Loading...
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.
PATENTS
This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs in the name of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
TRADEMARKS
® 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.
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
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
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.
maximum thermostat setting 
Rheem 49 series 250 to 400
models
minimum thermostat setting and minimum recommended stored water temperature. top heating unit thermostat setting on a twin element model (not adjustable)
maximum recommended supply temperature to bathrooms and ensuites
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
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.
lift until water |
|
flows from the |
drain |
drain line – |
line |
lower gently |
|
water heater
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).
12
Loading...