Rheem Single Element User manual

Water Heaters

Electric

The purpose of this manual is twofold:

one, to provide the installer with the basic

directions and recommendations for the proper

installation and adjustment of the water heater;

and two, for the owner–operator, to explain

the features, operation, safety precautions,

maintenance and troubleshooting of the water

heater. This manual also includes a parts list.

It is imperative that all persons who are

expected to install, operate or adjust this

water heater read the instructions carefully

so they may understand how to perform

these operations. If you do not understand

these instructions or any terms within it, seek

professional advice.

Any questions regarding the operation,

maintenance, service or warranty of this

water heater should be directed to the seller

from whom it was purchased. If additional

information is required, refer to the warranty.

Do not destroy this manual. Please read

carefully and keep in a safe place for future

reference.

Recognize this symbol as an

indication of Important Safety

Information!

California Proposition 65 Warning:

This product contains chemicals

known to the State of California to

cause cancer, birth defects or other

reproductive harm.

Single and Double Element Models,

15–105 Gallon

1298-001 (01/10)

Printed in USA

Use & Care Manual

With Installation Instructions for the Installer

■■■✦■■■



Care and Cleaning

Draining ................ 16

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Extended Shut-Down . . . . . 16

Safety Information

Safety Precautions . . . . . . . 3, 4

Installation Instructions

Location ................. 5

Water Connections . . . . . . . . 8

Electrical Connections. . . . . 10

Wiring Diagram . . . . . . . . . 11

Operating Instructions

Safety Controls . . . . . . . . . . 14

Water Temperature . . . . . . . .14

Troubleshooting Tips

Before You Call

For Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Customer Service

Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Replacement Parts . . . . . 19, 20

Element Replacement . . . . . 21

Warranty .................22

FOR YOUR RECORDS

Write the model, serial numbers, and installation details on the

back cover of the manual.

This information is located on the rating plate (silver label) on the

unit.

Staple sales slip or cancelled check here.

Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain

service under the warranty.

Inside you will find many helpful hints on how to use and maintain

your water heater properly. Just a little preventive care on your part

can save you a great deal of time and money over the life of your

water heater.

You’ll find many answers to common problems in the Before You

Call For Service section. If you review our chart of Troubleshooting

Tips first, you may not need to call for service at all.

READ THIS MANUAL

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. There

are many important safety messages in this manual and on your

appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.

!This is the safety alert symbol. Recognize this symbol

as an indication of Important Safety Information!

This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can

kill or hurt you and others.

All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and

either the word “DANGER”, “WARNING”, “CAUTION” or

“NOTICE”.

These words mean:

!DANGER An imminently hazardous situation

that will result in death or serious

injury.

WARNING A potentially hazardous situation that

could result in death or serious injury

and/or damage to property.

!CAUTION A potentially hazardous situation that

may result in minor or moderate

injury.

Notice: Attention is called to observe a

specified procedure or maintain

a specific condition.

READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION

Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds

Temperature Time To Produce a Serious Burn

120°F (49°C) More than 5 minutes

125°F (51°C) 1½ to 2 minutes

130°F (54°C) About 30 seconds

135°F (57°C) About 10 seconds

140°F (60°C) Less than 5 seconds

145°F (63°C) Less than 3 seconds

150°F (66°C) About 1½ seconds

155°F (68°C) About 1 second

Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute

The chart shown above may be used as a guide

in determining the proper water temperature for your

home.

DANGER: Households with small children, disabled,

or elderly persons may require a 120°F (49°C) or lower

thermostat setting to prevent contact with “HOT” water.

The temperature of the water in the heater is

regulated by the adjustable surface mounted

thermostat(s) located behind the jacket access

panel(s). Dual element heaters have two thermostats.

To comply with safety regulations the thermostat(s)

were set at 120°F before the water heater was

shipped from the factory. Canadian models are set

to 140°F (60°C).

The illustration at the left

shows the temperature

adjustment dial used

for setting the water

temperature.

Refer to the Operating

Instructions in this

manual for detailed

instructions in how to

adjust the thermostat(s).

! DANGER: Hotter water increases the potential for

Hot Water SCALDS.

DANGER

HOT

Water temperature over 125°F can

cause severe burns instantly or

death from scalds.

Children, disabled and elderly are

at highest risk of being scalded.

See instruction manual before

setting temperature at water

heater.

Feel water before bathing or

showering.

Temperature limiting valves are

available, see manual.

BURN

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

TURN OFF

POWER

BEFORE

SERVICING

90°F150°F

125°F

(66°C)

(52°C)

(32°C)

Reset button

Thermostat

protective

cover

Thermostat dial

pointer

DANGER!

WATER TEMPERATURE SETTING

Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the water

temperature setting of water heater’s thermostat. Water temperatures above 125°F (51°C)

can cause severe burns or death from scalding. Be sure to read and follow the warnings

outlined on the label pictured below. This label is also located on the water heater near

the thermostat access panel.

NOTICE: Mixing valves are available for reducing point

of use water temperature by mixing hot and cold water

in branch water lines. Contact a licensed plumber or the

local plumbing authority for further information.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

WARNING!

For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of

fire or explosion, electric shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or loss of

life.

Be sure to read and understand the entire Use and Care Manual before attempting

to install or operate this water heater. It may save you time and cost. Pay particular

attention to the Safety Instructions. Failure to follow these warnings could result in

serious bodily injury or death. Should you have problems understanding the instructions

in this manual, or have any questions, STOP, and get help from a qualified service

technician, or the local electric utility.

FOR INSTALLATIONS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

California Law requires that residential water heaters must be braced, anchored or

strapped to resist falling or horizontal displacement due to earthquake motions. For

residential water heaters up to 52 gallon capacity, a brochure with generic earthquake

bracing instructions can be obtained from: Office of the State Architect, 1102 Q Street,

Suite 5100, Sacramento, CA 95811 or you may call 916-445-8100 or ask a water heater

dealer.

However, applicable local codes shall govern installation. For residential water heaters

of a capacity greater than 52 gallons, consult the local building jurisdiction for acceptable

bracing procedures.

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION

CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Have the installer show you the location of the circuit breaker and how to shut it off if

necessary. Turn off the circuit breaker if the water heater has been subjected to overheating,

fire, flood, physical damage or if the ECO (Emergency Cut Off) on the thermostat fails to shut

off.

● Read this manual entirely before installing

or operating the water heater.

● Use this appliance only for its intended

purpose as described in this Use and Care

Manual.

● Be sure your appliance is properly installed

in accordance with local codes and the

provided installation instructions.

● Do not attempt to repair or replace any part

of your water heater unless it is specifically

recommended in this manual. All other

servicing should be referred to a qualified

technician.

● All replacement parts used on this

product must be manufacturer authorized

components.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Installing the water heater.

The location chosen for the water heater must take into consideration the following:

Local Installation Regulations

This water heater must be installed in

accordance with these instructions, local

codes, utility codes, utility company

requirements or, in the absence of local

codes, the latest edition of the National

Electrical Code. It is available from some

local libraries or can be purchased from

the National Fire Protection Association,

Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as

booklet ANSI/NFPA 70.

If the water heater is to be installed in a

restaurant, or other location where NSF

International listing is required, it must

be weather sealed to the floor, a raised

base, or on a shelf so that seepage cannot

accumulate under it; or elevated to provide

at least (6) inches of clearance from the

floor.

In order to meet NSF International

requirements for Standard 5, the base

of the water heater must be sealed to

the floor to prevent seepage underneath.

Apply a 3/8" bead of RTV Silicone

completely around the floor edge of the

base of the tank.

Location

Locate the water heater in a clean dry area

as near as practical to the area of greatest

heated water demand. Long un-insulated

hot water lines can waste energy and

water.

Place the water heater in such a manner

that the thermostat and element access

panels can be removed to permit inspection

and servicing such as removal of elements

or checking controls.

The water heater and water lines should

be protected from freezing temperatures.

Do not install the water heater in outdoor,

unprotected areas or near any other

appliances where high temperatures are

present, such as wood burning stoves,

boilers, or furnaces. High temperatures

can warp or otherwise damage the non-

metallic construction of this water heater.

Make certain the floor underneath

the water heater is strong enough to

sufficiently support the weight of the

water heater once it is filled with water.

Unit

Capacity

(Gallons)

Unit

Capacity

(Imperial Gallons)

Dimensions (Inches)

Height 1Diameter

Shipping

Weight

(lbs)

Approximate

Full Weight

(lbs)

15 13 35 5/8 21 5/8 58 183

20 17 34 1/2 23 1/2 61 228

30 25 53 21 5/8 75 325

40 33 65 1/2 21 5/8 90 424

50 42 66 3/4 23 1/2 100 517

50S 47 1/4 28 1/4 95 512

75 63 62 5/8 28 1/4 122 748

85 71 70 1/4 28 1/4 134 843

105 88 70 3/4 30 1/4 152 1,028

1 Height includes factory installed Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve.

NOTICE: DO NOT use

fittings on top of the unit as

handles or lift points.

Installing the water heater.

Thermal Expansion

Determine if a check valve exists in the inlet water

line. Check with your local water utility. It may have

been installed in the cold water line as a separate

back flow preventer, or it may be part of a pressure

reducing valve, water meter or water softener. A

check valve located in the cold water inlet line can

cause what is referred to as a “closed water system”.

A cold water inlet line with no check valve or back

flow prevention device is referred to as an “open”

water system.

As water is heated, it expands in volume and creates

an increase in the pressure within the water system.

This action is referred to as “thermal expansion”.

In an “open” water system, expanding water which

exceeds the capacity of the water heater flows

back into the city main where the pressure is easily

dissipated.

A “closed water system”, however, prevents the

expanding water from flowing back into the main

supply line, and the result of “thermal expansion”

can create a rapid and dangerous pressure increase

in the water heater and system piping. This rapid

pressure increase can quickly reach the safety setting

of the relief valve, causing it to operate during each

heating cycle. Thermal expansion, and the resulting

rapid and repeated expansion and contraction of

components in the water heater and piping system

can cause premature failure of the relief valve, and

possibly the heater itself. Replacing the relief valve

will not correct the problem!

The suggested method of controlling thermal

expansion is to install an expansion tank in the

cold water line between the water heater and the

check valve (refer to the illustration on page 9). The

expansion tank is designed with an air cushion built

in that compresses as the system pressure increases,

thereby relieving the over pressure condition and

eliminating the repeated operation of the relief valve.

Other methods of controlling thermal expansion are

also available. Contact your installing contractor,

water supplier or plumbing inspector for additional

information regarding this subject.

Inspect Water Heater

Inspect the water heater for possible damage. Check the markings on the rating plate of the water heater to

be certain the power supply corresponds to the water heater requirements.

WARNING: The pressure

rating of the relief valve must

not exceed 150 PSI, (1034

KPA), the maximum working

pressure of the water heater as

marked on the rating plate.

A new combination temperature and pressure relief valve, complying with the Standard for Relief

Valves and Automatic Gas Shut-Off Devices for Hot Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22, is supplied

and must be installed in the opening provided and marked for the purpose on the water heater. No

valve of any type should be installed between the relief valve and the tank. Local codes shall govern the

installation of relief valves.

Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

The BTUH rating of the relief valve must

not be less than the input rating of the

water heater as indicated on the rating

label located on the front of the heater

(1 watt=3.412 BTUH).

Connect the outlet of the relief valve

to a suitable open drain so that the

discharge water cannot contact live

electrical parts or persons and to eliminate

potential water damage.

Piping used should be of a type approved

for hot water distribution. The discharge

line must be no smaller than the outlet of

the valve and must pitch downward from

the valve to allow complete drainage (by

gravity) of the relief valve and discharge

line. The end of the discharge line should

not be threaded or concealed and should

be protected from freezing. No valve of

any type, restriction or reducer coupling

should be installed in the discharge line.

Vacuum Relief Valve

NOTICE: Do NOT remove

or tamper with the vacuum

relief valve for any reason.

Doing so will void the

manufacturer’s warranty.

The vacuum relief valve, which must be

used when installing the water heater, is

factory installed.

The cold water inlet has a vacuum relief

valve connected to it. Certain conditions

in the field may produce a vacuum or neg-

ative pressure condition inside the water

heater’s tank. This negative pressure can

cause the tank to fail. The vacuum relief

valve provides a means to eliminate the

negative pressure or vacuum by admitting

air into the tank to equalize the pressure.

It is not recommended to pull a vacuum on

the unit.

If a vacuum is pulled on the unit, refer

to the "To Fill the Water Heater" section

to ensure the unit is full of water before

operating.

Water Supply Connections

Refer to the illustration on right for

suggested typical installation. The

installation of unions or flexible

copper connectors is recommended

on the hot and cold water connections

so that the water heater may be

easily disconnected for servicing if

necessary. The HOT and COLD water

connections are clearly marked and

are 3/4″ NPT on all models. Install a

shut-off valve in the cold water line

near the water heater.

The cold water connection, hot water

connection, and the temperature

and pressure relief valve may be

temporarily disconnected from the unit

to ease installation by loosening the

union hex nuts connecting the fittings

to the water heater. The connection of

these parts to the unit use seal rings to

form a water tight connection. Re-use

the rubber seal rings that are provided

with the heater when re-installing

the components. Do NOT use pipe

sealant on this joint. Do NOT torque

the union hex nuts to over 35 ft-lbs

when reinstalling the components.

Failure to properly reconnect the

fittings provided with the water heater

will void the manufacturer’s warranty.

SOLDER WITH CARE!!! If

sweat connections are used, do NOT

apply heat directly to any component

directly connected to the water

heater. This includes the cold water

connection, hot water connection,

temperature and pressure relief valve

and the drain valve. Assemblies

should be built to a minimum length

of 12” before attaching to the water

heater to avoid damaging the unit.

!WARNING: Failure to follow the

instructions provided in this manual

may permanently damage the unit and

void the manufacturer’s warranty.

NOTICE: Do not

attempt to turn any

tting connected to the

water heater union hex

nuts that are tightened.

Doing so will damage

the water heater and

void the manufacturer’s

warranty.

NOTICE: Auxiliary

catch pan MUST

conform to local codes.

The water heater should not be

located in an area where leakage of

the tank or connections will result in

damage to the area adjacent to it or to

lower floors of the structure. Where

such areas cannot be avoided, it is

recommended that a suitable catch

pan, adequately drained, be installed

under the water heater.

Under no circumstance will the

manufacturer be held liable for any

water damage in connection with

this water heater.

Catch pan kits are available from

the store where the water heater

was purchased, or any water heater

distributor.

■■■✦■■■

To open drain, this line should be at least 3/4″ ID and

pitched for proper drainage.

B = Max 2″

A = Diameter of

water heater

plus 2″ min.

Drain Pan

To Fill the Water Heater

Make certain the drain valve is completely

closed.

Open the shut-off valve in the cold water

supply line.

Open each hot water faucet slowly to

allow the air to vent from the water

heater and piping.

A steady flow of water from the hot water

faucet(s) indicates a full water heater.

!WARNING: The tank must

be full of water before heater

is turned on. The water heater

warranty does not cover

damage or failure resulting

from operation with an empty

or partially empty tank.

NOTICE: Water heater

must be centered in

drain pan.

Installing the water heater.

Typical Installation

■■■✦■■■

Temperature & Pressure

Relief Valve

Union

(The addition of a union at

this point will help in the

replacement of the T & P Relief

Valve should the need arise.)

Drain Pipe -(3/4" minimum)

Drain Valve

Support the relief valve drain pipe

using metal strapping or wire

fastened to the structure overhead

Seal Ring

(Inside nut)

Hex Union Nut

(Relief Valve)

No threads permitted

on end of Drain Pipe.

6” Maximum distance from

drain pipe to suitable open

drain.

Cold Inlet Shut Off

Thermal Expansion

Tank (if required)

See thermal

expansion section

on page 6.

Heat Trap 6"

Minimum

Pre-solder 12" minimum

stub pipes before installing

to unit.

Hot Water Outlet

Top of Water Heater Junction

Box

Drain Pan

Installing the water heater.

Electrical Connections

A separate branch circuit with copper

conductors, over current protective device

and suitable disconnecting means must be

provided by a qualified electrician.

All wiring must conform to local codes

or latest edition of National Electrical

Code ANSI/NFPA 70.

Canadian models must conform to local

codes or latest edition of Canadian

Electrical Code.

The water heater is completely wired to

the junction box inside jacket at the top

front of the water heater. An opening for

1/2″ or 3/4″ electrical fitting is provided

for field wiring connections.

The voltage requirements and wattage

load for the water heater are specified

on the rating plate on the front of the

water heater.

The branch circuit wiring should include

either:

Metallic conduit or metallic

sheathed cable approved for use as a

grounding conductor and installed

with fittings approved for the

purpose.

Non-metallic sheathed cable,

metallic conduit or metallic sheathed

cable not approved for use as a

ground conductor shall include a

separate conductor for grounding. It

should be attached to the ground

terminals of the water heater and the

electrical distribution box.

Main Fuse or

Circuit Breaker Panel

Grounding

Conductor

(Bare or Green)

Non - Metallic Sheathed Cable with

separate grounding conductor.

GREEN

BLACK

Wire Nut

Top of Water Heater Junction Box RED

BLACK

RED

CAUTION: The presence

of water in the piping and

water heater does not provide

sufficient conduction for a

ground. Non-metallic piping,

dielectric unions, flexible

connectors etc. can cause the

water heater to be electrically

isolated.

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