Reliance 650EORT, 640EORT, 630EORT, 630EOLBS Use & Care Guide

Installa on Instruc ons and

O

Use & Care Guide

Residen al Electric

Water Heater

DO NOT RETURN THIS UNIT TO THE STORE

Read this manual and the labels on the water heater before you install,
operate, or service it. If you have diffi culty following the direc ons, or
aren’t sure you can safely and properly do any of this work yourself:

• Call our Technical Assistance Hotline at 1-800-365-4054 . We can help you with

installation, operations, troubleshooting, or maintenance. Before you call, write
down the model and serial number from the water heater’s data plate.

Incorrect installa on, opera on, or service can damage the water heater, your house
and other property, and present risks including fi re, scalding, electric shock, and
explosion, causing serious injury or death.

Table of Contents Page

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ................................. 3

GETTING STARTED ............................................................6

INSTALLATION ................................................................... 7

TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................................17

MAINTENANCE ............................................................... 21

DIAGRAMS ..................................................................... 25

REPAIR PARTS ..........................................................26

LOW LEAD

C

NTENT

Keep this manual in the pocket on heater for future reference whenever maintenance, adjustment or service is required.

Retain your original receipt as proof of purchase.

January 2015

100263107

COMPLETED INSTALLATION TYPICAL

Water
shut off

Hot
water
line

Electrical
junc on
box

Expansion
tank

Cold
water
line

ECO Reset
Bu on
(on most
models)

Upper
Element and
Thermostat
access

Lower
Element and
Thermostat
access

T&P
relief
valve

T&P
discharge
pipe

Drain pan
discharge
pipe

Drain pan

Drain valve

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Read and follow all safety messages and instruc ons in
this manual.

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to
poten al physical injury hazards. Obey all safety mes-
sages that follow this symbol to avoid possible property
damage, serious injury or death. Do not remove any

permanent instruc ons, labels, or the data plate from either the outside of
the water heater or on the inside of the access panels. Keep this manual
near the water heater.

DANGER indicates hazardous

DANGER

WARNING

situa on that, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a hazardous
situa on that, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.

Important informa on to keep

SAFETY

Fill out this sec on and keep this
manual in the pocket of the water
heater for reference.

Date Purchased:

Model number:

Serial number:

Maintenance performed:* Date:

CAUTION indicates a hazardous

CAUTION

NOTICE

The California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act requires the
Governor of California to publish a list of substances known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm, and
requires businesses to warn of potential exposure to such substances.

WARNING! This product contains one or more chemicals known to the

State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc ve harm.

This appliance can cause low-level exposure to some of the substances
included in the act.

situa on that, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE indicates prac ces not
related to physical injury.

*Drain and fl ush tank and remove and
inspect anode rod a er fi rst six months
of opera on and at least annually
therea er. Operate the Temperature
and Pressure Relief Valve (T&P) annu­ally and inspect T&P valve every 2-4
years (see the label on the T&P valve for
maintenance schedule). See the Main­tenance sec on for more informa on
about maintaining this water heater.

Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

o reduce the risk of property

T

damage, serious injury or death,

read and follow the precau ons below,

SAFETY

all labels on the water heater, and
the safety messages and instruc ons
throughout this manual.

RISKS DURING INSTALLATION
AND MAINTENANCE

Electric Shock Risk

Contact with the electrical
parts in the junction box and

behind the access doors can
result in severe injury or death from
electrical shock:

• Disconnect power by opening the

circuit breaker or removing the
fuses before installing or servicing.

• Use a non-contact circuit tester to

confirm that power is off before
working on or near any electrical
parts.

• Replace the junction box cover and

access doors after servicing.

Lifting Risk

WARNING! The

water heater is
heavy. Follow these

precau ons to
reduce the risk of property damage,
injuries from li ing or impact injuries
from dropping the water heater.

• Use at least two people to lift the

water heater.

• Be sure you both have a good grip

before lifting.

• U se an appliance dolly or hand

truck to move the water heater.

RISKS DURING OPERATION

Scalding Risk

This water heater
can make water hot

enough to cause
severe burns instantly, resulting in
severe injury or death.

• Feel water before bathing or s how-

ering.

• To reduce the risk of scalding,

install Thermostatic Mixing Valves
(temperature limiting valves) at
each point-of-use. These valves
automatically mix hot and cold
water to limit the temperature at
the tap. Mixing valves are available

from your local plumbing supplier .
Follow manufacturer’s instructions
for installation and adjustment of
the valves.

• The thermostat(s) on this water

heater have been factory set to
approximately 120°F to reduce the
risk of scalding. Higher tempera­tures increase the risk of scalding,
but even at 120°F, hot water can
scald. If you choose a higher tem­perature, Thermostatic Mixing
Valves located at each point-of-use
are particularly important to help
avoid scalding.

Temperature Time to Produce a

Serious Burn

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

For informa on about changing the
factory thermostat se ng(s), refer to
the “Adjus ng Temperature” sec on in
this manual (“Step 10” on page 15).

Even if you set the water heater
thermostat(s) to a low se ng, higher
temperatures may occur in certain
circumstances:

• In some cases, repeated small
draws of water can cause the
hot and cold water in the tank to
“stack” in layers. If this happens,
the water can be as much as thirty
degrees hotter than the thermo­stat setting. This temperature varia­tion is the result of your usage pat­tern and is not a malfunction.

• Water temperature will be hot­ter if someone adjusted the
thermostat(s) to a higher setting.

• Problems with the thermostat(s),
or other malfunctions may result in
higher than expected water tem­peratures.

• If the water heater is in a hot envi­ronment, the water in the tank can
become as hot as the surrounding
air, regardless of the thermostat
setting.

• If the water supplied to the water
heater is pre-heated (for example,
by a solar system) the temperature
in the tank may be higher than the
water heater’s thermostat setting.

To reduce the risk of unusually hot
water reaching the fi xtures in the
house, install Thermosta c Mixing
Valves at each point-of-use.

If anyone in your home is at par cular
risk of scalding (for example, the el­derly, children, or people with disabili­ es) or if there is a local code or state
law requiring a certain water tempera­ture at the hot water tap, then these

4 • Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide

precau ons are par cularly important.

According to a na onal standard
American Society of Sanitary Engineer­ing (ASSE 1070) and most local plumbing
codes, the water heater’s thermostat
should not be used as the sole means to
regulate water temperature and avoid
scalds.

Properly adjusted Thermosta c Mixing
Valves installed at each point-of-use al­low you to set the tank temperature to
a higher se ng without increasing risk
of scalds. A higher temperature se ng
allows the tank to provide much more
hot water and can help provide proper
water temperatures for appliances such
as dishwashers and washing machines.
Higher tank temperatures (140°F)
also kill bacteria that cause a condi­ on known as “smelly water” and can
reduce the levels of bacteria that cause
water-borne diseases.

Water Contamination Risk

Do not use chemicals that could con­taminate the potable water supply. Do
not use piping that has been treated
with chromates, boiler seal, or other
chemicals.

Fire Risk

To reduce the risk of a
fire that could destroy
your home and serious-

ly injure or kill people:

• D o not store things that can burn
easily such as paper or clothes next
to the water heater.

• Be sure the junction box cover and
the access door covers are in place.
These covers keep debris from
entering and potentially being ignit­ed, and help keep any internal fires
from spreading.

ing wet. Immediately shut the water
heater off and have it inspected by a
qualified person if you find that the
wiring, thermostat(s) or surround­ing insulation have been exposed to
water in any way (e.g., leaks from
plumbing, leaks from the water
heater itself can damage property
and could cause a fire risk). If the
water heater is subjected to flood
conditions or the thermostat(s) have
been submerged in water, the entire
water heater must be replaced.

• Make electrical connections prop­erly, according to the instructions
on page 14. Use 10 gauge solid
copper wire. Use a UL listed or CSA
approved strain relief. Connect
ground wire to green ground screw.

Explosion Risk

High temperatures and
pressures in the water

heater tank can cause an
explosion resulting in property
damage, serious injury or death. A
new Temperature and Pressure (T&P)
Relief Valve is included with your water
heater to reduce risk of explosion by
discharging hot water. Additional
temperature and pressure protective
equipment may be required by local
codes.

A nationally recognized testing labora­tory maintains periodic inspection of
the valve production process and certi­fies that it meets the requirements
for Relief Valves for Hot Water Supply
Systems, ANSI Z21.22. The T&P Relief
Valve’s relief pressure must not exceed
the working pressure rating of the wa­ter heater as stated on the rating plate.

Maintain the T&P Relief Valve properly.
Follow the maintenance instructions
provided by the manufacturer of the
T&P Relief Valve (label attached to T&P
Relief Valve) and the procedure that
starts on page 24.

An explosion could occur if the T&P
Relief Valve or discharge pipe is
blocked. Do not cap or plug the T&P
Relief Valve or discharge pipe.

Fire and Explosion Risk if Hot Water is
Not Used for Two Weeks or More

C AUTION! Hydrogen gas builds up in
a hot water system when it is not used
for a long period (two weeks or more).
Hydrogen gas is extremely fl ammable.
If the hot water system has not been
used for two weeks or more, open a
hot water faucet for several minutes at
the kitchen sink before using any elec­trical appliances connected to the hot
water system. Do not smoke or have
an open fl ame or other igni on source
near the faucet while it is open.

SAFETY

• Keep the water heater from becom-

Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 5

GETTING STARTED

Figure 1 -  Flexible connectors use compres­sion fittings and do not require soldering.

Figure 2 -  Use a non-contact circuit tester
to insure that the power is off before you
work on a circuit.

GETTING STARTED

Figure 3 -  Install a Pressure Reducing Valve
set to 50 to 60 PSI.

Review all of the instruc ons

1

before you begin work.
Improper installa on can

damage the water heater, your home
and other property, and can present
risks of serious injury or death.

Check with your local and

2

state authori es for any local

or state codes that apply to
your area. In the absence of local and
state codes, follow Na onal Fire
Protec on Associa on (NFPA-70) and
the current edi ons of the Na onal
Electric Code (NEC) and the Interna­ onal Plumbing Code (IPC). The
instruc ons in this manual comply with
na onal codes, but the installer is
responsible for complying with local
codes.

Massachuse s code requires this wa-
ter heater to be installed in accordance
with Massachuse s 248-CMR 2.00 and
248-CMR 5.00: State Plumbing Code.
Other local and state authori es may
have similar requirements or other
codes applicable to the installa on of
this water heater.

Before you start, be sure you

3

have, and know how to use, the

following tools and supplies:

kits with compression fittings
that don’t require soldering

(Figure 1). Compression fittings
are easier to install than sol­dering copper pipes.

• Teflon® tape or pipe joint com­pound approved for potable water

• Tools to make the electrical connec­tions (for example, screwdrivers,
wire strippers)

• Non-Contact circuit tester to check
for power (Figure 2)

• Water Pressure Gauge (Figure 4)

Recommended Accessories:

• Suitable drain pan (Figure 6 on page

8)

• Automatic leak detection and shut­off device

• Pressure Reducing Valve (Figure 3
on page 6)

• Thermal Expansion Tank (Figure 5
on page 7)

• Point-of-use Thermostatic Mixing
Valves (Figure 7 on page 8)

• Plumbing tools and supplies appro­priate for the type of water pipes in
your home

• Threaded connectors (Figure 1) for
the cold and hot water pipes

• For homes plumbed with plastic
pipe, use threaded connectors suit­able for the specific type of plastic
pipe used: CPVC and PEX (cross­linked polyethylene). Do not use
PVC pipe.

• For homes with copper pipes,

you may purchase connector

6 • Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide

INSTALLATION

Follow these steps for proper
installa on:

Step 1:

Verify that your

✓

home is equipped

and up-to-date for
proper opera on

Installing a new water heater is the
perfect  me to examine your home’s
plumbing system and make sure the
system is up to current code standards.
There have likely been plumbing code
changes since the old water heater was
installed. We recommend installing the
following accessories and any other
needed changes to bring your home up
to the latest code requirements.

Use the checklist below and inspect
your home. Install any devices you need
to comply with codes and assure that
your new water heater performs at its
best. Check with your local plumbing
offi cial for more informa on.

Water pressure

✓

We recommend checking your
home’s water pressure with a pressure
gauge (Figure 4.) Most codes allow a
maximum incoming water pressure of
80 psi. We recommend a working pres­sure no higher than 50-60 psi.

HOW: Purchase an inexpensive water
pressure gauge available at your local
plumbing supplier . Connect the Water
Pressure Gauge to an outside faucet
and measure the maximum water
pressure experienced throughout the
day (highest water pressures o en oc-
cur at night).

Figure 4 -  Use a Water Pressure Gauge to
make sure your home’s water pressure is
not too high.

To limit your home’s water pressure:
Locate your home’s Pressure Reduc­ing Valve (PRV) on the main incoming
(cold) water supply line and adjust the
water pressure control to between 50
and 60 psi. If your home does not have
a Pressure Reducing Valve, install a
PRV on the home’s main water supply
line and set it to between 50 and 60
psi. Pressure Reducing Valves are avail­able at your local plumbing supplier .

BACKGROUND: Over the years, many
u li es have increased water sup-
ply pressures so they can serve more
homes. In some homes today, pres­sures exceed 100 psi. High water
pressures can damage water heaters,
causing premature leaks. If you have
replaced toilet valves, had a water
heater leak, or had to repair applianc­es connected to the plumbing system,
pay par cular a en on to your home’s
water pressure. When purchasing a
PRV, make sure the PRV has a built-in
bypass.

Water pressure

✓

increase caused by

thermal expansion

Verify that you have a properly sized
Thermal Expansion Tank (Figure 5). We
recommend installing an expansion
tank if your home does not have one.
Codes require a properly pressurized,
properly sized Thermal Expansion Tank
in almost all homes. (See photo on
inside front cover.)

Figure 5 -  A Thermal Expansion Tank helps
protect the home’s plumbing system from

pressure spikes.

HOW: Connect the Thermal Expansion
Tank (available at your local plumbing
supplier ) to the cold water supply line
near the water heater. The expansion
tank contains a bladder and an air
charge. To work properly, the Thermal
Expansion Tank must be sized accord­ing to the water heater’s tank capacity
and pressurized to match the home’s
incoming water pressure. Refer to the
installa on instruc ons provided with
the Thermal Expansion Tank for instal­la on details.

INSTALLATION

Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 7

INSTALLATION

BACKGROUND: Water expands when

heated, and the increased volume
of water must have a place to go, or
thermal expansion will cause large
increases in water pressure (despite
the use of a Pressure Reducing Valve
on the home’s main water supply
line). The Safe Drinking Water Act of
1974 requires the use of backfl ow
preventers and check valves to restrict
water from your home reentering
the public water system. Backfl ow
preventers are o en installed in water
meters and may not be readily visible.
As a result, most all plumbing systems
today are now “closed,” and almost all
homes now need a Thermal Expan­sion Tank.

A Thermal Expansion Tank is a prac -
cal and inexpensive way to help avoid
damage to the water heater, washing
machine, dishwasher, ice maker and
even toilet valves. If your toilet oc­casionally runs for no apparent reason
(usually briefl y at night), that may be

INSTALLATION

due to thermal expansion increasing
the water pressure temporarily.

Figure 6 -  A suitable drain pan piped to an
adequate drain can help protect flooring
from leaks and drips.

• Install a suitable drain pan (avail­able at your local plumbing suppli­er) under the water heater (Figure

6) to catch condensation or leaks
in the piping connections or tank.
Most codes require, and we recom­mend, installing the water heater
in a drain pan that is piped to an
adequate drain. The drain pan must
be at least two inches wider than
the diameter of the water heater.
Install the drain pan so the water
level would be limited to a maxi­mum depth of 1-3/4”.

Water tempera-

✓

ture regula on

of-use (for example, kitchen sink,
bathroom sink, bath, shower). Con­sult the valve manufacturer’s instruc­ ons or a qualifi ed person.

WARNING! Even if the water heater

thermostat is set to a rela vely low
temperature, hot water can scald.
Install Thermosta c Mixing Valves at
each point-of-use to reduce the risk of
scalding (page 4).

BACKGROUND: A Thermosta c Mix-

ing Valve, installed at each point­of-use, mixes hot water from the
water heater with cold water to more
precisely regulate the temperature of
hot water supplied to fi xtures. If you
aren’t sure if your plumbing system
is equipped with properly installed
and adjusted Thermosta c Mixing
Valves at each point where hot water
is used, contact a qualifi ed person for
more informa on.

Water pipe and tank
leaks

Leaks from plumbing pipes or from
the water heater itself can damage
property and could cause a fi re risk.

• Install an automatic leak detec­tion and shutoff device (available

at your local plumbing supplier).
These devices can detect water
leaks and can shut off the water
heater’s water supply if a leak
occurs.

8 • Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide

Figure 7 -  Thermostatic Mixing Valves
installed at each point -of-use can help
prevent scalds.

Install Thermosta c Mixing Valves
(Figure 7) to regulate the temperature
of the water supplied to each point-

Step 2:

a

Verify that the loca on
is appropriate

Before installing your water heater,
ensure that:

The water heater will be:

1

• Installed indoors close to
the center of the plumbing

system.

• In a suitable drain pan piped to an
adequate floor drain or external

to the building (Figure 6 on page

8).

• In an area that will not freeze

• In an area that is suitable for install­ing the water heater vertically

The loca on has adequate

2

space (clearances) for periodic
servicing.

The fl oor can support the

3

weight of a full water heater.

Your area is not prone to

4

earthquakes. If it is, use
special straps as required by

local building codes.
NOTICE: The state of California re­quires bracing, anchoring, or strapping
the water heater to avoid its moving
during an earthquake. Contact local
u li es for code requirements in your
area, visit h p://www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov,
or call 1-916-445-8100 and request
instruc ons. Other loca ons may have
similar requirements. Check with your
local and state authori es.

The loca on is not prone to

5

physical damage by vehicles,
fl ooding, or other risks.

Vehicle
Stop

Drain
P

n

Figure 8 -  In a garage, install a vehicle stop
to avoid water heater damage.

Avoid loca ons such as a cs,

6

upper fl oors, or where a leak

might damage the structure
or furnishings. Due to the normal
corrosive ac on of water, the tank will
eventually leak. To minimize property
damage from leaks, inspect and
maintain your water heater in accor­dance with this manual’s instruc ons.
Install a suitable drain pan under the
water heater piped to an adequate
drain. Inspect the drain pan, pipes, and
surrounding area regularly and fi x any
leaks found. Drain pans are available at
your local plumbing supplier. Leaks are
frequently in the plumbing system
itself and not the water heater.

Drain

Step 3:

Removing the old water
heater

Read each installa on step

1

and decide if you have the

necessary skills to install the
water heater. Only proceed if you can
safely perform the work. If you are not
comfortable, have a qualifi ed person
perform the installa on.

Locate the water heater’s

2

circuit breaker and turn it OFF
(or remove the circuit’s

fuses).

On the old water heater,

3

remove the electrical

junction box access panel.
Using a non-contact circuit tester,
check the wiring to make certain the
power is OFF.

WARNING! Working on an energized

circuit can result in severe injury or
death from electrical shock.

Disconnect the electrical

4

wires.

Open a hot water faucet and

5

let the hot water run un l it is

cool (This may take 10
minutes or longer).

Figure 9 - Let the hot water run until it is cool.

WARNING! Be sure the water runs

cool before draining the tank to reduce
the risk of scalding.

Connect a garden hose to the

6

drain valve and place the

other end of the hose in a
drain, outside, or a bucket. (Note that
sediment in the bo om of the tank
may clog the valve and prevent it
from draining. If you can’t get the
tank to drain, contact a qualifi ed
person.)

INSTALLATION

Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 9