Rheem 491, 492 Installation Manual
Owner’s Guide
and
Installation Instructions
Electric Domestic
Water Heater
This water heater must be installed and serviced by a qualified person.
Please leave this guide with the householder.
This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs
in the name of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
® Registered trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
TM Trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
Note: Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy in preparation of this
publication. No liability can be accepted for any consequences,
which may arise as a result of its application.
PATENTS
TRADEMARKS
CONTENTS
HOUSEHOLDER - We recommend you read pages 4 to 19.
The other pages are intended for the installer
but may be of interest
About Your Water Heater ............................................................ 4
Maintenance Requirements ...................................................... 10
Water Supplies ........................................................................... 13
Save A Service Call ................................................................... 17
Installation .................................................................................. 20
Connections – Plumbing .......................................................... 29
Connections – Electrical ........................................................... 34
Commissioning .......................................................................... 36
Draining The Water Heater ....................................................... 37
Warranty ..................................................................................... 38
3
minimum thermostat setting
and minimum recommended
stored water temperature.
top heating unit thermostat
setting on a twin element
model (not adjustable)
maximum thermostat setting
Rheem 49 series 250 to 400
models
maximum recommended
supply temperature to
bathrooms and ensuites
WATER HEATER APPLICATION
This water heater is designed for use in a single family domestic dwelling for the
purpose of heating potable water. Its use in an application other than this may
shorten its life.
MAINS PRESSURE
The water heater is designed to operate at mains pressure by connecting directly
to the mains water supply. If the mains supply pressure in your area exceeds
that shown on page 22, a pressure limiting valve must be fitted. The supply
pressure should be greater than 350 kPa for true mains pressure operation to be
achieved.
MODEL TYPE
The Rheem® 49 series water heater you have chosen can be installed indoor or
outdoor.
Rheem 49 series models are available with either a single heating unit or with
twin heating units (refer to “Single Element Model” on page 7 and “Twin Element
Model” on page 7).
Water is stored in a vitreous enamel lined steel cylinder and heated by the
electric immersion heating unit. The thermostat controls the temperature.
Automatic safety controls are fitted to the water heater to provide safe and
efficient operation.
The water heater has caps covering
brass plugs on one side of the tank. The
plugs and caps block off alternative
connection points and are not to be
tampered with or removed.
HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?
The water heater features an adjustable
thermostat, which allows you to choose
the most suitable temperature for your
hot water needs. Refer to “Temperature
Adjustment” on page 5.
To meet the requirements of the
National Plumbing Standard the
temperature of the stored water must
not be below 60°C.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
4
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
HOTTER WATER INCREASES THE RISK OF SCALD INJURY
This water heater can deliver water at temperatures which can cause scalding.
Check the water temperature before use, such as when entering a shower or
filling a bath or basin, to ensure it is suitable for the application and will not cause
scald injury.
We recommend and it may also be required by regulations that an approved
temperature limiting device be fitted into the hot water pipe work to the bathroom
and ensuite when a Rheem 49 series water heater is installed. This will keep the
water temperature below 50°C at the bathroom and ensuite. The risk of scald
injury will be reduced and still allow hotter water to the kitchen and laundry.
THERMOSTAT
The thermostat automatically controls the electricity supply to the heating unit so
a constant temperature is maintained. The thermostat and its protective over
temperature cut out is mounted inside the front cover of the water heater. There
is no need to switch the water heater off when it is not in use, except when you
are on an extended holiday. The thermostat is fully automatic and power is only
used when heating is required.
TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT
A Rheem 49 series water heater features a tradesperson adjustable thermostat.
This requires a licensed tradesperson to make any temperature adjustments.
The thermostat on a 250 to 400 litre model (bottom thermostat on twin element
models) has a maximum temperature setting of 70°C and a minimum
temperature setting is 60°C. The top thermostat on a twin element model has a
fixed setting of 60°C and cannot be adjusted.
We advise you have your electrician adjust the thermostat to the lowest
temperature setting that meets your needs, especially if there are young children
or elderly people in your home. Refer to “Hotter Water Increases The Risk of
Scald Injury” on page 5.
WARNING
This water heater is only intended to be operated by persons who have the
experience or the knowledge and the capabilities to do so. This water heater is
not intended to be operated by persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental
capabilities i.e. the infirm, or by children. Children should be supervised to ensure
they do not interfere with the water heater.
This water heater uses 240 V AC power for the electrically operated components.
The removal of the front cover(s) will expose 240 V wiring. It must only be
removed by a qualified person.
Take care not to touch the power plug on a water heater fitted with a power
supply cord and plug with wet hands.
5
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
SAFETY
This water heater is supplied with a thermostat, an over-temperature cut-out and
a combination temperature pressure relief valve. These devices must not be
tampered with or removed. The water heater must not be operated unless each
of these devices is fitted and is in working order.
The operation of the over-temperature cut-out on the thermostat indicates a
possibly dangerous situation. If the over-temperature cut-out operates, it must
not be reset and the water heater must be serviced by a qualified person.
Warning: For continued safety of this water heater it must be installed,
operated and maintained in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and Installation
Instructions.
The Rheem warranty may not cover faults if relief valves or other safety
devices are tampered with or if the installation is not in accordance with
these instructions.
PRECAUTIONS
Where damage to property can occur in the event of the water heater leaking,
the water heater must be installed in a safe tray. Construction, installation and
draining of a safe tray must comply with AS/NZS 3500.4 and all local codes and
regulatory authority requirements.
The water heater must be maintained in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and
Installation Instructions. Refer to “Maintenance Requirements” on page 10 and
to “Anode Inspection and Replacement” on page 14.
If this water heater is to be used where an uninterrupted hot water supply is
necessary for your application or business you should ensure that you have
back-up redundancy within the hot water system design. This should ensure the
continuity of hot water supply in the event that this water heater were to become
inoperable for any reason. We recommend you seek advice from your plumber
or specifier about your needs and building back-up redundancy into your hot
water supply system.
6
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
SINGLE ELEMENT MODEL
This type of water heater has one heating
unit with its own thermostat, located at the
base of the water heater.
Continuous electricity supply
This type of connection is suited to
where the storage capacity is less than
the normal daily usage.
Off-Peak electricity supply
This type of connection will only allow
heating to occur during set hours. A
volume of water sufficient for the day’s
total use is heated and stored. This type
of heating will be more economical due
to reduced tariffs by the electricity
authority.
TWIN ELEMENT MODEL
This type of water heater has two heating units, each with its own thermostat.
One heating unit is at the base of the water heater and the other near the top.
Bottom heating unit
During normal operation this heating unit supplies all the hot water.
Top heating unit (Booster)
This heating unit only operates during
periods of high demand to provide an
additional supply of heated water.
Electrical connection
The two heating units are wired for nonsimultaneous operation, so that only one
heating unit can operate at a time. The
bottom heating unit is usually connected
to an Off-Peak (overnight) or time
controlled supply and the top heating
unit to a Continuous / Domestic
electricity supply. Some electricity
suppliers allow both heating units to be
metered at the Off-Peak or controlled
tariff.
NOTE: Power must be available to the top heating unit circuit at all times
for this water heater to operate as designed.
7
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
TO TURN OFF THE WATER HEATER
If you plan to be away from home for only a few nights, we suggest you leave
the water heater switched on.
If it is necessary to turn off the water heater:
Switch off the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the water heater.
Close the cold water isolation valve at the inlet to the water heater.
TO TURN ON THE WATER HEATER
Open the cold water isolation valve fully on the cold water line to the water
heater.
Switch on the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the water heater.
GOING ON HOLIDAY?
If you plan to be away from home for one or two nights, we suggest you leave
the water heater switched on. However, if you plan to stay away more than a few
nights, conserve energy by switching the water heater off at either the
switchboard or isolating switch (if one is installed).
Note: When the electrical supply is switched back on, the water heater will take
some time to reheat the water. Depending upon the power supply connection,
hot water may not be available until the next day.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?
Installation requirements are shown on pages 20 to 27. The water heater must
be installed:
by a qualified person, and
in accordance with the installation instructions, and
in compliance with Standards AS/NZS 3500.4, AS/NZS 3000 and all local
codes and regulatory authority requirements.
In New Zealand the installation must also conform to the New Zealand Building
Code.
VICTORIAN CUSTOMERS
Notice to Victorian Customers from the Victorian Plumbing Industry Commission.
This water heater must be installed by a licensed person as required by the
Victorian Building Act 1993. Only a licensed person will give you a Compliance
Certificate, showing that the work complies with all the relevant Standards. Only
a licensed person will have insurance protecting their workmanship for 6 years.
Make sure you use a licensed person to install this water heater and ask for your
Compliance Certificate.
8
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
DOES THE WATER CHEMISTRY AFFECT THE WATER HEATER?
The water heater is suitable for most public water supplies, however some water
chemistries may have detrimental effects on the water heater, its components
and fittings. Refer to “Water Supplies” on page 13.
If you are in a known harsh water area or you are not sure of your water
chemistry, have your water checked against the conditions described on
pages 13 to 16.
HOW LONG WILL THE WATER HEATER LAST?
The water heater is supported by a manufacturer’s warranty (refer to page 38).
There are a number of factors that will affect the length of service the water
heater will provide. These include but are not limited to the water chemistry, the
water pressure, the water temperature (inlet and outlet) and the water usage
pattern. Refer to “Precautions” on page 6.
9
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
MAJOR SERVICE EVERY FIVE YEARS
Warning: Servicing of a water heater must only be carried out by qualified
personnel. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent.
Note: The five (5) year service and routine replacement of any components, such
as the anode and relief valve(s), are not included in the Rheem warranty. A
charge will be made for this work. Only genuine replacement parts should be
used on this water heater.
The major service includes the following actions:
Replace the temperature pressure relief valve.
Inspect and flush the expansion control valve (if fitted). If required, replace
the valve.
In areas with water supplies that are either softened or desalinated, or where
the water supply may alternate or is variable: inspect and (if there is any sign
of depletion) replace the anode. Refer to “Anode Inspection and
Replacement” on page 14.
Check the electric heating unit for excessive calcium build up or corrosion
and replace if necessary.
Visually check the unit for any potential problems.
Inspect all connections.
Check the drain line from the safe tray (if one is installed) is not blocked.
Note: The water heater may need to be drained during this service. After the
completion of the service, the water heater will take some time to reheat the
water. Depending upon the power supply connection, hot water may not be
available until the next day.
10
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
MINOR MAINTENANCE EVERY SIX MONTHS
Minor maintenance can be performed by the dwelling occupant.
The minor maintenance includes:
Operate the easing lever on the temperature pressure relief valve. It is very
important you raise and lower the lever gently. Refer to “Temperature
Pressure Relief Valve” on page 12.
Warning: Exercise care to avoid any splashing of water, as water
discharged from the drain line will be hot. Stand clear of the drain line’s point
of discharge when operating the valve’s lever.
Operate the easing lever on the expansion control valve (if fitted). It is very
important you raise and lower the lever gently. Refer to “Expansion Control
Valve” on page 11.
Check the drain line from the safe tray (if one is installed) is not blocked.
EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE
In many areas, including South Australia, Western Australia and scaling water
areas, it is mandatory an expansion control valve is fitted to the cold water line
to the water heater. The expansion control valve may discharge a small quantity
of water from its drain line during the heating period instead of the temperature
pressure relief valve on the water heater.
Operate the easing lever on the expansion control valve once every six months.
Refer to “Minor Maintenance Every Six Months” on page 11. It is very important
the lever is raised and lowered gently. If water does not flow freely from the
drain line when the lever is lifted, then the water heater should be checked by
Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent. The expansion control
valve should be checked for performance or replaced at intervals not exceeding
five (5) years, or more frequently in areas where there is a high incidence of
water deposits.
11
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
water
heater
drain
line
lift until water
flows from the
drain line –
lower gently
TEMPERATURE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
This valve is near the top of the water heater
and is essential for its safe operation. It is
possible for the valve to release a little water
through the drain line during each heating
period. This occurs as the water is heated
and expands by approximately 1/50 of its
volume.
Continuous leakage of water from the valve
and its drain line may indicate a problem
with the water heater (refer to “Temperature
Pressure Relief Valve Running” on
page 18).
Warning: Never block the outlet of this
valve or its drain line for any reason.
Operate the easing lever on the temperature
pressure relief valve once every six (6)
months. Refer to “Minor Maintenance Every
Six Months” on page 11. It is very
important the lever is raised and lowered
gently.
DANGER: Failure to do this may result
in the water heater cylinder failing, or under
certain circumstances, exploding.
Warning: Exercise care to avoid any
splashing of water, as water discharged
from the drain line will be hot. Stand clear of
the drain line’s point of discharge when
operating the valve’s lever.
If water does not flow freely from the drain line when the lever is lifted, then the
water heater must be checked. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited
Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
The temperature pressure relief valve should be replaced at intervals not
exceeding five (5) years, or more frequently in areas where there is a high
incidence of water deposits (refer to “Water Supplies” on page 13).
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