GE GE20P6A User Manual
Water Heaters
Electric Point of Use
Model: GE Series
The purpose of this manual is twofold: one, to provide the installer
with 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 trouble shooting of the water heater. This manual
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 that they
may understand how to perform these operations.
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 Element 120 Volt Operation
Residential 2
1
/
2 – 20 Gallon
®
LISTED
786H
Part No. AP12169-5 (01/05) Pub. No. 49-50013-4 11-03 JR
Manufactured under trademark license by:
Rheem Manufacturing Company
2600 Gunter Park Drive East, Montgomery, AL 36124-4020
Printed in USA
Use & Care Manual
With Installation Instructions for the Installer
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING—When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to
persons should be followed, including:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS
WATER HEATER.
The cord and plug connected water heater covered in
this manual (21/2 gallon models) must be grounded.
Connect only to properly grounded outlet. See “Electrical
Connections” section on page 8.
Install or locate this water heater in accordance with
the provided installation instructions.
Use this water heater only for its intended use as
described in this manual.
As with any appliance, close supervision is necessary
when used by children.
Do Not use an extension cord set with this water heater.
If no receptacle is available adjacent to the water heater,
contact a qualified electrician to have one properly installed.
Do Not operate this water heater if it has a damaged
cord or plug, if it is not working properly, or if it has
been damaged or dropped.
This water heater should be serviced only by qualified
service personnel. Contact nearest authorized service
center for examination, repair or adjustment.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
!
!
Safety Information
Safety Precautions . . . . . . 3, 4
Installation Instructions
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Water Connections . . . . . . . . . 6
Electrical Connections . . . . . . 8
Pipe Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Heat Traps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installation Checklist . . . . . . . 11
Operating Instructions
Safety Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Water Temperature . . . . . . . . 13
Care and Cleaning
Draining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Extended Shut-Down . . . . . . 14
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Troubleshooting Tips
Before You Call
For Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Customer Service
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Wiring Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Product Registration . . 19, 20
2
Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions
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
FOR YOUR RECORDS
Write the model and serial numbers here:
#
#
You can find them on a label on the appliance.
Staple sales slip or cancelled check here.
Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service
under the warranty.
IMPORTANT!
Fill out and return the Consumer Product Registration Card that is
in the back of this manual.
If you do need service, you can relax knowing help is only a phone
call away. For service call 800-431-1549.
IF YOU NEED SERVICE
READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION
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.
!
!
!
!
Safety Instructions Installation Instructions Operating Instructions Care and Cleaning Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service
Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds
Water Temperature Time To Produce a Serious Burn
120°F More than 5 minutes
125°F 11/2
to 2 minutes
130°f About 30 seconds
135°F About 10 seconds
140°F Less than 5 seconds
145°F Less than 3 seconds
150°F About 11/
2 seconds
155°F 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.
NOTICE: Households with small children, disabled,
or elderly persons may require a 120°F 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.
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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
3
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 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.
!
DANGER
HOT
BURN
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.
S
E
T
R
E
R
T
E
E
S
(66°C)
(52°C)
125°F
TURN OFF
POWER
BEFORE
SERVICING
90°F150°F
(32°C)
4
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, 400 P Street,
Sacramento, CA 95814 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
Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety 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 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.
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.
Location
This water heater is designed to meet a
wide range of applications. It fulfills a
demand for a small water heater that can
be installed in a limited space such as under
countertops, in cabinets or in a closet.
Locate the water heater in a clean dry
area as near as practical to hot water
fixtures, or close to the water faucet
most frequently used.
Locate the water heater in a clean dry
area as near as practical to the area of
greatest heated water demand. Long
uninsulated 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.
CAUTION: 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.
A—Diameter of water
heater plus 2″ min.
B—Maximum 2″
NOTICE: Auxiliary catch pan MUST conform to local codes.
Catch Pan Kits are available from the store where the water
heater was purchased, or any water heater distributor.
B
A
To open drain, line
should be at least 3/4″
ID and pitched for
proper drainage.
5
Safety Instructions Installation Instructions Operating Instructions Care and Cleaning Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service
Installing the water heater.
Thermal Expansion
Water Supply Connections
Determine if a check valve exists in the
inlet water line.
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
“
cclloosseedd wwaatteerr ssyysstteemm
.” 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 pressure within the
water system. This action is referred to as
“
tthheerrmmaall eexxppaannssiioonn
.” 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 “
cclloosseedd wwaatteerr ssyysstteemm
,” however, prevents
the expanding water from flowing back into
the main supply line, and the result of
“
tthheerrmmaall eexxppaannssiioonn
” can create a rapid and
dangerous pressure increase in the water
heater and the 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. 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.
NOTICE: Do not apply
heat to the HOT or COLD
water connections. If sweat
connections are used, sweat
tubing to adapter before fitting
adapter to the water
connections on heater. Any
heat applied to the water
supply fittings will permanently
damage the dip tube and/or
heat traps.
Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions
6
Refer to the illustrations on the following
page 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. Connect cold water supply
line to 3/4” pipe connection near bottom
of water heater on the 6 gallon and 20
gallon models. Install a shut-off valve and
a drain valve (not supplied with heater,
except 2 1/2 gal. models) in cold water line
near water heater. Connect hot water line
to 3/4” pipe connection marked HOT on
side near top of water heater. On the
2 1/2 gallon models, the hot and cold
water connections are 1/2” pipe
connections and are located on top of the
heater. Local codes may require an
anti-siphon device on the water inlet of a
side connect water heater.
Inspect Shipment
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.
Loading...