John Wood Electric Water Heaters User Manual

Canadian Instruction Manual

RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC

WATER HEATERS

MODELS 6-120

FOR POTABLE WATER

HEATING ONLY

NOT SUITABLE FOR

SPACE HEATING

LISTED

ALL TECHNICAL AND WARRANTY QUESTIONS: SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE LOCAL DEALER FROM WHOM THE WATER HEATER WAS

PURCHASED. IF YOU ARE UNSUCCESSFUL, PLEASE WRITE TO THE COMPANY LISTED ON THE RATING PLATE ON THE WATER HEATER.

KEEP THIS MANUAL IN THE POCKET ON HEATER FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

WHEN EVER MAINTENANCE ADJUSTMENT OR SERVICE IS REQUIRED.

PRINTED 02/13 325692-000

1

SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE

Your safety and the safety of others is extremely important in the installation, use, and servicing of this water heater.

Many safety-related messages and instructions have been provided in this manual and on your own water heater to warn you
and others of a potential injury hazard. Read and obey all safety messages and instructions throughout this manual. It is very
important that the meaning of each safety message is understood by you and others who install, use, or service this water
heater.

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you
to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety
messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible
injury or death.

DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous

DANGER

WARNING

situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or injury.

WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or injury.

CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous

CAUTION

CAUTION

All safety messages will generally tell you about the type of hazard, what can happen if you do not follow the safety message, and
how to avoid the risk of injury.

situation which, if not avoided, could result
in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION used without the safety alert
symbol indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could result
in property damage.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS

• Qualifi ed Installer: A qualifi ed installer must have ability equivalent to a licensed tradesman in the fi elds of plumbing and electrical
installation of these appliances. This would include a thorough understanding of the requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code and
applicable local electrical and plumbing codes (and tools necessary to confi rm proper installation and operation of the water heater) as
they relate to the installation of electric water heaters. The qualifi ed installer must have a thorough understanding of the water heater
Instruction Manual.

• Service Agency: A service agency also must have ability equivalent to a licensed tradesman in the fi elds of plumbing and electrical
installation of these appliances. This would include a thorough understanding of the requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code and
applicable local electrical and plumbing codes (and tools necessary to confi rm proper installation and operation of the water heater) as
they relate to the installation of electric water heaters. The service agency must have a thorough understanding of the water heater
Instruction Manual.

2

GENERAL SAFETY

3

INTRODUCTION

Thank You for purchasing this water heater. Properly installed and

maintained, it should give you years of trouble free service.

Abbreviations Found In This Instruction Manual:

• CAN - Canada

• CSA - Canadian Standards Association

• ANSI - American National Standards Institute

• ULC - Underwriters Laboratories of Canada

PREPARING FOR THE INSTALLATION

1. Read the “General Safety” section of this manual first and
then the entire manual carefully. If you don’t follow the
safety rules, the water heater will not operate properly. It
could cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, AND/OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE.

This manual contains instructions for the installation, operation,

and maintenance of the electric water heater. It also contains
warnings throughout the manual that you must read and
understand. All warnings and all instructions are essential
to the proper operation of the water heater and your safety.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO
INSTALL OR OPERATE THE WATER HEATER.

2. The installation must conform with these instructions and the
local code authority having jurisdiction and the requirements of
the power company. In the absence of local code requirements,
with the current edition of the Canadian Electrical Code CSA
C22.1. This publication is available from your local government,
library, electric company or by writing Canadian Standards
Association, 5060 Spectrum Way Suite 100, Mississauga,
Ontario, Canada L4W 5N6.

3. If after reading this manual you have any questions or do not
understand any portion of the instructions, contact the local utility
or the manufacturer whose name appears on the rating plate.

4. Carefully plan your intended placement of the water heater.
INSTALLATION OR SERVICE OF THIS WATER HEATER
REQUIRES ABILITY EQUIVALENT TO THAT OF A LICENSED
TRADESMAN IN THE FIELD INVOLVED. PLUMBING AND
ELECTRICAL WORK ARE REQUIRED.

Examine the location to ensure the water heater complies with the

“Facts to Consider About the Location” section in this manual.

SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE................................................................................................................................................................ 2

GENERAL SAFETY...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Preparing for the New Installation ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4

TYPICAL INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 5

MIXING VALVE USAGE ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

LOCATING THE NEW WATER HEATER .................................................................................................................................................................. 6-7

Facts to Consider About Location ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6

Insulation Blankets ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

INSTALLING THE NEW WATER HEATER .................................................................................................................................................................. 7

Water Piping ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7-8

Water Piping Pressure Test .................................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve ................................................................................................................................................................. 9-10

Filling the Water Heater ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

T & P Valve and Pipe Insulation (Selected Models) ........................................................................................................................................... 10

WIRING DIAGRAMS ...................................................................................................................................................................................................11

WIRING ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

TEMPERATURE REGULATION ................................................................................................................................................................................ 13

Temperature Adjustment .................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

FOR YOUR INFORMATION ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Thermal Expansion ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 14

Strange Sounds .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14

Operational Conditions ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Water Odor ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

“Air” in Hot Water Faucets .................................................................................................................................................................................. 14

High Water Temperature Shut Off System ......................................................................................................................................................... 14

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................................................................................................................15-18

Anode Rod Inspection and Replacement ........................................................................................................................................................... 15

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation ................................................................................................................................................... 15

Draining and Flushing ................................................................................................................................................................................... 15-16

Thermostat Removal/Replacement .................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Element Cleaning/Replacement .................................................................................................................................................................... 16-18

Drain Valve Washer Replacement ...................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Service ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18

LEAKAGE CHECKPOINTS ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 19

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES ......................................................................................................................................................................... 20

REPAIR PARTS LIST ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 21-23

WARRANTY ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................24-25

4

TYPICAL INSTALLATION

UPRIGHTS / LOWBOYS

INSTALL THERMAL EXPANSION

TANK OR DEVICE IF WATER
HEATER IS INSTALLED IN A

CLOSED WATER SYSTEM

† ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS MAY BE LOCATED ON THE TOP OR
SIDE, REFER TO YOUR UNIT. ACTUAL MODEL AND
ILLUSTRATION MAY VARY DEPENDENT ON MODEL CAPACITY
AND TYPE. SOME MODELS HAVE ALTERNATE INLET, OUTLET
AND T&P VALVE LOCATIONS. THESE ALTERNATE LOCATIONS
ARE IDENTIFIED BY THE LABELING ON THE UNIT.

COMPACTS

INSTALL WITH SUITABLE METAL DRAIN PAN
THAT IS PIPED TO AN ADEQUATE DRAIN.

12” (300 mm)
MAXIMUM AIR GAP

TABLE TOPS

INSTALL THERMAL EXPANSION TANK OR DEVICE IF WATER
HEATER IS INSTALLED IN A CLOSED WATER SYSTEM.

INSTALL VACUUM RELIEF IN COLD WATER INLET LINE AS
REQUIRED BY LOCAL CODES.

INSTALL SUITABLE METAL DRAIN PANS UNDER HEATERS
TO PREVENT DAMAGE DUE TO LEAKAGE. REFER TO WATER
HEATER LOCATION, SEE “INSTALLING THE NEW WATER HEATER”
SECTION.

FIGURE 1.

5

SUITABLE METAL
DRAIN PAN

MIXING VALVE USAGE

DISCHARGE PIPE

(DO NOT CAP OR PLUG)

12” (300 mm)

MAXIMUM AIR

GAP

INSTALL WITH SUITABLE METAL DRAIN PAN
THAT IS PIPED TO AN ADEQUATE DRAIN.

FIGURE 2.

Water (Potable) Heating: All models are considered suitable for

water (potable) heating only.

LOCATING THE NEW WATER HEATER

FACTS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THE LOCATION

Carefully choose an indoor location for the new water heater,
because the placement is a very important consideration for the

HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD:

Water heaters are intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a
temperature which will satisfy space heating, clothes washing, dish
washing, and other sanitizing needs can scald and permanently injure
you upon contact. Some people are more likely to be permanently
injured by hot water than others. These include the elderly, children, the
infi rm, or physically/mentally disabled. If anyone using hot water in your
home fi ts into one of these groups or if there is a local code or provincial
law requiring a certain temperature water at the hot water tap, then you
must take special precautions. In addition to using the lowest possible
temperature setting that satisfi es your hot water needs, a means such
as a mixing valve should be used at the hot water taps used by these
people or at the water heater. Mixing valves are available from your local
plumbing contractor. Consult a Qualifi ed Installer or Service Agency.
Follow mixing valve manufacturer’s instructions for installation of the
valves. Before changing the factory setting on the thermostat, read the
“Temperature Regulation” section in this manual.

safety of the occupants in the building and for the most economical
use of the appliance.

Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water
heater in a new location, the following critical points must be
observed:

1. Select a location indoors as close as practical or centralized to
the water piping system as possible. The water heater should be
located in an area not subject to freezing temperatures.

2. Selected location must provide adequate clearances (4 in/10 cm)
for servicing parts such as the thermostats, drain valve, and relief
valve. Adequate clearance for servicing this appliance should be
considered before installation, such as changing the anodes, etc.

6

3. The water heater should be located so it is not subject to physical
damage by moving vehicles or area fl ooding.

Installation of the water heater must be accomplished in such a
manner that if the tank or any connections should leak, the fl ow
will not cause damage to the structure. For this reason, it is not
advisable to install the water heater in an attic or upper fl oor. When
such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable metal drain pan should
be installed under the water heater. Metal drain pans are available
from your local plumbing contractor. Such a drain pan must have a
minimum length and width of at least 2 inches (51 mm) greater than
the water heater dimensions and must be piped to an adequate drain.

Water heater life depends upon water quality, water pressure and the
environment in which the water heater is installed. Water heaters are
sometimes installed in locations where leakage may result in property
damage, even with the use of a metal drain pan piped to a drain.
However, unanticipated damage can be reduced or prevented by a leak
detector or water shut-off device used in conjunction with a piped metal
drain pan. These devices are available from some plumbing supply
wholesalers and retailers, and detect and react to leakage in various
ways:

• Sensors mounted in the metal drain pan that trigger an alarm or turn off

the incoming water to the water heater when leakage is detected.

• Sensors mounted in the metal drain pan that turn off the water supply

to the entire home when water is detected in the drain pan.

• Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the
water pressure differential between the cold water and hot
water pipes connected to the water heater.

INSULATION BLANKETS

Insulation blankets are available to the general public for external use
on electric water heaters but are not necessary with this product. The
purpose of an insulation blanket is to reduce the standby heat loss
encountered with storage tank heaters. Your water heater meets or
exceeds the NRCan standards with respect to insulation and standby
loss requirements, making an insulation blanket unnecessary.

Should you choose to apply an insulation blanket to this heater,
you should follow these instructions below. Failure to follow these
instructions can result in fi re, serious personal injury, or death.

• Do not cover the temperature and pressure relief (T & P) valve

with an insulation blanket.

• Do not cover the instruction manual. Keep it on the side of the

water heater or nearby for future reference.

• Do obtain new warning and instruction labels for placement on

the blanket directly over the existing labels.

INSTALLING THE NEW WATER HEATER

WATER PIPING

HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD:
Water heaters are intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a
temperature which will satisfy space heating, clothes washing, dish
washing, cleaning and other sanitizing needs can scald and permanently
injure you upon contact. Some people are more likely to be permanently
injured by hot water than others. These include the elderly, children, the
infi rm, or physically/mentally disabled. If anyone using hot water in your
home fi ts into one of these groups or if there is a local code or provincial
law requiring a certain temperature water at the hot water tap, then you
must take special precautions. In addition to using the lowest possible
temperature setting that satisfi es your hot water needs, a means such as
a mixing valve should be used at the hot water taps used by these people
or at the water heater. Valves for reducing point of use temperature by
mixing cold and hot water are also available.

Consult a Qualified Installer or Service Agency. Follow
manufacturer’s instructions for installation of the valves.
Before changing the factory setting on the thermostat, read the
“Temperature Regulation” section in this manual.

This water heater shall not be connected to any heating systems or
component(s) used with a non-potable water heating appliance.

Use properly sized water heaters for spa or hot tub use.

Toxic chemicals, such as those used for boiler treatment shall not
be introduced into this system.

Water supply systems may, because of such events as high line
pressure, frequent cut-offs, the effects of water hammer among others,
have installed devices such as pressure reducing valves, check valves,
back fl ow preventers, etc. to control these types of problems. When
these devices are not equipped with an internal by-pass, and no other
measures are taken, the devices cause the water system to be closed.
As water is heated, it expands (thermal expansion) and closed systems
do not allow for the expansion of heated water.

The water within the water heater tank expands as it is heated and
increases the pressure of the water system. If the relieving point of
the water heater’s temperature-pressure relief valve is reached, the
valve will relieve the excess pressure. The temperature-pressure

relief valve is not intended for the constant relief of thermal
expansion. This is an unacceptable condition and must be corrected.

It is recommended that any devices installed which could create a
closed system have a by-pass and/or the system have an expansion
tank or device to relieve the pressure built by thermal expansion in
the water system. Expansion tanks are available for ordering through
a local plumbing contractor. Contact the local water supplier and/or
a service agency for assistance in correcting these situations.

7

NOTE: To protect against untimely corrosion of hot and cold
water fi ttings, it is strongly recommended that di-electric unions
or couplings be installed on this water heater when connected
to copper pipe.

Figure 3A shows the typical attachment of the water piping to the
water heater. The water heater is equipped with 3/4 inch NPT water
connections.

NOTE: If using copper tubing, solder tubing to an adapter before
attaching the adapter to the cold water inlet connection. Do not
solder the cold water supply line directly to the cold water inlet,
it will harm the dip tube and damage the tank.

WATER PIPING PRESSURE TEST

FIGURE 3A.

FIGURE 3B.

8

TEMPERATURE- PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE

This water heater is provided with a properly certifi ed combination
temperature - pressure relief valve by the manufacturer.

The valve is certifi ed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory
that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment
of materials as meeting the requirements for Relief Valves for Hot
Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22/CSA 4.4-current edition, and
the code requirements of ASME.

The Discharge Pipe:

• Shall not be smaller in size than the outlet pipe size of the valve,
or have any reducing couplings or other restrictions.

• Shall not be plugged or blocked.

• Shall be of material listed for hot water distribution.

• Shall be installed so as to allow complete drainage of both the
temperature-pressure relief valve, and the discharge pipe.

• Shall terminate a maximum of 12 inches (300 mm) above a
fl oor drain or external to the building. In cold climates, it is
recommended that the discharge pipe be terminated at an
adequate drain inside the building.

• Shall not have any shut-off valve between the relief valve and

tank nor in the discharge pipe.

If replaced, the valve must meet the requirements of local codes, but
not less than a combination temperature and pressure relief valve
certifi ed as indicated in the above paragraph.

The valve must be marked with a maximum set pressure not to
exceed the marked hydrostatic working pressure of the water
heater (150 psi = 1,035 kPa) and a discharge capacity not less
than the water heater input rate as shown on the model rating plate
(Electric heaters - watts x 3.412 equal BTU/hr rate).

For safe operation of the water heater, the relief valve must not
be removed from its designated opening nor plugged.

The temperature-pressure relief valve must be installed directly into
the fi tting of the water heater designed for the relief valve. Position
the valve downward and provide tubing so that any discharge will
exit only within 12 inches (300 mm) above an adequate drain, or
external to the building or structure. Be certain that no contact is
made with any live electrical part. The discharge opening must not
be blocked or reduced in size under any circumstances. Excessive
length, over 30 feet (9.14 m), or use of more than four elbows can
cause restriction and reduce the discharge capacity of the valve.

No valve or other obstruction is to be placed between the relief valve
and the tank. Do not connect tubing directly to discharge drain
unless a 12 inch air gap is provided. The relief valve must be allowed
to discharge water in suffi cient quantities, should circumstances
demand, to prevent bodily injury, hazard to life, or property damage.
If the discharge pipe is not connected to a drain or other suitable
means, the water fl ow may cause property damage.

The temperature-pressure relief valve must be manually operated
at least once a year. Caution should be taken to ensure that (1) no
one is in front of or around the outlet of the temperature-pressure
relief valve discharge line, and (2) the water manually discharged
will not cause any bodily injury or property damage because the
water may be extremely hot.

FIGURE 4.

9