get by with 15. Doesn't say if there is a peak load or if that is the peak load.

IMHO.................not enough 'head room' with a 15 amp switch! Better safe than sorry......epecially with electrics that could burn down the house.

[goransons]

was thinking a heavy duty switch, wondering if I should use a 20 amp breaker too though or if 15 there is enough.

[georgezink]

The breaker should match the wiring. If you're using 12 guage wire, then 20amp breaker is ok. If using 14 gage wire then you should use a 15amp breaker.

[jkcru]

My water heater came with a remote switchpanel and warning lite. the lite only comes on if there is a problem and is reset by turning it off and back on. Suburbam Electric,DSI Gas heater.