Bradford White ELECTRIC WATER HEATER, E32-50S, E32-80R, E32-120R Instruction Manual

238-43565-00H REV 8/10

ELECTRIC WATER HEATER

THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS HEATER WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
ANY DAMAGE RESULTING FROM FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE
INSTRUCTIONS. READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY
BEFORE STARTING.

For safety, convenience, and best performance, we recommend
this water heater be installed and serviced by a plumbing
professional.

INSTALLATION & OPERATING

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

2

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have just purchased one of the finest water heaters
on the market today!

This installation, operation and instruction manual will
explain in detail the installation and maintenance of your
new Electric Water Heater. We strongly recommend that
you contact a plumbing professional for the installation of
this water heater.

We require that you carefully read this manual, as well as
the enclosed warranty, and refer to it when questions
arise. If you have any specific questions concerning
your warranty, please consult the plumbing professional
from whom your water heater was purchased. For your
records we recommend that you write the model, serial
number and installation date of your water heater in the
maintenance section in the back of this manual.

This manual should be kept with the water heater.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Information .......................................................... 3

Installation ......................................................................... 4

Locating The Water Heater........................................... 4

Water Connections........................................................ 6

Electrical Connections.................................................. 11

Amperage Chart.......................................................... 12

GPH Recovery Capacities.......................................... 12

General Operation............................................................. 13

Thermostat Adjustment ................................................ 14

Maintenance....................................................................... 15

Notes .................................................................................. 18

3

GENERAL INFORMATION

This water heater must be installed in accordance with local codes. In the
absence of local codes, install this water heater in accordance with national
or regional requirements.

The best efficiency and longest product life is obtained only when the water
heater is installed, adjusted and operated in accordance with these
Installation and Operating Instructions. The manufacturer will not be held
liable for damage resulting from alteration and/or failure to comply with these
instructions.

This water heater has been designed and listed for the purpose of heating
potable water. The installation and use of this water heater for any purpose
other than the heating of potable water may cause damage to the water
heater and create a hazardous condition.

Do not use this appliance if any part has been under water. Immediately call
a qualified service technician to inspect the appliance and to replace any
part of the control system which has been under water. Depending upon
individual circumstances, it may be necessary to replace the entire water
heater.

Make sure that the voltage being supplied to the water heater is according to
the voltage printed on the product rating plate.

CAUTION

Incorrect operation of this appliance may create a hazard to life and
property and may impair and shorten heater life.

DANGER

Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable, combustible or
corrosive vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance.

IMPORTANT

Before proceeding, please inspect the water heater and its components for
possible damage. DO NOT install any damaged components. If damage is
evident, please contact the supplier where the water heater was purchased
or the manufacturer listed on the rating plate for replacement parts.

4

General Information continued-

A sacrificial anode(s) is used to extend tank life. Removal of any anode, for
any reason, will shorten the products useful life. In areas where water is
unusually active, an odor may occur at the hot water faucet due to a reaction
between the sacrificial anode and impurities in the water. If this should
happen, an alternative anode(s) may be purchased from the supplier that
installed this water heater. This will minimize the odor while protecting the
tank. Additionally, the water heater should be flushed with appropriate
dissolvers to eliminate any bacteria.

INSTALLATION

Locating The Water Heater

This water heater must NOT be installed in any location where gasoline
or flammable vapors are likely to be present, unless the installation is
such to eliminate the ignition of gasoline or flammable vapors.

The location where this water heater is to be installed will be of utmost
importance. Before installing this water heater, consult the installation
section of these instructions. After reading these installation and operating
instructions, select a location for the water heater where the floor is level and
where the power supply and water connections are easily accessible. It is
recommended that the water heater be located near the center of greatest
hot water usage to reduce heat loss from the pipes.

DO NOT locate the w ater heater where water lines could be subjected
to freezing temperatures. Locate the water heater so that access
panels and drain valves are accessible.

WARNING

Water heaters are heat-producing appliances. To avoid damage or injury,
there must be no materials stored against the water heater and proper care
must be taken to avoid unnecessary contact (especially by children) with
the water heater. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL FLAMMABLE

MATERIALS, SUCH AS GASOLINE OR PAINT THINNER BE USED OR
STORED IN THE VICINITY OF THIS WATER HEATER OR ANY
LOCATION FROM WHICH FUMES COULD REACH THE WATER
HEATER.

5

Locating The Water Heater continued-

Water heater corrosion and component failure can be caused by the heating
and breakdown of airborne chemical vapors. Examples of some typical
compounds that are potentially corrosive are: spray can propellants, cleaning
solvents, refrigerator and air conditioning refrigerants, swimming pool
chemicals, calcium or sodium chloride, waxes and process chemicals.
These materials are corrosive at very low concentration levels with little or no
odor to reveal their presence.

NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS WATER HEATER WILL NOT
ACCEPT RESPONSIBILTY FOR DAMAGE TO THE WATER HEATER
CAUSED BY EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE VAPORS. DO NOT OPERATE
THE WATER HEATER IF EXPOSURE HAS OR WILL OCCUR. DO NOT
STORE ANY POTENTIALLY CORROSIVE COMPOUNDS IN THE
VICINITY OF THE WATER HEATER.

This water heater must be located in an area where leakage of the tank or
water line connections and the combination temperature and pressure relief
valve will not result in damage to the area adjacent to the water heater or to
lower floors of the structure. When such locations cannot be avoided, a
suitable drain pan must be installed under the water heater. The drain pan
must have a minimum length and width of at least 4 in. (10.2 cm) greater
than the diameter of the water heater. The drain pan, as described above,
can be purchased from your plumbing professional. The drain pan must be
piped to an adequate drain. The piping must be pitched for proper drainage.

This water heater MUST be installed indoors out of the wind and
weather.

Note: For California installation this water heater must be braced,
anchored, or strapped to avoid falling or moving during an earthquake.
See instructions for correct installation procedures. Instructions may
be obtained from the DSA Headquarters Office, 1102 Q Street, Suite
5100, Sacramento, CA 95811.

6

Water Connections

NOTE: BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE INSTALLATION, CLOSE THE
MAIN WATER SUPPLY VALVE.

After shutting the main water supply valve, open a faucet to relieve the water
line pressure to prevent any water from leaking out of the pipes while making
the water connections to the water heater. After the pressure has been
relieved, close the faucet. The cold water inlet line connects to the inlet
nipple at the base of the water heater. The hot water outlet line connects to
the nipple on top of the water heater. The fittings at the cold water inlet and
hot water outlet are dielectric waterway fittings with tapered male threads.
Make the proper plumbing connections between the water heater and the
plumbing system in the structure. Install a shut-off valve in the cold water
supply line.

If this water heater is installed in a closed water supply system, such as one
having a back-flow preventer in the cold water supply, provisions shall be
made to control thermal expansion. DO NOT operate this water heater in a
closed system without provisions for controlling thermal expansion. Your
water supplier or local plumbing inspector should be contacted about how to
control this situation.

After installation of the water lines, open the main water supply valve and fill
the water heater. While the water heater is filling, open several hot water
faucets to allow air to escape from the water system. After a steady stream
of water flows from the faucets, close them and check all water connections
for possible leaks. NEVER OPERATE THE WATER HEATER WITHOUT

FIRST BEING CERTAIN IT IS FILLED WITH WATER.

CAUTION

If sweat fittings are to be used, DO NOT apply heat to the nipples on top
of the water heater. Sweat the tubing to the adapter before fitting the
adapter to the water connections. It is imperative that heat is not applied
to the nipples containing a plastic liner.

IMPORTANT

FAILURE TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN A NEW, LISTED
TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE WILL RELEASE THE
MANUFACTURER FROM ANY CLAIM, WHICH MIGHT RESULT FROM
EXCESSIVE TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURES.

7

Water Connections continued-

WARNING

For protection against excessive temperatures and pressure, install
temperature and pressure protective equipment required by local codes,
but not less than a combination temperature and pressure relief valve
certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory that maintains
periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials, as
meeting the Requirements for Relief Valves and Automatic Gas Shutoff

Devices for Hot Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22, and the Standard
CAN1-4.4 Temperature, Pressure, Temperature and Pressure Relief
Valves and Vacuum Relief Valves. The combination temperature and

pressure relief valve must be marked with a maximum set pressure, not to
exceed the maximum working pressure of the water heater. The
combination temperature and pressure relief valve shall also have an
hourly rated temperature steam BTU discharge capacity not less than the
hourly input rating of the water heater.

Install the combination temperature and pressure relief valve into the
opening provided and marked for this purpose on the water heater

Note: Some models may already be equipped or supplied with a
combination temperature and pressure relief valve. Verify that the
combination temperature and pressure relief valve complies with local
codes. If the combination temperature and pressure relief valve does not
comply with local codes, replace it with one that does. Follow the
installation instructions above on this page.

Install a discharge line so that water discharged from the combination
temperature and pressure relief valve will exit within six (6) inches (15.3
cm) above, or any distance below the structural floor and cannot contact
any live electrical part. The discharge line is to be installed to allow for
complete drainage of both the temperature and pressure relief valve and
the discharge line. The discharge opening must not be subjected to
blockage or freezing. DO NOT thread, plug or cap the discharge line. It is
recommended that a minimum of four (4) inches (10.2 cm) be provided on
the side of the water heater for servicing and maintenance of the
combination temperature and pressure relief valve.

Do not place a valve between the combination temperature and pressure
relief valve and the tank.

8

Water Connections continued-

This water heater can deliver scalding temperature water at any faucet in the
system. Be careful whenever using hot water to avoid scalding injury.
Certain appliances, such as dishwashers and automatic clothes washers,
may require increased temperature water. By setting the thermostat on this
water heater to obtain increased temperature water required by these
appliances, you might create the potential for scald injury. To protect against
injury, you should install an ASSE approved mixing valve in the water
system. This valve will reduce point of discharge temperature by mixing cold
and hot water in branch supply lines. Such valves are available from the
manufacturer of this water heater or a local plumbing supplier. Please
consult with a plumbing professional.

WARNING

Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system served by this
water heater that has not been used for a long period of time
(generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely
flammable. To reduce the risk of injury under these conditions, it is
recommended that the hot water faucet be opened for several
minutes at the kitchen sink before using any electrical appliance
connected to the hot water system. If hydrogen is present, there will
probably be an unusual sound such as air escaping through the pipe
as the water begins to flow. There should be no smoking or open
flame near the faucet at the time it is open.

CAUTION

INCREASING THE THERMOSTAT SETTING ABOVE THE PRESET
TEMPERATURE MAY CAUSE SEVERE BURNS AND CONSUME
EXCESSIVE ENERGY. HOTTER WATER INCREASES THE RISK OF
SCALD INJURY.

9

Water Connections continued-

APPROXIMATE TIME/TEMPERATURE RELATIONSHIPS IN SCALDS

120°F (49°C) More than 5 minutes
125°F (52°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

(52°C) can cause severe burns

are at highest risk of being

Children, disabled and elderly

instantly or death from scalds.

Water temperature over 125°F

Feel water before bathing or

before setting temperature

available.

showering.
Temperature limiting valves are

Review this instruction manual
at water heater.

scalded.

10

Water Connections continued-

The hot and cold water connections are identified on the top of the water
heater. Connect the hot and cold water lines to the installed nipples using
unions. Install a listed temperature-pressure relief valve in the opening on
the top of the water heater.

Figure 1

11

Electrical Connections

Before any electrical connections are made, be sure the water heater is full
of water and the manual shut-off valve located in the cold water supply line is
open. If the heating elements are not completely immersed in water at all
times, they will be damaged (burned-out) if energized for even a short period
of time. There is no warranty for burned-out heating elements. Before
proceeding verify a correct electrical connection has been made by checking
the rating plate and wiring diagram. The temperature-limiting device is of the
manual reset, trip-free type and has been factory installed to interrupt all
ungrounded power supply conductors in the event of thermostat failure.

The plumbing supplier in your area ordered this water heater wired at the
factory to comply with existing area codes, but local utility codes may require
or allow other circuitry. Consult your local power company to determine the
correct electrical hook-up in order to meet local utility and building codes and
in order to obtain the most economical rates. All electrical connections to
elements, thermostats, and terminal block have been made at the factory.
DO NOT alter any of the internal wiring. Wiring connections may loosen
during shipment. Check all connections for tightness.

To make the wiring connections to a power supply, follow the steps below.
A) Remove the control box cover panel.
B) Bring the power leads from an adequately sized fused disconnect switch

(not furnished with the water heater due to varying state and local codes)

and connect to the terminal block. Consult your local code and/or utility

authority about the correct wire size for the length of the wire required in

this installation. Longer wire lengths will usually require larger wire size.
C) This water heater must be properly grounded. A ground connection is

provided for connection to a properly sized ground. (See wiring diagram

for minimum required ground size. Wiring diagram is located on the

inside of the element cover)
D) Replace the control box cover panel.

12

Electrical Connections continued-

Heating Elements

To replace heating elements, disconnect power to the water heater, drain
tank and replace element. To remove a heating element, use a 1 1/2” screw
type element wrench that is usually available at places where plumbing
supplies can be obtained. Do not over-tighten the new element, as this will
cause distortion in the new element gasket. Once the element has been
replaced, follow the instructions “To Fill The Water Heater”. It is imperative
that the water heater is filled with water before the power is restored to the
heating elements.

Amperage Chart

Amperage Fuse Size Ground Wire Size

kW 220V 380V 415V 220V 380V 415V (AWG)

Input 1Ø 3Ø 3Ø 1Ø 3Ø 3Ø 220V 380V 415V

6 27 9 8 35 12 10 10 14 14
9 41 14 13 60 20 20 10 14 14

12 55 18 17 70 25 25 8 12 12

13.5 61 21 19 80 30 25 8 10 12
15 68 23 21 90 30 30 8 10 10

16.5 75 25 23 100 35 30 8 10 10
18 82 27 25 110 35 35 8 10 10

GPH Recovery Capacities

kW Temperature Rise

Input 40°F 50°F 60°F 70°F 80°F 90°F 100°F 120°F 130°F 140°F

6 62 50 41 35 31 28 25 21 19 18
9 93 74 62 53 47 41 37 31 29 27

12 124 99 83 71 62 55 50 41 38 35

13.5 140 112 93 80 70 62 56 47 43 40
15 155 125 103 89 78 69 62 52 48 44

16.5 171 137 114 98 86 76 68 57 53 49
18 186 149 124 106 93 83 74 62 57 53

Multiply kW input by 3,412 to determine BTU input:
Example: 54kW x 3412 = 184,248 BTU’s

Recovery Computation Formula

GPH= (watts x 3.412) / (8.25 x °Temp. Rise)