Rheem HB Duct Ready Series Use & Care Manual

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Use & Care Manual

With Installation Instructions for the Installer

Electric Residential Hybrid

Water Heaters

Residential - HB Duct Ready Series

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.

© 2016 Rheem Sales Company Inc.

AP18095 (08/16)

Safety Information

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Safety Precautions ....... 3-4

Installation Instructions

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

Water Connections ........ 6

Condensate Drain ......... 6

Relief Valve .............. 7

Electrical Connections. . . . . . 8

Pipe Insulation ........... 10

Ducting Requirements. . . . . 11

Installation Checklist .......14

Operating Instructions

Safety Controls .......... 15

Water Temperature ........15

Basic Water Heater Operation .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-20

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.

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.

Care and Cleaning

Draining ................ 21

Maintenance ............. 21

Extended Shut-Down ..... 22

Troubleshooting Tips

Before You Call

For Service .............. 23

Troubleshooting alarm code

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-26

Customer Service

Replacement Parts ........ 27

Cavity Insert ............. 28

Wiring Diagram .......... 29

If You Need

Service ................ 30

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!

!

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

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

These words mean:

DANGER

WARNING

!

CAUTION

NOTICE:

An imminently hazardous situation
that will result in death or serious

injury.

A potentially hazardous situation that

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

A potentially hazardous situation that

may result in minor or moderate

injury.

Attention is called to observe a
specified procedure or maintain a

specific condition.

2

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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. 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 thermistor
access panel.

Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds

Temperature Time To Produce a Serious Burn

!

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.

120°F (49°C) More than 5 minutes
125°F (52°C) 1½ to 2 minutes
130°F (54°C) About 30 seconds
135°F (57°C) About 10 seconds
140°F (60°C) Less than 5 seconds
145°F (63°C) Less than 3 seconds
150°F (65°C) About 1½ seconds
155°F (68°C) 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.

The temperature of the water in the heater is regulated
by the water heater interface control. To comply with
safety regulations the temperature was set at 120°F
before the water heater was shipped from the factory.

The illustration below shows the water temperature
setting.

Refer to the Operating Instructions in this manual
for detailed instructions in how to adjust the water
temperature.

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 recommended for reducing
point of use water temperature by mixing hot and
cold water in branch water lines. It is recommended
that a mixing valve complying with the Standard for
Temperature Actuated Mixing Valves for Hot Water
Distribution Systems, ASSE 1017 be installed. See page
16 for more details and contact a licensed plumber or the
local plumbing authority for further information.

Energy Saver Mode

120°

warm hot very hot

StatusSettings

DANGER: Hotter water increases the potential for
Hot Water SCALDS.

Service Mode

3

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, 1102 Q Street,
Suite 5100, Sacramento, CA 95814 or you may call 916-445-8100 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 (temperature limiting control) 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.

● DO NOT turn on the electrical supply

or operate this water heater unless it is
completely full of water.

WARNING!

Disconnect all power to unit before starting maintenance. Failure to do so can cause
electrical shock resulting in severe personal injury or death.

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION
CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

4

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: If air

temperature in
installed location
drops more than
15°F (8°C) during
heating, air circulation
is insufficient for
efficient operation.
Utilize ducting to
direct cold exhaust air
to another location.

NOTICE: Auxiliary
drain pan MUST
conform to local
codes.

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

Drain Pan should not
obstruct cold inlet or
drain valve.

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 Electrical
Code. It is available from some local
libraries or can be purchased from the
National Fire Protection Association,

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 thermistor 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.

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.

For installation on floors other than
concrete, the floor isolation kit is
recommended to minimize vibrations.

B

Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269
as booklet ANSI/NFPA 70.

Canadian installations should refer to
CSA22.1, a copy can be purchased
from the Canadian Standards
Association, 5050 Spectrum Way,
Mississauga,ONT L4W 5N6

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 drain
pan, adequately drained, be installed
under the water heater.

NOTICE: Installation in a confined
space will lead to higher power
consumption if adequate ventilation
is not provided.

It is recommended that the hybrid
water heater be installed where ambient

temperatures DO NOT exceed 145°F
(63°C).

Insufficient air exchange will result in
increased energy consumption levels.

Clearances

Rear Sides Top

0" 0" 6"

A

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.

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. Rating plate is located on front of water heater.

Refrigerant

This Hybrid Water Heater is factory charged with an environmentally friendly,
non-chlorinated refrigerant, R134A. This refrigerant has zero ozone depletion
potential.

5

Installing the water heater

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
on the next page). 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.

Water Supply Connections

Refer to the illustration on the next page
for suggested typical installation. The
installation of flexible connectors is
recommended on the hot and cold water
connections. Flexible connections provide
vibration isolation and allow the water heater
to be easily disconnected for servicing if
necessary. The HOT and COLD water
connections are clearly marked and are
3/4in. NPT on all models. Install a shut-off

valve in the cold water line near the water
heater.

See page 8 on "To Fill The Water Heater".

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.

Condensate Drains

Consult local codes or ordinances for
specific requirements. Refer to page 7.

IMPORTANT: When making drain fitting
connections to the drain tubing, use a thin
layer of piping tape or silicone and install
hand tight.

IMPORTANT: When making drain fitting
connections to the drain tubing, DO NOT
overtighten. Overtightening fittings can split
pipe connections on the drain pan.

• This unit is equipped with a 3/4" NPT
female primary condensate connection
and a 3/8" NPT female overflow
connection. Use MIP fittings for
connections.

• DO NOT reduce drain line size less
than connection size provided on
condensate drain.

6

• All drain lines must be pitched
downward away from the unit a
minimum of 1/8" per foot of line to
ensure proper drainage.

• Drain lines must include a P-trap if
connected to a sewer pipe.

• If no drain is available, then a common
condensate pump with a capacity no
less than 2 gallon per day must be
installed.

• DO NOT allow condensate to drain into
the water heater drain pan.

• The drain line should be insulated
where necessary to prevent sweating
and damage due to condensate forming
on the outside surface of the line.

!

Typical Installation

Ceiling

Air lter

Temperature
and pressure
relief valve and
discharge line

6" Minimum clearance above heat

pump to allow for lter maintenance

Flexible Connection
recommended
(Such as PEX)

Hot water outlet

to xtures

Primary
condensation
(3/4") to open
drain or
outdoors

Secondary condensate tubing
(3/8") to open drain or outdoors

Flexible Connection
recommended
(Such as PEX)

Heat trap
6" Min

Shut-off
valve

6" Air gap

A new combination temperature and pressure relief valve, complying with the Standard for Relief
Valves for Hot Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22/CSA 4.4, is factory installed and must remain
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.

Drain
valve

Thermal expansion
tank (if required)

Cold water
supply

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.

The btu/h 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 btu/h).

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.

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.

7

Installing the water heater

!

!

To Fill the Water Heater

WARNING: DO NOT
turn on the electrical
supply or operate this
water heater unless it is
completely full of water.
The tank must be full of
water before water heater
is turned on. The water
heater warranty does not
cover damage or failure
resulting from operation
with an empty or partially
empty tank.

Make certain the drain valve on the
water heater is completely closed.

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

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

EcoNet™ Communication

EcoNet™ communication is provided for integration with home automation,
energy management, and demand response systems. Connectivity is provided
through the EcoNet port or via wireless (Wi-Fi).

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

Electrical Power

Hookup Terminals

EcoNet™
Port

Ground

Screw
inside

Junction

Box

Control
Board
Assembly

Right Side View

Electrical Connections

WARNING: Turn off electric
power at the fuse box or service
panel before making any electrical
connections.

Also, the ground connection must be
completed before making line voltage
connections. Failure to do so can result
in electrical shock, severe personal
injury or death.

Disconnect all power to unit before
starting maintenance. Failure to do so
can cause electrical shock resulting in
severe personal injury or death

The unit must be grounded. Failure

8

to do so can cause electrical shock
resulting in severe personal injury or
death.

If the water heater has been subjected
to fire, flood or physical damage, DO
NOT operate the water heater again
until it has been checked by a qualified
service technician.

NOTICE: DO NOT use this
appliance if any part has been under
water. Immediately call a qualified
installer or service agency to replace
a flooded water heater. DO NOT
attempt to repair the unit! It must
be replaced.

!

!

!

WARNING

WARNING

Ground screw

!

Conduit

connector

Wire connections

Junction

box cover

Water heater junction box.

DO NOT turn on the
electrical supply or operate
this water heater unless it is
completely full of water.

Electrical Connections continued...

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 in. or 3/4 in. 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

Non-metallic sheathed cable,

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

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

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.

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

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.

Air lter

must be
accessible.

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 cover air openings on both

sides of the water heater .

 DO NOT cover the Controller

Assembly, temperature and pressure
relief valve or drain valve.

 Inspect the insulation blanket frequently.

Vertical
Flexible
Filter

Air Outlet
Opening

Controller
Assembly

9