Safety alert on RV water heaters
Some Suburban hot water heaters found to leak carbon monoxideEnergy Safe Victoria has placed a Safety Alert on a number of Suburban water heaters used in recreational vehicles after they were found to leak carbon monoxide while operating on LP gas.
ESV said that "under certain conditions, the water heaters can generate elevated levels of carbon monoxide (CO), which, in some instances, may spill into the caravan, motor home or camper trailer.
"Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can adversely affect the health when inhaled. Carbon monoxide can be lethal in large concentrations."
The affected Suburban water heaters were manufactured from April 4, 2018 to August 1, 2019, with serial numbers from 18131552 to 193002648, 8183311827 and 8190201139. Some serial numbers will end in a ‘D’
The models include SW6DEA, SW4DEA, SW4DECA, SW6PA, SW6DA, SW4DA and SW6DECA (Dual Fuel)
ESV’s counterparts in South Australia, the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) suspended the sale and supply of the water heaters after a carbon monoxide alarm within a caravan detected from 500ppm to 600 ppm (parts per million).
ESV said it has alerted Victorian based manufacturers and suppliers.
The safety authority said that anyone who has the water heater in their caravan, motor home or camper should stop using it immediately and take the following action:
- Check the data plates for the serial number. The data plates are found under the front cover plate of the hot water heater. If it falls within the range, the gas isolation valve to this appliance must be turned off.
- The water heater must not be used until rectified by an authorised Suburban agent or dealership.
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