Rheem 491400G8 User 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
This booklet contains important information about your
new water heater, including terms of the Rheem warranty.
We recommend you read pages 8 to 24,
and the terms of the Rheem warranty on pages 4 to 7.
The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest.
RHEEM AUSTRALIA PTY LTD A.B.N. 21 098 823 511 www.rheem.com.au
For Service Telephone 131 031 AUSTRALIA
Warranty ....................................................................................... 4
About Your Water Heater ............................................................ 8
Maintenance Requirements ...................................................... 14
Water Supplies ........................................................................... 18
Save A Service Call ................................................................... 22
Installation .................................................................................. 25
Connections – Plumbing .......................................................... 36
Connections – Electrical ........................................................... 41
Commissioning .......................................................................... 43
Draining The Water Heater ....................................................... 46
3
RHEEM ELECTRIC DOMESTIC MAINS PRESSURE
WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS 421, 491, 492 SERIES 080-400 MODELS
1. THE RHEEM WARRANTY – GENERAL
1.1 This warranty is given by Rheem Australia Pty Limited ABN 21 098 823 511 of
1 Alan Street, Rydalmere New South Wales.
1.2 Rheem offer a trained and qualified national service network who will repair or
replace components at the address of the water heater subject to the terms of
the Rheem warranty. Rheem Service, in addition can provide preventative
maintenance and advice on the operation of your water heater. The Rheem
Service contact number is 131031, with Contact Centre personnel available
24 hours, 7 days a week to take your call and if necessary to arrange a service
call for during normal working hours Monday to Friday (hours subject to
change).
1.3 For details about this warranty, you can contact us on 131031 or by email at
warrantyenquiry@rheem.com.au (not for service bookings).
1.4 The terms of this warranty and what is covered by it are set out in sections 2
and 3 and apply to water heaters manufactured after 10th April 2018.
1.5 If a subsequent version of this warranty is published, the terms of that warranty
and what is covered by it will apply to water heaters manufactured after the
date specified in the subsequent version.
2. TERMS OF THE RHEEM WARRANTY AND EXCLUSIONS TO IT
2.1 Rheem may reject a claim under this warranty in its sole discretion if you do
not arrange for a major service to be conducted on your water heater in the
sixth year after installation, in accordance with Rheem’s recommendation in
the Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions.
2.2 The decision of whether to repair or replace a faulty component is at Rheem’s
sole discretion.
2.3 If you require a call out and we find that the fault is not covered by the Rheem
warranty, you are responsible for our standard call out charge. If you wish to
have the relevant component repaired or replaced by Rheem, that service will
be at your cost.
2.4 Where a failed component or cylinder is replaced under this warranty, the
balance of the original warranty period will remain effective. The replacement
does not carry a new Rheem warranty.
4
RHEEM ELECTRIC DOMESTIC MAINS PRESSURE
WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS 421, 491, 492 SERIES 080-400 MODELS
2.5 Where the water heater is installed outside the boundaries of a metropolitan
area as defined by Rheem or further than 25 km from either a regional Rheem
branch office or an Accredited Rheem Service Agent's office, the cost of
transport, insurance and travelling between the nearest branch office or
Rheem Accredited Service Agent’s office and the installed site shall be the
owner’s responsibility.
2.6 Where the water heater is installed in a position that does not allow safe or
ready access, the cost of that access, including the cost of additional materials
handling and/or safety equipment, shall be the owner’s responsibility. In other
words, the cost of dismantling or removing cupboards, doors or walls and the
cost of any special equipment to bring the water heater to floor or ground level
or to a serviceable position is not covered by this warranty.
2.7 This warranty only applies to the original and genuine Rheem water heater in
its original installed location and any genuine Rheem replacement parts.
2.8 The Rheem warranty does not cover faults that are a result of:
a) Accidental damage to the water heater or any component (for example:
(i) Acts of God such as floods, storms, fires, lightning strikes and the like;
and (ii) third party acts or omissions).
b) Misuse or abnormal use of the water heater.
c) Installation not in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and Installation
Instructions or with relevant statutory and local requirements in the State
or Territory in which the water heater is installed.
d) Connection at any time to a water supply that does not comply with the
water supply guidelines as outlined in the Owner’s Guide and Installation
Instructions.
e) Repairs, attempts to repair or modifications to the water heater by a person
other than Rheem Service or a Rheem Accredited Service Agent.
f) Faulty plumbing or faulty power supply.
g) Failure to maintain the water heater in accordance with the Owner's Guide
and Installation Instructions.
h) Transport damage.
i) Fair wear and tear from adverse conditions (for example, corrosion).
j) Cosmetic defects.
5
RHEEM ELECTRIC DOMESTIC MAINS PRESSURE
What components
are covered
The period from the date
of installation in which
the fault must appear in
order to be covered
What coverage you receive
421, 491, 492 series 080-400 models
All components
Year 1
Repair and/or replacement of the
faulty component, free of charge,
including labour.
The cylinder
(if the water heater
is installed in a
single-family
domestic dwelling)
Years 2 to 12
Replacement cylinder, free of
charge. Installation and repair
labour costs are the
responsibility of the owner.
The cylinder
(if the water heater
is not installed in a
single-family
domestic dwelling)
Years 2 & 3
Replacement cylinder, free of
charge. Installation and repair
labour costs are the
responsibility of the owner.
WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS 421, 491, 492 SERIES 080-400 MODELS
2.9 Subject to any statutory provisions to the contrary, this warranty excludes any
and all claims for damage to furniture, carpet, walls, foundations or any other
consequential loss either directly or indirectly due to leakage from the water
heater, or due to leakage from fittings and/ or pipe work of metal, plastic or
other materials caused by water temperature, workmanship or other modes of
failure.
2.10 If the water heater is not sized to supply the hot water demand in accordance
with the guidelines in Rheem’s water heater literature, any resultant fault will
not be covered by the Rheem warranty.
3. WHAT IS COVERED BY THE RHEEM WARRANTY
FOR THE WATER HEATERS DETAILED IN THIS DOCUMENT
3.1 Rheem will repair or replace a faulty component of your water heater if it fails
to operate in accordance with its specifications as follows:
6
RHEEM ELECTRIC DOMESTIC MAINS PRESSURE
WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS 421, 491, 492 SERIES 080-400 MODELS
4. ENTITLEMENT TO MAKE A CLAIM UNDER THIS WARRANTY
4.1 To be entitled to make a claim under this warranty you need to:
a) Be the owner of the water heater or have consent of the owner to act on
their behalf.
b) Contact Rheem Service without undue delay after detection of the defect
and, in any event, within the applicable warranty period.
4.2 You are not entitled to make a claim under this warranty if your water heater:
a) Does not have its original serial numbers or rating labels.
b) Is not installed in Australia.
5. HOW TO MAKE A CLAIM UNDER THIS WARRANTY
5.1 If you wish to make a claim under this warranty, you need to:
a) Contact Rheem on 131031 and provide owner’s details, address of the
water heater, a contact number and date of installation of the water heater
or if that’s unavailable, the date of manufacture and serial number (from
the rating label on the water heater).
b) Rheem will arrange for the water heater to be tested and assessed on-
site.
c) If Rheem determines that you have a valid warranty claim, Rheem will
repair or replace the water heater in accordance with this warranty.
5.2 Any expenses incurred in the making of a claim under this warranty will be
borne by you.
6. THE AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER LAW
6.1 Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian
Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure
and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage.
You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to
be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
6.2 The Rheem warranty (set out above) is in addition to any rights and remedies
that you may have under the Australian Consumer Law.
7
minimum thermostat setting
and minimum recommended
stored water temperature.
top heating unit thermostat
setting on a twin element
model (not adjustable)
maximum thermostat setting
49 series 080 to 400 models
421 series 125 to 315 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.
MODEL TYPE
The Rheemglas® 49 series or RheemPlusTM 421 series water heater you have
chosen is suitable for either indoor or outdoor installation.
Rheemglas 49 series models are available with either a single heating unit or
with twin heating units and RheemPlus 421 series models are available with a
single heating unit only (refer to “Single Element Model” on page 11 and “Twin
Element Model” on page 11).
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.
A 49 series 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 9.
A RheemPlus 421 series water heater
is temperature limited to deliver water
not exceeding 50°C to sanitary fixtures
used primarily for personal hygiene
purposes.
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
8
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 Rheemglas 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.
A RheemPlus water heater will not deliver temperatures exceeding 50°C, in
accordance with AS 3498. There is no need to fit a temperature limiting device
to satisfy the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4, if a RheemPlus water heater is
installed in an application where 50°C is the maximum permissible hot water
temperature at the outlet of a sanitary fixture used primarily for personal hygiene
purposes.
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 Rheemglas 49 series or RheemPlus 421 series water heater features a
tradesperson adjustable thermostat. This requires a licensed electrical worker to
make any temperature adjustments. The thermostat on a 080 to 400 litre model
(bottom thermostat on twin element models) has a maximum temperature setting
of 70°C and a minimum temperature setting of 60°C. The top thermostat on a
twin element model has a fixed setting of 60°C and cannot be adjusted.
We advise you to have a licensed electrical worker 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 9.
A RheemPlus water heater is temperature limited to 50°C at the hot water outlet.
The minimum thermostat setting should be 65°C to assist in the specified
operation of its temperature limiting device. Increasing the thermostat setting will
not increase the outlet temperature but will provide more hot water capacity.
9
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. In addition, a RheemPlus water
heater has a temperature limiting 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.
If the electrical conduit to the water heater is damaged, it must be replaced by a
qualified person in order to avoid a hazard. Phone Rheem Service or their
nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
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.
WARNINGS
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.
For continued safety of this water heater it must be installed, operated and
maintained in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and Installation
Instructions.
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 26, a pressure limiting valve must be fitted. The supply
pressure should be greater than 350 kPa for true mains pressure operation to be
achieved.
10
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 supply.
Some electricity suppliers allow both
heating units to be metered at the OffPeak 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.
11
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
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 14 and
to “Anode Inspection and Replacement” on page 19.
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.
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.
12
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?
Installation requirements are shown on pages 25 to 32. 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.
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.
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 18.
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 18 to 21.
HOW LONG WILL THE WATER HEATER LAST?
The water heater is supported by a manufacturer’s warranty (refer to page 4).
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 12.
13
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
MAJOR SERVICE EVERY SIX YEARS
It is recommended a major service be conducted on the water heater every
six (6) 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 major 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 limiting valve (RheemPlus model).
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 19.
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.
14
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
MINOR MAINTENANCE EVERY SIX MONTHS
It is recommended minor maintenance be performed every six (6) 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 16.
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 15.
Check the performance of the temperature limiting valve (RheemPlus model).
Measure the water temperature from the nearest hot tap to the water heater
used primarily for personal hygiene purposes with a thermometer. If the water
temperature exceeds 50°C, phone Rheem Service or their nearest
Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection. Refer to “Temperature
Limiting Valve” on page 17.
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 15. 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
six (6) years, or more frequently in areas where there is a high incidence of water
deposits.
15
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