Rheem ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS, Water Heater Installation Instructions & Owner's Manual

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INSTALLATI ON INSTRUCTIONS

&

OWNER’S GUIDE

RHEEM STAINLESS STEEL

MAINS PRESSURE ELECTRIC

WATER HEATERS

Congratulations for choosing a

Rheem Water Heater

It is important that you take a few minutes to read this booklet as

this will help you get a long, safe and trouble-free life from your

water heater.

If you require any further information or your water heater needs

to be serviced, please contact

Rheem Service on 0800 657 335 or your local plumber.

Important to the Insta ller

This water heater must be installed and serviced by a qualified

person.

Do not leave this booklet inside the element cover

after installatio n. Ple ase leave the booklet with the householder

or owner.

www.rheem.co.nz

318026G-02

April 2012

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

GENERAL

The information contained in this guide, and all other information or advice given at any time by
Rheem New Zealand Limited in connection with the purchase, installation or use of a Rheem water
heater, is given in good faith. Subject to any rights the owner may have under the “Consumer
Guarantees Act 1993”, Rheem New Zealand Limited will not be liable t o any pers on for any inaccuracy
or omission in the information or advice arising through the fault or negligence of Rheem New Zealand
Limited or any other person or through any other cause whatsoever.

This water heater is designed for use in a single f amily domestic dwelling for the purpos e of heating
potable water. Its use in an application other than this may shorten its life.

Warning: This water heater is only intended to be operated by persons who have the experience

or knowledge and capabilities to do so. This water heater is not intended to be operated by
persons with reduced physic al , s ensory or mental capabiliti es i.e. the infirm, or by children.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER

DOES THE WATER QUALITY AFFECT THE WATER HEATER?

Your water heater i s suitable f or most public water supplies, however, some water qualities may have
a detrimental effect on it. If you are in a known harsh water area please read page 9.

HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?

For reasons of safet y and economy, we recommend the t hermostat is adjusted to the lowest sett ing
that meets your needs. Some models require an authorised person to make any temperature
adjustments. The New Zealand Building Code requires a temperature setting of not less than 60°C
within the tank to protect against Legionella.

Regulations require an approved t emperature limiting devic e (tempering valve) be fitt ed into the hot
water pipe work to the bathroom (s) and ens uite(s) to provide safet y protecti on from potential sc alding.
This will keep the hot water suppl y temperature t o the bathroom(s) and ensuite(s) below 55° C which
will reduce the risk of scald injury whilst still allowing hotter water (60°C+) to the kitchen and laundry.

To minimise scalding, especially for those people in high scald risk categories i.e. young children,
people with potentially incapacitating medical conditi ons, elderly people etc, this water heater must be
installed in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.4.

Water temperatures withi n the tank of 90°C or higher are possible if the water heater is connected to
solar panels or any other secondary sources (refer page 7).

Warning: This w ater heater can deliver w ater at temperatures which can cause scalding. Always

check the water temperature before us e, such as when entering a shower or filling a bath or basin,
to ensure it is suitable for the application and will not cause a scald injury.

HOW DO I KNOW IF THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?

Refer to the inst allat i on requirements on page 6.

HOW LONG WILL THE WATER HEATER LAST?

There are a number of factors that affect the life of t he water heater. These include; the water quality,
water pressure, water temperature and the usage pattern, however, your Rheem water heater is
supported by a comprehensive warranty (refer to page 8).

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HOW THE WATER HEATER WORKS

SINGLE AND TWIN ELEMENT MODELS

Water stored within the water heater is heated by the electric heating element. The thermostat controls
the electricity suppl y t o t he heating element so t hat a c onstant water temperature is maintained. As t he
cold water is heated it expands approxim ately1/50 of its volume and as a result, a sm all amount of
water is discharged from the cold water expansion valve.

MODELS WITH ADDITIONAL CONNECTIONS OR COIL(S)

In addition to electric heating elements, models with additional sockets may be connected to
alternative energy sources such as heat pump water heaters or solar panels to heat the water stored
within the water heater. Models with ‘direct’ connections allow hot and cold water to be circulated
directly to and from the volume inside the water heater. Models with coils al low heat transfer to occur
to and from non-potable flui ds being circulated through the coil(s).

Warning: Connection to this water heater of any external heating source must be designed and
installed by qualified and authorised persons in accordance with relevant regulations and
standards. Failure to comply may cause a dangerous situation and void the warranty.

SAFETY
On all models, a Temperature and Pressure Relief valve is supplied with each water heater. It can be
found inside the front cover and must be fitted to the appropriate socket on the top side of the water
heater. Also fitted to the water heater is a thermostat which inc orporates an over-temperature thermal
cut-out device.

Warning: The operati on of the thermal cut-out indicates a possible dangerous s ituation. Do not

reset the thermal cut-out until the water heater has been serviced by an authorised service person.

Warning: These safety devices must not be tampered with, or removed, and under no

circumstances operate the water heater unless both devices are fitted.

REGULAR CARE

MANUALLY OPERATING THE TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE:
Valve manufacturers recommend that you operate the easing lever (see diagram 1) on the

Temperature and Pressure Relief valve once every six months. It is very important that you raise

and lower the lever gently.

Warning: To ensure the relief valve is working correctly , operate the relief valve easing lever at

least every six months. Failure to do this may result in a dangerous situation due t o the water
heater over-pressurising.

DIAGRAM 1

Water Heater

Drain line

Lift until

water flows
from the
drain line –
lower gently

If water does not flow freely from the
drain line or the valve fails to
completely close and water continues
to be discharged, contact Rheem
Service on 0800 657 335, or your
local plumber.

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GOING ON HOLIDAYS:
If you plan to be away f rom home for one or two nights , we suggest that you leave the water heater

switched on. However, if you pl an to stay away more t han a few nights , you can conserve energy by
switching the water heater off at the isolating switc h, or at the main switchboard. In l ocations where
freezing could occur, you should leave the water heater turned on.

Where alternative energy sources are in use, consult the user manual for the energy source for
instructions to switch off the system when going on vacation.

SAVE A SERVICE CALL

Check the items below before maki ng a service call. You ma y be charged for service i f the fault
is not related to the water heater manufacture or parts supplied with the water heater by
Rheem.

WATER DISCHARGING FROM CONTROL VALVES

It is normal f or the cold water expansion valve to discharge a small quant ity of cold water during the
heating cycle. If a cold water expansi on valve is not fitted, then the T emperature and Pressure Relief
(TPR) valve may discharge a small quantity of hot water. If either of these valves discharges more than
a bucket full of water in 24 hours, one of the following may be the cause.

 Continuous dribble from valve, vent or drain line

Try gently raising the easing l ever on the TPR valve f or a few s econds. This may dislodge small

particles of foreign matter and clear the fault.

 Heavy flow of hot water disch a rging from valve, vent or drain line

Immediately turn off the electricity supply t o the water heater. Call Rheem Service or your local

plumber to arrange an inspection.

 A steady flow of water (often at night) from vent or drain line.

This may indicate that your cold water pressure sometimes rises above the design pressure of

your water heating s ystem. A Pressure Limiting valve should be installed, or if one is installed, it
may need replacing.

NOT ENOUGH HOT WATER (or no hot water)

 Is the electricity turned on?

Check the switch marked ‘water heater’ at the switchboard and the water heater isolating switch.
Check the fuse or circuit breaker marked ‘water heater’.

 Where t he water heater is connected to an off peak (night rate) electric al tariff, the supply may not

be available at certain times of the day.

 Do you have the correct size heater for your requirements?

Refer to the sizing guide in the Rheem sales literature or the Rheem website.

 Is one outlet (especially the shower) using more hot water than you think?

Carefully review the family’s hot water usage and if necessary check the shower flow rate.
For optim um hot water usage we recommend the shower flow rate is between 8 to 10 litres per

minute. This can be achieved by either a flow restrictor or a flow control valve.

 Ensure the thermostat setting is appro priate. Note some models require an authoris ed person

to make thermostat adjustments.

HIGH ELECTRICITY BILLS

 Is one outlet (especially the shower) using more hot water than you think? (see above)
 Is there a leaking hot water pipe, dripping hot water tap, etc?

Even a small leak will waste a s urprisi ngly large quantity of hot water and energy. Service dri pping

taps, and have your plumber rectify any leaking pipe-work.

 Are either of the expansion valves dischargin g too much water? (see above)
 Consider recent changes to your hot water usage pattern and check if there has been an

increase in energy tariffs since your previous account.

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INSTALLATION

Please take careful notic e of the advice given as Rheem New Zealand Limited will not be liable for any
loss or damage suffered as a result of the incorrect installation of the water heater, or any f ailure to
check the capability of the electrical supply and wiring to t he water heater.
The water heater must be installed and serviced by a certified person or registered plumber and t he
installation must comply with the New Zealand Building Code, Rheem Installation Instructions,
AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Instal l ations and all local codes and regulatory aut hority re quirem ents.

Please

note also that no warranty costs will be payable where the water heater is located in a position that
does not comply with the Rheem water heater installation instructions or relevant statutory
requirements, causing the need for maj or dismantling or removal of cupboards, doors or walls, or use
of special equipment to bring the water heater to floor or ground level or to a serviceable position.

 WA TER HEATER LOCATION

Rheem electric water heaters with a galvanised outer casing are only suitable for indoor
installations, whereas water heaters with a factory painted casing are suitable for both indoor and
outdoor installations. Outdoor models must be installed on a hard, level base and feet must be
used between the bottom of the water heater and the base.

Clearance must be allowed for servicing and removal of the water heater and it must be accessible

without the use of a ladder or scaffold. Adequate clearance must be provided for: TPR valve
removal, element cover and element removal, and anode removal and replacement. Also, the
information on the rating label must remain readable once installed.

 WATER SUPPLY PRESSURE

• Maximum permitted mains water pressure - refer product label and Table 5.2 AS/NZS 3500.4
Note: Inlet pressure-control valve i s required where the maximum permitted mains pressure is
likely to be exceeded.

• Minimum inlet water pressure: 60 kPa

 CONNECTION SIZES

• Hot water connection: RP ¾/20

• Cold water connection: RP ¾/20

• Relief valve connection: RP ½/15

• Alternative energy source connections: RP ¾/20.

 INLET/OUTLET CONNECTIO NS

Unions must always be provided at the cold water inlet, hot water outlet and at any additional

connections to allow for removal of the water heater s hould it be required. All connect ion sockets
on the water heater are parallel threaded and therefore tapered brass nipples must be used to
ensure watertight connections. Parallel brass nipples must not be used and could invalidate
warranty.

 NON RETURN VALVE

A non return valve must be installed on the cold water line to the water heater.

 PIPE SIZES

The cold water line to the water h eater should be the same s ize or bigger than the hot water line

from the water heater. For best results, choose the most suitable pipe size for each individual
application.

 COLD WATER EXPANSION VALVE

A cold water expansion valve must be fitted to the cold water line to the water heater.

 TEMPERATURE AND PRESSUR E RE LIEF VALVE

When fitting the temperature and pressure relief valve, ensure the probe has not been bent. S eal

the thread with PTFE tape, or similar, as recommended by the valve manuf acturer and screw the
valve into the socket provided. Do not us e a wrench on the valve body – use the s panner flats
provided. Drain from the TP R valve with a pipe the sam e size as the valve out let. The drain m ust
run downwards to a visible point outside the house, and must comply with the NZ Building Code.

In locations where the pipe exceeds 3 metres unbroken length, or freezing could occur, an air

break must be provided within 300 mm of the TPR valve.