Suburban water heater element

[66joej]

Anyone on our forum know what ohm value should be on a good water heater element? I may have fried mine but it's a bit of a pain to remove if I don't have to. Thanks for any info.

[66joej]

Just did a search and it seems like a good element should show 10 ohms resistance. Does this sound about right? Tank model is Suburban 121606207 6 gal. DSI.

[JRTJH]

From the Suburban water heater service manual:

"Checking Resistance of the Heating Element
The heating element normally has a resistance of 14.5-17 Ohms. Turn both power switches off. Before proceeding, use the voltmeter to verify there is no voltage at the heating element.
After verifying no voltage at the element, remove one of the heating element wires to check the resistance. If resistance is infinite (open) replace the element."

[66joej]

Thanks John. So based on your experience would you replace the element with a resistance of only 10 ohms? I'm lazy now in my twilight years.

[JRTJH]

If it were me, (I'm lazy too) if it is working, I'd buy a replacement at Lowe's (1100 watt 110 VAC short element) and stash it away in the trailer somewhere. Keep using what's working, but chances are it's going to fail in a month, maybe 6 months or maybe 2 years, but sooner or later, it's going to fail. It only takes 10 minutes to replace it, so as long as it's sitting in the trailer, I'd keep using what's working until it stopped. No need to "waste time and effort" fixing what ain't broke-----yet...... :cool:

[chuckster57]

If your going to carry the element in the trailer, then make sure you carry a 1 1/2” socket (thin wall) to change it.

[66joej]

Yes guys advise taken. Thanks!