Rheem MR50245, MSR50245 User Manual
!
!
Use & Care Manual
With Installation Instructions for the Installer
Electric
Water Heaters
Single and Double Element Models,
15–50 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 warranty.
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.
AP17947-2 (12/17)
Safety Information
!
!
Safety Precautions ....... 3, 4
Installation Instructions
Location ................. 5
Water Connections ........ 8
Electrical Connections. . . . . 10
Wiring Diagram ......... 11
Operating Instructions
Safety Controls .......... 14
Water Temperature ........14
FOR YOUR RECORDS
Write the model, serial numbers, and installation details on the
back cover of the manual.
This information is located on the rating plate (silver label) on
the unit.
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 ................ 16
Maintenance ............. 16
Extended Shut-Down ..... 16
Troubleshooting Tips
Before You Call
For Service .............. 17
Customer Service
Parts List ................ 18
Replacement Parts ..... 19, 20
Element Replacement ..... 21
Warranty ..............22-24
How To Register .......24-25
If You Need Service .......28
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
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.
NOTICE:
specified procedure or maintain
a specific condition.
An imminently hazardous situation
A potentially hazardous situation that
A potentially hazardous situation that
Attention is called to observe a
2
!
!
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. Contact (such as at the water use
fixture) with water temperatures above 125°F (51°C) 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
!
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.
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
14 for more details and contact a licensed plumber or the
local plumbing authority for further information.
Temperature Time To Produce a Serious Burn
120°F (49°C) More than 5 minutes
125°F (51°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 (66°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 (49°C) 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 industry standards the thermostat(s)
were set at 120°F before the water heater was
shipped from the factory. Canadian models are set
to 140°F (60°C).
The illustration at the left
shows the temperature
Reset button
Thermostat dial
pointer
Thermostat
protective
cover
DANGER: Hotter water increases the potential for
Hot Water SCALDS.
adjustment dial used
for setting the water
temperature.
Refer to the Operating
Instructions in this
manual for detailed
instructions in how to
adjust the thermostat(s).
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 95811 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 (Emergency Cut Off) on the thermostat 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.
● All replacement parts used on this
product must be manufacturer authorized
components.
● DO NOT turn on the electrical supply
or operate this water heater unless it is
completely full of water.
READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION
CAREFULLY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
4
Installing the water heater.
Local Installation Regulations
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,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as
booklet ANSI/NFPA 70.
If the water heater is to be installed in a
restaurant, or other location where NSF
International listing is required, it must
be weather sealed to the floor, a raised
base, or on a shelf so that seepage cannot
accumulate under it; or elevated to provide
at least (6) inches of clearance from the
floor.
In order to meet NSF International
requirements for Standard 5, the base
of the water heater must be sealed to
the floor to prevent seepage underneath.
Apply a 3/8" bead of RTV Silicone
completely around the floor edge of the
base of the tank.
The location chosen for the water heater must take into consideration the following:
Location
NOTICE: DO NOT use
fittings on top of the unit as
handles or lift points.
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 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 or near any
other appliances where high temperatures
are present, such as wood burning stoves,
boilers, or furnaces. High temperatures
can warp or otherwise damage the nonmetallic construction of this water heater.
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.
Unit
Capacity
(Gallons)
15 13 35 5/8 21 5/8 58 183
20 17 34 1/2 23 1/2 61 228
30 25 53 21 5/8 75 325
40 33 65 1/2 21 5/8 90 424
50
50S 47 1/4 28 1/4 95 512
1
Height includes factory installed Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve.
Unit
Capacity
(Imperial Gallons)
42
Dimensions (Inches)
Height 1Diameter
66 3/4 23 1/2 100 517
Shipping
Weight
(lbs)
Approximate
Full Weight
(lbs)
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 page 9). 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 operate
the unit without the vacuum
relief valve for any reason.
Doing so will void the
manufacturer’s warranty.
Inspect Water Heater
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.
Vacuum Relief Valve
The vacuum relief valve, which must
be used when installing the water
heater, is factory installed.
The cold water inlet has a vacuum
relief valve connected to it. Certain
conditions in the field may produce a
vacuum or negative pressure condition
inside the water heater’s tank. This
negative pressure can cause the tank to
fail. The vacuum relief valve provides
a means to eliminate the negative pressure or vacuum by admitting air into
the tank to equalize the pressure.
It is not recommended to pull a
vacuum on the unit.
If a vacuum is pulled on the unit, refer
to the "To Fill the Water Heater" section to ensure the unit is full of water
before operating.
6
!
A new combination temperature and pressure relief valve, complying with the Standard for Relief
■■■✦■■■
Valves 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.
Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
WARNING: The pressure
rating of the relief valve must
not exceed 150 psi, (1034 kPa),
the maximum working
pressure of the water heater as
marked on the rating plate.
NOTICE: Auxiliary
catch pan MUST
conform to local codes.
NOTICE: Water heater
must be centered in
drain pan.
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 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.
Drain Pan
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.
Under no circumstance will the
manufacturer be held liable for any
water damage in connection with
this water heater.
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.
Drain pan kits are available from
the store where the water heater
was purchased, or any water heater
distributor.
B = Max 2″
B
A = Diameter of
water heater
plus 2″ min.
A
To open drain, this line should be at least 3/4″ ID and
pitched for proper drainage.
7
!
Installing the water heater.
!
Water Supply Connections
NOTICE: DO NOT at-
tempt to turn any tting
connected to the water
heater union hex nuts that
are tightened.
NOTICE: The hex nut
connections on the units
use rubber seal rings to
provide the water tight
seal. DO NOT use pipe
sealant on this joint. DO
NOT torque the union hex
nuts to over 35 ft-lbs when
reinstalling the components.
SOLDER WITH CARE!!!
If sweat connections are
used, DO NOT apply heat
directly to any component
directly connected to the
water heater. Assemblies
should be built to a
minimum length of 12”
before attaching to any
connection on the water
heater to avoid damaging
the unit.
WARNING: Failure to
follow the instructions
provided in this manual
may permanently damage
the unit and void the
manufacturer’s warranty.
Refer to the illustration on the
next page for suggested typical
installation. The installation of
unions or flexible connectors is
recommended on the hot and cold
water connections so that the water
heater may be easily disconnected
for servicing if necessary. If flexible
water connections are used, the must
comply with the standard for flexible
Water Connectors, ASME A112.18.6/
CSA-B125.6. The HOT and COLD
water connections are clearly marked
on the water heater. Install a shutoff
valve in the cold water line near the
water heater. Refer to the following
illustration for suggested typical
installation.
The hot water connection is
provided with a ¾” or 1” connection
depending on the size of the unit. A
metal fitting should be used for the
connection to the unit at this location.
The hot water connection contains a
plastic cap to contain a rubber seal
ring that is used to form a water tight
connection. Take care when removing
the plastic cap so the rubber seal ring
is not lost. Be sure the rubber seal
ring is seated inside the union hex nut
before making the final connection.
DO NOT use pipe sealant on this
joint. DO NOT torque the union
hex nuts to over 35 ft-lbs when
reinstalling the components.
The cold water connection and the
temperature and pressure relief
valve are supplied with ¾” NPT
connections. They may be temporarily
disconnected from the unit to ease
installation by loosening the union
hex nuts connecting the fittings to the
unit. The connection of these parts to
the unit use rubber seal rings to form
a water tight connection. Re-use the
rubber seal rings that are provided
with the unit when re-installing these
components. Follow the instructions
listed for the hot water connection to
reconnect the union hex nuts.
Minimum Dimension
3/4” Connection: 0.725”
Rubber
Seal
Ring
1” Connection: 0.920”
Hex Union
Nut
The hot water connection fitting must
have an inside diameter greater than
the minimum shown in the picture
above.
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 heater is turned on.
The water heater warranty
does not cover damage or
failure resulting from
operation with an empty or
partially empty tank.
To Fill the Water Heater
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.
A steady flow of water from the hot water
faucet(s) indicates a full water heater.
8
Typical Installation
Temperature & Pressure
Relief Valve
Seal Ring
(Inside nut)
Hex Union Nut
(Relief Valve)
Top of Water Heater
Junction Box
Pre-solder 12" minimum
stub pipes before
installing to unit.
Hot Water Outlet
Cold Inlet
Shut Off
Support the relief valve drain
pipe using metal strapping or
wire fastened to the structure
overhead
Heat Trap 6"
Minimum
Union
(The addition of a union at
this point will help in the
replacement of the T & P Relief
Valve should the need arise.)
Thermal Expansion
Tank (if required)
See thermal
expansion section
on page 6.
Drain Pan
Drain Valve
Drain Pipe -(3/4" minimum)
No threads permitted on
end of Drain Pipe.
6” Maximum distance
from drain pipe to
suitable open drain.
9
Loading...