GE GE40T6MA User Manual

0 (0)

Use & Care Manual

With Installation Instructions for the Installer

Electric

Water Heaters

For Manufactured Housing (Mobile Home)

LISTED 786H

Single and Double

Element Models

Side or Top Water

Connections

Residential 20–52 Gallon

Model: GE Series

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 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.

Manufactured under trademark license by:

Rheem Manufacturing Company

2600 Gunter Park Drive East, Montgomery, AL 36124-4020

Printed in USA

Part No. AP12170-4 (11/03) Pub. No. 49-50012-4 11-03 JR

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Safety Information

Safety Precautions . . . . . . 3, 4

Installation Instructions

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

Water Connections . . . . . . . . 6

Electrical Connections . . . . . 8

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. . . . . . . . . . . 18

Product Registration . . 19, 20

IMPORTANT!

Fill out and return the Consumer Product Registration Card that is in the back of 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.

READ THIS MANUAL

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 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.

IF YOU NEED SERVICE

If you do need service, you can relax knowing help is only a phone call away. For service call 800-431-1549.

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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

WARNING!

WATER TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT

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.

! D A N G E R

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.

NOTICE: Mixing valves are available for reducing point of use water temperature by mixing hot and cold water in branch water lines are available. Contact a licensed plumber or the local plumbing authority for further information.

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.

Reset button	T	R
	E	E
		S
	ER	T E
Thermostat
dial pointer
	150°F	90°F
	125°F
	TURN OFF
	POWER
	BEFORE
Thermostat	SERVICING
Thermostat
protective
cover

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.

Service Customer Tips Troubleshooting Cleaning and Care Instructions Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

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 916-324-5315 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.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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.

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Installing the water heater.

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

Local Installation Regulations

The installation of this water heater must be in accordance with the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standard (Title 24, CFR; Part 3280) and the following instructions; and local codes governing the installation of water heaters in manufactured homes (mobile homes).

If additional wiring information is desired, the latest edition of the National Electrical Code is recommended. It is available from some local libraries or can be purchased from the National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as booklet ANSI/NFPA 70.

Location

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.

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

ID and pitched for proper drainage.

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.

Service Customer Tips Troubleshooting Cleaning and Care Instructions Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

the water heater.

Thermal Expansion

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 softerner. 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. 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 addition 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.

Water Supply Connections

Refer to the illustration below 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.

Typical Side Connect Installation