Rheem AP16697 Use & Care Manual

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786H

Use & Care Manual

With Installation Instructions for the Installer

Electric Residential

Water Heaters

with Electronic Control

The purpose of this manual is twofold:
one, to provide the installer with the basic
directions and recommendations for the proper
installation and adjustment of the water heater;
and two, for the owner–operator, to explain
the features, operation, safety precautions,
maintenance and troubleshooting of the water
heater. This manual also includes a parts list.

It is imperative that all persons who are
expected to install, operate or adjust this
water heater read the instructions carefully
so they may understand how to perform
these operations. If you do not understand
these instructions or any terms within it, seek
professional advice.

Any questions regarding the operation,
maintenance, service or warranty of this
water heater should be directed to the seller
from whom it was purchased. If additional
information is required, refer to the section on
“If you need service.”

Do not destroy this manual. Please read
carefully and keep in a safe place for future
reference.

Recognize this symbol as an
indication of Important Safety
Information!

California Proposition 65 Warning:
This product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm.

®

LISTED

Printed in USA

AP16697 (06/13)

Safety Information

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Safety Precautions ....... 3, 4

FOR YOUR RECORDS

Write the model and serial numbers here:

#

#

You can find them on a label on the appliance.

Staple sales slip or cancelled check here.

Installation Instructions

Location ................. 5

Water Connections ........ 6

Electrical Connections. . . . . . 8

Operating Instructions

Safety Controls .......... 12

Water Temperature ........13

Electronic Control

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Care and Cleaning

Draining ................ 20

Maintenance ............. 20

Extended Shut-Down ..... 21

Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service
under the warranty.

READ THIS MANUAL

Inside you will find many helpful hints on how to use and
maintain your water heater properly. Just a little preventive care
on your part can save you a great deal of time and money over
the life of your water heater.

You’ll find many answers to common problems in the Before
You Call For Service section. If you review our chart of
Troubleshooting Tips first, you may not need to call for service at
all.

READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. There
are many important safety messages in this manual and on your
appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.

This is the safety alert symbol. Recognize this symbol
as an indication of Important Safety Information!

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This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can
kill or hurt you and others.

Troubleshooting Tips

Before You Call

For Service .............. 22

Customer Service

Parts List ................ 23

Wiring Diagram ......... 25

If You Need

Service ................. 28

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All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and
either the word “DANGER”, “WARNING”, “CAUTION” or
“NOTICE”.

These words mean:

DANGER

that will result in death or serious
injury.

WARNING

could result in death or serious injury
and/or damage to property.

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CAUTION

may result in minor or moderate
injury.

Notice:

An imminently hazardous situation

A potentially hazardous situation that

A potentially hazardous situation that

Attention is called to observe a
specified procedure or maintain
a specific condition.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

DANGER!

WATER TEMPERATURE SETTING

Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the
water temperature setting of water heater’s thermostat. Water temperatures
above 125°F can cause severe burns or death from scalding. Be sure to read and
follow the warnings outlined on the label pictured below. This label is also located
on the water heater near the thermostat access panel.

Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds

Temperature Time To Produce a Serious Burn

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DANGER

HOT

120°F More than 5 minutes

125°F 1½ to 2 minutes

130°F About 30 seconds

135°F About 10 seconds

140°F Less than 5 seconds

145°F Less than 3 seconds

150°F About 1½ seconds

155°F About 1 second

Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute

The chart shown above may be used as a guide
in determining the proper water temperature for your
home.

DANGER: Households with small children, disabled,
or elderly persons may require a 120°F or lower thermostat
setting to prevent contact with “HOT” water.

BURN

Water temperature over 125°F can
cause severe burns instantly or
death from scalds.

Children, disabled and elderly are
at highest risk of being scalded.

See instruction manual before
setting temperature at water
heater.

Feel water before bathing or
showering.

Temperature limiting valves are
available, see manual.

NOTICE: Mixing valves are available for reducing point
of use water temperature by mixing hot and cold water
in branch water lines. Contact a licensed plumber or the
local plumbing authority for further information.

The temperature of the water in the heater is
regulated by the electronic control and surface
mounted temperature sensors. To comply with safety
regulations the electronic control was programmed
with a 120°F set point at the factory.

DO NOT attempt to set the temperature by removing
the electronic control or lower access panel. See the
electronic control operation section of this manual.

DANGER: Hotter water increases the potential for

Hot Water SCALDS.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

WARNING!

For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of
fire or explosion, electric shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or loss of
life.

Be sure to read and understand the entire Use and Care Manual before attempting
to install or operate this water heater. It may save you time and cost. Pay particular
attention to the Safety Instructions. Failure to follow these warnings could result in
serious bodily injury or death. Should you have problems understanding the instructions
in this manual, or have any questions, STOP, and get help from a qualified service
technician, or the local electric utility.

FOR INSTALLATIONS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

California Law requires that residential water heaters must be braced, anchored or
strapped to resist falling or horizontal displacement due to earthquake motions. For
residential water heaters up to 52 gallon capacity, a brochure with generic earthquake
bracing instructions can be obtained from: Office of the State Architect, 400 P Street,
Sacramento, CA 95814 or you may call 916-324-5315 or ask a water heater dealer.

However, applicable local codes shall govern installation. For residential water heaters
of a capacity greater than 52 gallons, consult the local building jurisdiction for acceptable
bracing procedures.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Have the installer show you the location of the circuit breaker and how to shut it off if
necessary. Turn off the circuit breaker if the water heater has been subjected to overheating,
fire, flood, physical damage or if the ECO fails to shut off.

● Read this manual entirely before installing

or operating the water heater.

● Use this appliance only for its intended

purpose as described in this Use and Care
Manual.

● Be sure your appliance is properly installed

in accordance with local codes and the
provided installation instructions.

● DO NOT attempt to repair or replace

any part of your water heater unless it is
specifically recommended in this manual.
All other servicing should be referred to a
qualified technician.

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION
CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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Installing the water heater.

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The location chosen for the water heater must take into consideration the following:

Local Installation Regulations

NOTICE: Do not install
the water heater in attics
where the temperature
may exceed 150°F.

This water heater must be installed in
accordance with these instructions, local
codes, utility codes, utility company
requirements or, in the absence of local
codes, the latest edition of the National

Location

Locate the water heater in a clean dry area
as near as practical to the area of greatest
heated water demand. Long un-insulated
hot water lines can waste energy and
water.

Place the water heater in such a manner
that the upper electronic control and the
lower access panels can be removed to
permit inspection and servicing such as
removal of elements or checking controls.

The water heater and water lines should
be protected from freezing temperatures.
Do not install the water heater in outdoor,
unprotected areas.

Make certain the floor underneath
the water heater is strong enough to
sufficiently support the weight of the
water heater once it is filled with water.

Electrical Code. It is available from some
local libraries or can be purchased from
the National Fire Protection Association,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as
booklet ANSI/NFPA 70.

CAUTION: The water heater should
not be located in an area where leakage
of the tank or connections will result
in damage to the area adjacent to it or
to lower floors of the structure. Where
such areas cannot be avoided, it is
recommended that a suitable catch pan,
adequately drained, be installed under
the water heater.

This water heater is supplied with a water
detection system. It is recommended that
the water heater be placed in a suitable
catch pan and the water sensor rope be
placed inside the catch pan. See water
sensor section for further information.

A— Diameter of water

heater plus 2″ min.

B— Maximum 2″

NOTICE: Auxiliary catch pan MUST conform to local codes.

Catch Pan Kits are available from the store where the water
heater was purchased, or any water heater distributor.

Inspect Shipment

Inspect the water heater for possible damage. Check the markings on the rating plate
of the water heater to be certain the power supply corresponds to the water heater
requirements.

B

A

To open drain, line
should be at least 3/4″ ID
and pitched for proper
drainage.

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Installing the water heater.

Vacuum Relief Va lve

If required, install per local codes

instructions.

Thermal Expansion

Determine if a check valve exists in the inlet water line. Check with your local water
utility. It may have been installed in the cold water line as a separate back flow preventer, or it

may be part of a pressure reducing valve, water meter or water softener. A check valve located
in the cold water inlet line can cause what is referred to as a “closed water system”. A cold
water inlet line with no check valve or back flow prevention device is referred to as an “open”
water system.

As water is heated, it expands in volume and creates an increase in the pressure within the
water system. This action is referred to as “thermal expansion”. In an “open” water system,
expanding water which exceeds the capacity of the water heater flows back into the city main
where the pressure is easily dissipated.

A “closed water system”, however, prevents the expanding water from flowing back into the
main supply line, and the result of “thermal expansion” can create a rapid and dangerous
pressure increase in the water heater and system piping. This rapid pressure increase can
quickly reach the safety setting of the relief valve, causing it to operate during each heating
cycle. Thermal expansion, and the resulting rapid and repeated expansion and contraction of
components in the water heater and piping system can cause premature failure of the relief
valve, and possibly the heater itself. Replacing the relief valve will not correct the problem!

The suggested method of controlling thermal expansion is to install an expansion tank in the
cold water line between the water heater and the check valve (refer to the illustration below).
The expansion tank is designed with an air cushion built in that compresses as the system
pressure increases, thereby relieving the over pressure condition and eliminating the repeated
operation of the relief valve. Other methods of controlling thermal expansion are also available.
Contact your installing contractor, water supplier or plumbing inspector for additional
information regarding this subject.

NOTICE: Do not apply
heat to the HOT or COLD
water connections. If sweat
connections are used, sweat
tubing to adapter before
fitting adapter to the water
connections on heater.
Any heat applied to the
water supply fittings will
permanently damage the
dip tube and/or heat traps.

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Water Supply Connections

Refer to the illustration below for suggested typical installation. The installation of unions
or flexible copper connectors is recommended on the hot and cold water connections so that
the water heater may be easily disconnected for servicing if necessary. The HOT and COLD
water connections are clearly marked and are 3/4″ NPT on all models. Install a shut-off valve
in the cold water line near the water heater.

Typical Installation

To electric

distribution panel

Heat trap

6" minimum

Hot water outlet to

xture

Electrical junction box

(use only copper conductors)

Electronic Control

Lower Access Panel

Auxiliary catch pan

2" maximum

Drain Valve

Union

Anode

EcoNetTM Port

Temperature

&

Pressure Relief

Valve

Union

Thermal

expansion tank

(if required)

(Not Supplied)

and valve manufacturer’s

Heat trap

6" minimum

To cold water

supply

Shut-off

valve

Relief valve discharge line to

suitable open drain

6" air gap

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A new combination temperature and pressure relief valve, complying with the Standard for Relief

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Valves and Automatic Gas Shut-Off Devices for Hot Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22, is supplied
and must be installed in the opening provided and marked for the purpose on the water heater. No
valve of any type should be installed between the relief valve and the tank. Local codes shall govern the
installation of relief valves.

Relief Valve

WARNING: The pressure
rating of the relief valve must
not exceed 150 PSI, the
maximum working pressure
of the water heater as
marked on the rating plate.

WARNING: The tank
must be full of water before
heater is turned on. The
water heater warranty does
not cover damage or failure
resulting from operation
with an empty or partially
empty tank.

The BTUH rating of the relief valve must
not be less than the input rating of the
water heater as indicated on the rating
label located on the front of the heater
(1 watt=3.412 BTUH).

Connect the outlet of the relief valve
to a suitable open drain so that the
discharge water cannot contact live
electrical parts or persons and to eliminate
potential water damage.

To Fill the Water Heater

Make certain the drain valve is completely
closed.

Open the shut-off valve in the cold water
supply line.

Condensation

Piping used should be of a type approved
for hot water distribution. The discharge
line must be no smaller than the outlet of
the valve and must pitch downward from
the valve to allow complete drainage (by
gravity) of the relief valve and discharge
line. The end of the discharge line should
not be threaded or concealed and should
be protected from freezing. No valve of
any type, restriction or reducer coupling
should be installed in the discharge line.

Open each hot water faucet slowly to
allow the air to vent from the water
heater and piping.

A steady flow of water from the hot water
faucet(s) indicates a full water heater.

Condensation can form on the tank when
it is first filled with water. Condensation
might also occur with a heavy water draw
and very cold inlet water temperature.

EcoNetTM Communication Port

EcoNetTM Communication port is for
future integration with home automation,
energy management, and demand response
systems.

This condition is not unusual, and will
disappear after the water becomes heated.
If, however, the condensation continues,
examine the piping and fittings for
possible leaks.

7

Installing the water heater.

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Ground screw

WARNING

WARNING

Conduit

connector

Wire connections

Water heater junction box.

Junction

box cover

CAUTION: The presence
of water in the piping
and water heater does
not provide sufficient
conduction for a ground.
Non-metallic piping,
dielectric unions, flexible

Electrical Connections

A separate branch circuit with copper
conductors, overcurrent protective device
and suitable disconnecting means must be
provided by a qualified electrician.

All wiring must conform to local codes or
latest edition of National Electrical Code
ANSI/NFPA 70.

The water heater is completely wired to
the junction box inside jacket at the top
front of the water heater. An opening for
1/2″ or 3/4″ electrical fitting is provided
for field wiring connections.

The voltage requirements and wattage
load for the water heater are specified
on the rating plate on the front of the
water heater.

The branch circuit wiring should include either:

Metallic conduit or metallic sheathed

cable approved for use as a
grounding conductor and installed
with fittings approved for the
purpose.

Non-metallic sheathed cable, metallic

conduit or metallic sheathed cable
not approved for use as a ground
conductor shall include a separate
conductor for grounding. It should be
attached to the ground terminals of
the water heater and the electrical
distribution box.

connectors etc. can cause
the water heater to be
electrically isolated.

NOTICE: This guide recommends minimum branch circuit sizing and wire size based on National Electric Code.
Refer to wiring diagrams in this manual for field wiring connections.

Single Phase

Wiring

Branch Circuit Sizing and Wire Size Guide

Total Water

Heater Wattage

3,000 20 20 12 12

4,000 25 25 10 10

4,500 30 25 10 10

5,000 30 30 10 10

5,500 35 30 8 10

Recommended Over Current Protection

(fuse or circuit breaker amperage rating)

208V 240V 208V 240V

Copper Wire Size AWG Based
on N.E.C Table 310-16 (75oC)

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Insulation Blankets

WARNING: If local
codes require external
application of insulation
blanket kits the
manufacturer’s instructions
included with the kit must
be carefully followed.

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

The manufacturer’s warranty does not
cover any damage or defect caused by
installation, attachment or use of
any type of energy saving or other
unapproved devices (other than those
authorized by the manufacturer) into, onto
or in conjunction with the water heater.
The use of unauthorized energy saving
devices may shorten the life of the water
heater and may endanger life and property.

The manufacturer disclaims any
responsibility for such loss or injury
resulting from the use of such
unauthorized devices.

CAUTION: If local codes require the
application of an external insulation
blanket to this water heater, pay careful
attention to the following so as not to
restrict the proper function and
operation of the water heater:

 Do not cover the operating or warning

labels attached to the water heater or
attempt to relocate them on the exterior
of insulation blanket.

 Do not apply insulation to the top of

the water heater. This could interfere
with the safe operation of the electrical
junction box.

 Do not cover the jacket access panel(s)

to the thermostat(s) and heating
element(s), or pressure and temperature
relief valve.

 Inspect the insulation blanket frequently.

Hot and Cold Pipe Insulation Installation

Typical vertical piping arrangement

For increased energy efficiency, some
water heaters have been supplied with
two 24” sections of pipe insulation.

Typical horizontal piping arrangement

Please install the insulation, according
to the illustrations above, that best meets
your requirements.

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