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Old 10-31-2016, 06:35 PM   #1
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Heater Element Thread Size - SW6D

Suburban 6 Gallon Water Heater SW6D

I am many miles from an RV store to purchase the OEM replacement and nobody local carries the CAMCO 1500W element. I found a 1440W/120V element at Ace hardware but it is a 1" NPT and I am not sure that is correct, I suspect it is 1/14" thread. I have been searching and searching but can find no definitive answer. As a last resort I can pull the element to check, however, I am hoping to keep the repair time to a minimum and in one trip.

I know the socket size.
I do not need to know anything about the Anode Rod.
I have checked the reset buttons and fusible links.
I only need to know the element thread size.

Thanks in advance for your response.
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Old 10-31-2016, 08:55 PM   #2
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I think your water heater element is powered through a circuit breaker not any kind of a fuse. They are reserved for 12 volt items. Have you ohm'd it out to verify it is open? Any resistance reading would mean it is not open but I think around 8 ohms is what it should read. Of course, if this is a Paul Harvey story then disregard.
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Old 10-31-2016, 09:21 PM   #3
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I know HD has a replacement element! The threads are Strait pipe thread that requires a gasket! Youroo!! The thread size is the Same as a Home Water Heater element!
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Old 10-31-2016, 09:24 PM   #4
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Old 10-31-2016, 11:15 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by youroo View Post
I know HD has a replacement element! The threads are Strait pipe thread that requires a gasket! Youroo!! The thread size is the Same as a Home Water Heater element!
If I am to believe the article from ETrailer article about the CAMCO RV 1500W element, it is not the same as a home tank which takes a 1" thread. This is the only reference to thread size I can find anywhere. I am picking up an OEM replacement at the RV store so I am good to go. I will update this thread (no pun intended) when I figure out the specification.


Snippet from article:
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Camco/CAM02143.html
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Old 10-31-2016, 11:30 PM   #6
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I did not reply this afternoon when I saw your post because I don't know the thread size but I do know that you can now get long life elements (I have an electric HWH in my home and a POU electric HWH in our shop bathroom and both have the new style elements that are supposed to be resistant to mineral buildup. The one in the shop bathroom is 110. Just an FYI...
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Old 11-02-2016, 10:04 AM   #7
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Pipe thread

It is a 1" NPT Does not use a gasket pipe threads re interference fit.
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Old 11-02-2016, 10:18 AM   #8
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There you go. In technical terms it's called NPT Dryseal.
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Old 11-02-2016, 10:51 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SidecarFlip View Post
There you go. In technical terms it's called NPT Dryseal.
I still use Teflon tape on all tapered NPT fittings.
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Old 11-02-2016, 11:19 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pdqparalegal1 View Post
It is a 1" NPT Does not use a gasket pipe threads re interference fit.
Uhh, are you sure you are referring to the electric element (which does use a gasket)? It's shown here, and in all the Suburban schematics.

Suburban 520900 Screw In Heating Element with Gasket | American RV Company

http://www.bigdiscountrv.com/breakdo...arts-breakdown

Could you perhaps be talking about the anode rod (different item, that doesn't use a gasket)?

The OP was asking the thread size for an electric element, not an anode rod.
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Old 11-02-2016, 12:46 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wmtire View Post
Uhh, are you sure you are referring to the electric element (which does use a gasket)? It's shown here, and in all the Suburban schematics.

Suburban 520900 Screw In Heating Element with Gasket | American RV Company

SUBURBAN MODEL SW6DE PARTS BREAKDOWN

Could you perhaps be talking about the anode rod (different item, that doesn't use a gasket)?

The OP was asking the thread size for an electric element, not an anode rod.

I wondered about that as well....

Having never had an issue with my electric element in my RV (because I don't have one) but..... The Cal Rod elements in my home electric HWH and the POU unit in the bathroom in the barn both have hard rubber circular gaskets..

Unless I do have one in the RV but it would have to be on the backside because it's not on the outside side....

My anode rod is 1" NPT.... Just ordered a replacement from Amazon.
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Old 11-02-2016, 01:56 PM   #12
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I've always believed the element threads were NPS (National Pipe Straight)

Here is an explanation from the interweb.
*Keep in mind when they are talking below about tapered and straight/parallel they are referring to whatever the threads are cut on, not the actual threads themselves. A NPT plug would be smaller where it starts to screw in than it would be at the the wrench end. A NPS plug would be the same size top to bottom.

NPS = National Pipe Straight
NPT = National Pipe Thread

Both NPT and NPS have the same thread angle, shape, and pitch (threads per inch). However, NPT threads are tapered and NPS threads are straight (parallel). Both threads have a 60° included angle and have flat peaks and valleys.

Tapered Pipe Thread is commonly found on ends of pipe, nipples and fittings (i.e. couplings, elbows, tees, etc.). Note: Sharply angled threads are very critical to joint being tight with no leaks. Thread sealant or tape is typically required to complete the seal.

Straight Pipe Threads need a gasket or O-ring to create a seal.
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