Bradford-White E32-120R, E32-50S, E32-80R User Manual

Conversion Kit Instructions

For Models: E32-50S, E32-80R, & E32-120R

(To be performed ONLY by qualified service providers)

238-43984-00B 1/10

Instructions for Conversion of Commercial Electric Models

NOTICE

The conversion procedure outlined in this manual is to be executed
ONLY by Qualified Service Personnel. Before attempting conversions
it is recommended that you read the detailed instructions described
herein.

The purpose of this instruction manual is to instruct about the changing of wattage, voltage, and electrical
phase for the commercial electric water heaters manufactured by Bradford White Corporation. Underwriters
Laboratories Inc. recognizes this procedure as herein presented and no deviation from these instructions
are allowed.

Special factory prepared “Conversion Kits” must be used for these conversions. There are separate
conversion kits that have individual instructions and MUST be followed. Page 4 of these instructions lists
the kits that have been prepared for the various wattages and voltages.

These instructions do not allow for a modification that adds or deletes the number of heating elements
originally supplied with the heater; therefore such a modification must NOT

These conversion kits are only applicable to Models E32-50S / E32-80R / E32-120R.
The following information is provided to assist in the successful conversion of the water heater:

Safety precautions .........................................................................3

Introduction ....................................................................................3

Required materials and tools .........................................................3

Water heater preparation prior to conversion.................................3

Conversion kits...............................................................................4

Conversion of water heater K-W....................................................5

Conversion of water heater operating voltage ...............................6

Conversion of water heater electrical power supply phase............7

Recheck and inspection of the conversion results.........................8

Concluding steps and reassembly after completion.......................9

be attempted.

Page

2

Instructions for Conversion of Commercial Electric Models

Safety Precautions

NOTICE

The conversion procedure outlined in this manual is to be executed
ONLY by Qualified Service Personnel. Before attempting conversions
it is recommended that you read the detailed instructions described
herein.

Be sure to disconnect the water heater from the electrical supply before performing any servicing of the
electrical system or before attempting any of the conversion procedures. Never perform servicing of the
electrical system or any of the conversion procedures with wet hands or when you are in contact with water
that is on the floor or in the vicinity of the water heater.

Introduction

These conversions have been brought into being in order to expedite the water heater replacement activity.
Water heaters suitable for conversion have been wired at the factory to the maximum electrical duty for
which they have been designed. Therefore, internal electrical components are provided that satisfy the
maximum voltage and maximum electrical current conditions

Wattage, voltage, and phase requirements can be readily fitted to the heater. Conversions may involve
altering any one or all of these electrical characteristics.

Required Materials and Tools

• Screw-in element removal wrench --- or --- 1 ½” deep well socket wrench.

• Phillips head screwdriver

• Standard screwdriver

• Conversion Kit that includes: conversion instructions, electrical elements, product label overlay

(related to the newly created electrical parameters), and element gaskets. Refer to page 4 of these
instructions in order to determine the correct Conversion Kit numbers.

Water Heater Preparation

Locate the areas of the carton to be opened opposite the three electrical elements. A dotted line locates
the position on the carton that needs to be scored and cut. Make these three-sided cuts and fold the carton
flap outward to make an opening in the carton. The carton flap will be closed to seal the carton after
conversion is completed. Remove the three element cover screws and the element covers from the water
heater in order to provide access to the elements.

Locate the area of the carton to be opened opposite the electrical enclosure box. A dotted line locates the
position on the carton that needs to be scored and cut. Make this three-sided cut and fold the carton flap
outward to make an opening in the carton. The carton flap will be closed to seal the carton after conversion
is completed.

3

Instructions for Conversion of Commercial Electric Models

Conversion Kits for Models E32-50S-3/80R-3/120R-3

1. Refer to Table 1 below that contains water heater KW, Element Wattage, Voltage, and kit part
numbers.

2. Locate the KW of the required water heater.

3. Move across the table (to the right) until you reach the required voltage.

4. Select the required kit number.

5. Use that kit for this conversion.

6. Refer to the remaining pages for a detailed conversion procedure.

Table 1. Conversion Kit Table

Total Water

Heater (KW)

6 2000 265-43942-13 265-43942-07 265-43942-01
9 3000 265-43942-14 265-43942-08 265-43942-02

12 4000 265-43942-15 265-43942-09 265-43942-03

13.5 4500 265-43942-16 265-43942-10 265-43942-04
15 5000 265-43942-17 265-43942-11 265-43942-05
18 6000 265-43942-18* 265-43942-12 265-43942-06

Element
Wattage

*265-43942-18 will require control box replacement (included in kit).

208 volts 240 volts 480 volts

These three element water heaters with surface mount thermostats have been factory wired with the
following common components; terminal block for max service wire size of 2 AWG, 3 elements each having
a surface mount thermostat with hi-limit control, two fuse blocks rated at 480 volts ac max, and 6 type G 30
amp fuses (rated at 480 volts max).

Kit Part Numbers Required

4