Rheem Low NOx Emissions Gas Water Heaters User Manual
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WARNING: This water heater is not suitable
for use in manufactured (mobile) homes!
Use & Care Manual
With Installation Instructions for the Installer
Compliant with South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1146 14 ng/J NOx Emissions
Low NOx Emissions
Gas Water Heaters
75 and 98 Gallon
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.
WARNING: If the information in these instructions is not followed exactly,
a fire or explosion may result causing property damage, personal injury or death.
FOR YOUR SAFETY!
— Do not store or use gasoline or other
flammable vapors or liquids or other
combustible materials in the vicinity of this or
any other appliance. To do so may result in an
explosion or fire.
— WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
● Do not try to light any appliance.
● Do not touch any electrical switch; do not
use any phone in your building.
FVIR Certified
● If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call
the fire department.
● Do not return to your home until authorized
by the gas supplier or fire department.
— Improper installation, adjustment, alteration,
service or maintenance can cause property
damage, personal injury, or death . Refer to
this manual. Installation and service must be
performed by a qualified installer, service
agency or the gas supplier.
● Immediately call your gas supplier from a
neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s
instructions.
DO NOT RETURN this water heater to the store or place of purchase.
If you need technical or installation assistance, please call the Technical Support
Printed in USA
Lines at 1-800-432-8373.
AP16412 (05/12)
Safety Information
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Safety Precautions ....... 3–6
LP Gas Models ........... 5
Installation Instructions
Location ................. 7
Water Supply Connections .. 9
Gas Supply .............. 11
Pipe Insulation ............13
Heat Traps ...............13
Wiring Diagram . . . . . . . . . . 14
Installation Checklist .......17
Potable/Space Heating .... 18
Operating Instructions
Lighting Instructions ...... 19
Water Temperature .... 20, 21
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. A little preventive care
on your part can save you time and money over the life of your
water heater.
You’ll find many answers to common problems in
the Troubleshooting Guide. If you review the chart of
Troubleshooting Tips first, you may not need to call for service.
Care and Cleaning
Draining ................ 23
Maintenance ............. 23
Burner Inspection ........ 24
Extended Shut-Down ......24
Troubleshooting Tips
Before You Call
For Service ........... 25, 26
Customer Service
Parts List ................ 31
If You Need Service .......32
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
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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
that will result in death or serious
injury.
WARNING
could result in death or serious injury
and/or damage to property.
CAUTION
may result in minor or moderate
injury.
An imminently hazardous situation
A potentially hazardous situation that
A potentially hazardous situation that
NOTICE:
specified procedure or maintain
a specific condition.
Attention is called to observe a
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
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READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
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 money. 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 gas utility.
DANGER!
INSTALL THE DRAFT HOOD AND PROPERLY VENT THE
WATER HEATER…
Failure to install the draft hood and properly vent the water heater to the outdoors as
outlined in the Venting Section of the Installation Instructions in this manual can result in
unsafe operation of the water heater. To avoid the risk of fire, explosion, or asphyxiation
from carbon monoxide, never operate this water heater unless it is properly vented and
has an adequate air supply for proper operation. Be sure to inspect the vent system
for proper installation at initial start-up; and at least annually thereafter. Refer to the
Care and Cleaning section of this manual for more information regarding vent system
inspection.
WARNING!
Gasoline, as well as other flammable materials and liquids which include, but are not
limited to (adhesives, solvents, paint thinners 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 or any other
appliance. Be sure to read and follow warning label pictured below and other labels on
the water heater, as well as the warnings printed in this manual. Failure to do so can
result in property damage, bodily injury or death.
W ARNING
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FLAMMABLES
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Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids
in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. Storage of or use of gasoline
or other flammable vapors or liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance can result in serious injury or death.
Flammable Vapors
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD
Can result in serious injury or death.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
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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 a water heater’s gas control. 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.
Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds
Water Temperature Time To Produce a Serious Burn
120°F More than 5 minutes
125°F 11/2 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 11/2 seconds
155°F About 1 second
Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute
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.
DANGER: Hotter water increases the potential
for Hot Water SCALDS.
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 gas control
(thermostat) setting to prevent contact with “HOT” water.
Maximum water temperatures occur just after the
burner has shut off. To find water temperature being
delivered, turn on a hot water faucet and place
a thermometer in the water stream and read the
thermometer.(See page 20 and 21 for more details.)
The temperature of the water in the heater can be
regulated by setting the temperature dial on the
front of the Combination Gas Control (thermostat).
To comply with safety regulations the Combination
Gas Control(thermostat) was set at its lowest setting
before the water heater was shipped from the factory.
The illustration on the following page details
the approximate water temperature for each
LED indicator of the Combination Gas Control
(thermostat).
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WARNING
VERY
HOT
WARM
D E F
COOLER
HOTTER
B
C
VACATION
WARNING
VERY
HOT
WARM
A B C
COOLER
HOTTER
Thermostat Water Temperature Details
! DANGER: Hotter water increases the
potential for Hot Water SCALDS.
Temperature Setting for
160°F Thermostat
Display
▼ A B C
Burns on Adult Skin
WARM = approx. 70°F (21°C) ● ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ -------------------▼ = approx. 120°F (49°C) ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○ More than 5 minutes
A = approx. 130°F (54°C) ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ About 30 seconds
B = approx. 140°F (60°C) ○ ○ ○ ○ ● ○ Less than 5 seconds
C = approx. 150°F (66°C) ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ● About 1-1/2 seconds
C-Flashing = approx. 160°F (71°C) ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ● About 1/2 seconds
! DANGER: Hotter water increases the
potential for Hot Water SCALDS.
Temperature Setting for
180°F Thermostat
▼ = approx. 120°F (49°C)
B = approx. 130°F (54°C)
C = approx. 140°F (60°C)
D = approx. 150°F (66°C)
E = approx. 160°F (71°C)
F = approx. 170°F (77°C)
F = approx. 180°F (82°C)
Display
▼ B C D E F
● ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
● ● ○ ○ ○ ○
○ ● ○ ○ ○ ○
○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○
○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○
○ ○ ○ ○ ● ○
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ●
Burns on Adult Skin
More than 5 minutes
About 30 seconds
Less than 5 seconds
About 1-1/2 seconds
About 1/2 seconds
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5
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
DANGER!
LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM (LP)
AND NATURAL GAS MODELS
LP and Natural gas have an odorant added to aid in detecting a gas leak. Some people
may not physically be able to smell or recognize this odorant. If you are unsure or
unfamiliar with the smell of LP or natural gas, ask the gas supplier. Other conditions,
such as “odorant fade”, which causes the odorant to diminish in intensity, can also hide or
camouflage a gas leak.
● Water heaters utilizing LP gas are
different from natural gas models. A
natural gas water heater will not function
safely on LP gas and vice versa.
● No attempt should ever be made to
convert the water heater from natural gas
to LP gas. To avoid possible equipment
damage, personal injury or fire, do not
connect the water heater to a fuel type not
in accordance with the unit data plate. LP
for LP units. Natural gas for natural gas
units. These units are not certified for any
other fuel type.
● LP appliances should not be installed
below grade (for example, in a basement)
if such installation is prohibited by federal,
state and/or local laws, rules, regulations
or customs.
● LP gas must be used with great caution.
It is heavier than air and will collect first
in lower areas making it hard to detect at
nose level.
DANGER: If a gas leak is present or
suspected:
● DO NOT attempt to find the cause
yourself.
● DO NOT try to light any appliance.
● DO NOT touch any electrical switch.
● DO NOT use any phone in your building.
● Leave the house immediately and make
sure your family and pets leave also.
● Leave the doors open for ventilation and
contact the gas supplier, a qualified service
agency or the fire department.
● Stay away from the house (or building)
until the service call has been made, the
leak is corrected and a qualified agency
has determined the area to be safe.
● Before attempting to light the water
heater, make sure to look and smell for
gas leaks. Use a soapy solution to check all
gas fittings and connections. Bubbling at
a connection indicates a leak that must be
corrected. When smelling to detect a gas
leak, be sure to sniff near the floor also.
● Gas detectors are recommended in LP
& natural gas applications and their
installation should be in accordance
with the detector manufacturer’s
recommendations and/or local laws, rules,
regulations or customs.
● It is recommended that more than one
method, such as soapy solution, gas
detectors, etc., be used to detect leaks in
gas applications.
6
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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.
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 gas shut-off valve and how to shut it off
if necessary. Turn off the manual shut-off valve if the water heater has been subjected to
overheating, fire, flood, physical damage or if the gas supply 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
7
Installing the water heater.
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This water heater must be installed in accordance with these instructions, local codes, utility company
requirements, and/or in the absence of local codes, use the latest edition of the American National
Standard/National Fuel Gas Code. A copy can be purchased from either the American Gas Association,
400 N. Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 as ANSI standard Z223.1 or National Fire Protection
Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as booklet NFPA 54.
Location
Max.
2”
Flammable
Vapor Sensor
The auxiliary catch pan
installation MUST conform
to local codes.
NOTICE: DO NOT allow the
flammable vapour sensor to
become submerged in water.
Make sure the catch pan is
properly drained.
Diameter of
water heater
plus 2” min.
Top View Alcove
Rear
Front Open
Sides
Top View Closet
Rear
Front Enclosed
Sides
WARNING: Combustible
construction refers to
adjacent walls and ceilings
and should not be confused
with combustible or
flammable products and
materials. Combustible
and/or flammable products
and materials should never
be stored in the vicinity of
this or any gas appliance.
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The water heater should not be located
in an area where leakage from the tank
or connections will result in damage
to the area adjacent to the heater or to
lower floors of the structure.
When such areas cannot be avoided it is
recommended that a suitable catch pan,
adequately drained, must be installed
under the water heater.
The pan must not restrict air flow
to the combustion air inlet openings
(perforation openings) located around the
lower perimeter of the water heater.
Catch pan kits are available from the store
where the water heater was purchased, or
any water heater distributor.
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.
A gas fired water heater or any other
appliance 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 or propane), paint or adhesives
and their thinners, solvents or removers.
DO NOT block or obstruct the
Flammable Vapor Sensor.
Because of natural air movement in a
room or other enclosed space, flammable
vapors can be carried some distance from
where liquids which give off flammable
vapors are to be used or stored. The open
flame of the water heater’s main burner
can ignite these vapors and create a shut
down condition of the water heater
which will not allow the water heater
to ignite until examined by a Qualified
Service Technician.
FVIR certified gas water heaters can be
installed on a residential garage floor
without the use of an 18-inch stand in
accordance with the National Fuel Gas
Code, NFPA 54, ANSI Z223.1, unless
otherwise directed by State and Local
code requirements. The water heater must
be located so it is not subject to physical
damage, for example, by moving vehicles,
area flooding, etc
• The water heater should be installed
as close as practical to the gas vent or
chimney.
• Long hot water lines should be insulated
to conserve water and energy.
• The water heater and water lines should
be protected from exposure
to freezing temperatures.
• DO NOT install the water heater in
bathrooms, bedrooms, any occupied
rooms normally kept closed, or in
unprotected outdoor areas.
• Minimum clearance from combustible
construction:
Location
Alcove
Closet
Front*
(7.6 cm)
(7.6 cm)
3”
3”
Sides Rear
0”
(0 cm)
0”
(0 cm)
0”
(0 cm)
0”
(0 cm)
Top**
(30.5 cm)
(30.5 cm)
* "Front" Clearance dimension is
measured from the water heater jacket
to the closet door.
** "Top" clearance dimension is measured
from the jacket top of the water heater
to the ceiling.
If the clearances stated on the Instruction/
Warning Label, located on the front of
the heater differ, install the water heater
according to the clearances stated on the
label.
• If the water heater is installed in an
alcove or closet, the entire floor must be
covered by a wood or metal panel.
A minimum of 24” clearance from the
front and top should be available for
adequate inspection and servicing.
• The water heater may be installed on
combustible floors, but not directly on
carpeting. If the water heater must be
installed on carpeting, place a metal or
wood panel beneath the water heater,
extending beyond its full width and
depth at least 3” in all directions.
12”
12”
Inspect Shipment
Carefully inspect the water heater for
damage before proceeding with the
installation. Of specific interest should
be any dents or damage to the blower or
plenum assembly. If you find damage,
Combustion and Ventilation Air
DO NOT install or attempt any repair to
the water heater. Contact the manufacturer
as detailed under "IF YOU NEED
SERVICE" on page 32.
Proper operation of the water heater
requires air for combustion and
ventilation. Provisions for combustion
and ventilation air must comply with
referenced codes and standards.
When installed in a closet, DO NOT block
or obstruct any of the combustion air inlet
openings located around the perimeter of
the outer door. A minimum of 1” is required
between these combustion air inlet openings
and any obstruction.
NOTICE: If the water heater is installed
in an unconfined space within a building
of conventional frame, masonry or metal
construction, infiltration air is normally
adequate for proper combustion and
ventilation. If the water heater is installed in
a confined space, provisions for combustion
and ventilation air must be made.
A confined space is one having a volume
of less than 50 cubic feet per 1000 Btuh
of the aggregate input of all appliances
within that space.
The air must be supplied through two
permanent openings of equal area. One
is to be located within 12” above the floor
and the other is to be located within 12”
from the ceiling.
The minimum net free area of each opening
must not be less than one square inch
per 1000 Btuh of the total input rating
of all the appliances in the enclosure
(but not less than 100 square inches), if
each opening communicates with other
unconfined areas inside the building.
Buildings of unusually tight construction
shall have the combustion and ventilation
air supplied from outdoors, or a freely
ventilated attic or crawl space.
If air is supplied from outdoors, directly or
through vertical ducts, there must be two
openings located as specified above and
each must have a minimum net free area
of not less than one square inch per 4000
Btuh of the total input rating of all the
appliances in the enclosure.
If horizontal ducts are used to
communicate with the outdoors, each
opening must have a minimum net free
area of not less than one square inch per
2000 Btuh of the total input rating of all
the appliances in the enclosure. If ducts
are used, the minimum dimensions of
rectangular air ducts shall not be less than
3”.
NOTICE: If the duct openings which supply
combustion and ventilation air are to be
covered with a protective screen or grill,
the net free area (openings in the material)
of the covering material must be used
in determining the size of the openings.
Protective screening for the openings MUST
NOT be smaller than 1/4”mesh to prevent
clogging by lint or other debris.
NOTICE: The water heater
should not be installed near
an air supply containing
halogenated hydrocarbons.
Corrosive Atmospheres
The air in beauty shops, dry cleaning
establishments, photo processing
labs, and storage areas for liquid and
powdered bleaches or swimming pool
chemicals often contain such halogenated
hydrocarbons.
An air supply containing halogenated
hydrocarbons may be safe to breathe,
but when it passes through a gas flame
corrosive elements are released that
will shorten the life of any gas burning
appliance.
Propellants from common spray cans
or gas leaks from A/C and refrigeration
equipment are highly corrosive after
passing through a flame.
The water heater warranty is voided when
failure of the heater is due to operation in
a corrosive atmosphere.
9
Installing the water heater.
Thermal Expansion
Determine if a check valve exists in the inlet
water line. Check with your local water
utility company. 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 (see 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.
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 the cold
water connections on heater.
Any heat applied to the cold
water supply fittings will
permanently damage the
dip tube and the heat traps
in the hot/cold nipples.
NOTICE: The National
Fuel Gas Code (NFGC)
mandates a manual
gas shut-off valve: See
(NFGC) for complete
instructions. Local codes
or plumbing authority
requirements may vary
from the instructions or
diagrams provided and
take precedent over these
instructions.
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
Typical Installation
Vent connector to
chimney
Heat trap
6” minimum
Hot water outlet to
fixtures
Water Heater Jacket
Temperature and
pressure relief valve
Manual gas shut-off
To gas supply
Ground joint union
Sediment trap
Cap
Combination Gas Control
(thermostat)
Flammable Vapor Sensor
Jacket door
Union
for servicing if necessary. The HOT and COLD
water connections are clearly marked and are
1” NPT on all models. Install a shut-off valve
in the cold water line near the water heater.
Pitch up 1/4”
per foot
Draft hood
Anode
Union
Shut-off
valve
Thermal expansion
tank (if required)
Drain
valve
Heat trap
6” minimum
To cold water
supply
Shut-off valve
Relief valve discharge
line to suitable open
drain.
10
Auxiliary catch pan
Drain Pan Pipe to suitable drain.
6” Air gap
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