Rheem Single Element, Double Element Use & Care Manual
WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CONTRACTOR
Residential Electric Water Heater
USE & CARE MANUAL
AP9029-6 (1/00)
Printed in USA
Single and Double Element Models
20 - 120 Gallon Capacity
PROPOSITION 65: This appliance contains fiberglass insulation. Respirable particles of fiberglass are known
to the State of California to cause cancer.
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!
The purpose of this manual is twofold: one, for the installing
contractor, to provide requirements 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 trouble shooting 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 that they may understand how to do so.
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®
LISTED
786H
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2
WATER TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT - 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
General Safety Precautions
!
Gasoline, as well as other flammable materials and liquids (adhesives, solvents, etc.), and the vapors they produce, are extremely dangerous. DO NOT handle, use or
store gasoline or other flammable or combustible materials anywhere near or in the vicinity of a water heater.
The arc drawn in the water heater controls can ignite these
vapors. Failure to do so can result in property damage,
bodily injury, or death.
The chart shown above may be used as a guide in determining the proper water temperature for your home.
NOTE: Households with small children, disabled, or elderly persons may require a 120°F or lower thermostat
setting to prevent contact with “HOT” water.
The temperature of the water in the heater is regulated by the
adjustable surface mounted thermostat(s) located behind the
Jacket Access Panel(s). Dual element heaters have two
thermostats. To comply with safety regulations the
thermostat(s) were set at 120° F before the water heater was
shipped from the factory.
The illustration above shows the temperature adjustment dial
used for setting the water temperature. Refer to Operation
section of this manual for detailed instructions in how to adjust
the thermostat(s).
There is a Hot Water SCALD Potential if the thermostat
is set too high.
Mixing valves for reducing point of use water temperature by mixing hot and cold water in branch water lines
are available. Contact a licensed plumber or the local
plumbing authority for further information.
Temperature Time to Produce Serious Burn
120° F More than 5 minutes
125° F 1
1
/2to 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 1
1
/2 seconds
155° F About 1 second
Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute
TIME / TEMPERATURE RELATIONSHIPS IN SCALDS
Be sure to read and understand the entire Use & Care Manual before attempting to install or operate this water heater. It may save you time and cost. Pay
particular attention to the General Safety Precautions. 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 installer, service technician, or the local
electric utility.
Thermostat Protective
Cover
Thermostat Dial
Pointer
Reset Button
WARNING
!
!
DANGER
HOT
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.
R
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E
E
S
S
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T
R
90°F150°F
125°F
TURN OFF
POWER
BEFORE
SERVICING
DANGER
!
1. INSPECT SHIPMENT — Inspect water heater for possible dam-
age. Check the markings on the rating plate of the water heater
to be certain the power supply corresponds to that for which the
water heater is equipped.
2. THERMAL EXPANSION — Determine if a check valve exists in
the inlet water line. 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 pres-
sure 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 Figure 2.) 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 vale. Other methods of controlling thermal expansion are also available. Contact your installing
contractor, water supplier, or plumbing inspector for additional information regarding this subject.
3. WATER SUPPLY CONNECTIONS — Refer to Fig. 2 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.
IMPORTANT!! Do not apply heat to the hot or cold water connections.
If sweat connections are used, sweat tubing to adapter before fitting
adapter to hot or cold water connections on heater. Any heat applied
to the hot or cold water supply fittings will permanently damage them.
4. RELIEF VALVE — A new combination temperature and pressure
relief valve, complying with the Standard for Relief Valves and
Automatic Gas Shutoff Devices for Hot Water Supply Systems,
ANSI Z21.22, must be installed in the opening provided and
marked for the purpose on the water heater. (Refer to Fig. 2.) No
valve of any type should be installed between the relief valve and
the tank. Local codes shall govern the installation of relief valves.
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. The BTUH Rating of the relief valve must not be
less than the input rating of the water heater as indicated on the
3
The location chosen for the water heater must take into consideration the following:
LOCAL INSTALLATION REGULATIONS
This water heater must be installed in accordance with these instructions, local codes, utility company requirements or, in the absence of local codes, the latest edition of the National Electrical Code.
It is available from some local libraries or can be purchased from the
National Fire Prevention Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy,
MA 02269 as booklet ANSI/NFPA 70.
LOCATION
Locate the water heater in a clean dry area as near as practical to the
area of greatest heated water demand. Long uninsulated hot water
lines can waste energy and water. Place the water heater in such a
manner that the thermostat and element 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.
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.
NOTE: Auxiliary catch pan installation MUST conform to local codes.
Catch Pan Kits are available from the distributor or store where
the water heater was purchased
This water heater SHOULD NOT be installed in a space where liquids
which give off flammable vapors are to be used or stored. Such liquids include gasoline, LP gas (butane and propane), paint or adhesives and their thinners, solvents or removers. Because of natural air
movement in a room or other enclosed space, flammable vapors can
be carried from where their liquids are being used or stored. The arc
drawn within the water heater’s control can ignite these vapors causing an explosion or fire which may result in severe burns or death to
those in range, as well as property damage.
Figure 1. — Auxiliary Catch Pan
Introduction
Installation
A —Diameter of water
heater plus 2" min.
B — Maximum 2"
To open drain, line
should be at least
3
⁄4" ID and pitched
for proper drainage.
A
B
CAUTION
!
WARNING
!
4
rating label located on 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 and
to eliminate potential water damage. 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.
5. TO FILL WATER HEATER — Make certain drain valve is com-
pletely closed. Open shut-off valve in cold water supply line.
Open each hot water faucet slowly to allow 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.
Tank MUST BE full of water before power is turned on. Heating element(s) WlLL BE DAMAGED if energized for even a short time while
tank is dry. The water heater’s warranty does not cover damage or failure resulting from operation with an empty or partially empty tank.
(Reference is made to the limited warranty for complete terms and
conditions.)
6. 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 the National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70.
The water heater is completely wired to the junction box inside
jacket at top front of water heater. An opening for l⁄2” or 3⁄4” electri-
cal fitting is provided for field wiring connections. (Refer to Fig. 3)
The voltage requirements and wattage load for the water heater
is specified on the rating plate on front of heater.
Table 1 recommends minimum branch circuit sizing based on
National Electric Code. Refer to wiring diagram on back cover
of this manual for field wiring connections.
Installation
R
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F
V
A
L
V
E
COLD
HOT
Figure 2. — Typical Installation
Heat Trap
6" Min.
Hot Water
Outlet to Fixtures
Electrical Junction
Box
(Use only Copper
Conductors)
Jacket Access
Panels
Heat Trap
6" Min.
Union
Union
Air Gap
6"
Auxiliary Catch Pan
Drain Valve
Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve
To Electrical Distribution Panel
Anode
Table 1. — Branch Circuit Sizing Guide Based on
N.E.C. ANSI / NFPA 70
Figure 3. — Water Heater Junction Box.
P
Recommended Over
Total h
Current Protection Copper Wire Size -
Water a
(Fuse or Circuit Breaker) AWG Based on N.E.C.
Heater s
Amperage Rating Table 310-16 (75°C.)
Wattage e 208V 240V 277V 480V 208V 240V 277V 480V
3,000
12020151512121414
3 20 20 --- 15 12 12 --- 14
4,000
12525201510101214
3 25 25 --- 15 10 10 --- 14
4,500
13025251510101014
3 30 25 --- 15 10 10 --- 14
5,000
13030251510101014
3 30 30 --- 15 10 10 --- 14
5,500
1 35 30 25 15 8 10 10 14
3 35 30 --- 15 8 10 --- 14
6,000
140353020 8 8 1012
3 35 30 --- 15 8 10 --- 14
8,000
150454025 8 8 8 10
3 45 40 --- 20 8 8 --- 12
9,000
1 --- 50 45 25 --- 8 8 10
3 50 45 --- 25 8 8 --- 10
10,000
1 --- --- 50 30 --- --- 8 10
3 --- 50 --- 25 --- 8 --- 10
11,000
1 --- --- 50 30 --- --- 8 10
3 --- 50 --- 25 --- 8 --- 10
12,000
1 --- --- --- 35 --- --- --- 8
3 --- --- --- 30 --- --- --- 10
Shut-Off
Valve
To Cold
Water
Supply
Relief Valve Discharge
Line to suitable open drain
Thermal Expansion
Tank (if required)
!
WARNING
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