Rheem Professional Classic Plus Series Induced Draft User Manual

Warning: This water heater is not

suitable for use in manufactured (mobile) homes!

Use & Care Manual

With Installation Instructions for the Installer

Residential Gas - FVIR Certified

Induced Draft

Residential 29 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 very important 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 assistance.

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.

Water Heaters

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.

● Immediately call your gas supplier from a

neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s instructions.

● 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.

Printed in USA

AP15696 (11/10)

Safety Information

Safety Precautions . . . . . . . 3–6

LP Gas Models . . . . . . . . . . . 5

FOR YOUR RECORDS

Write the model and serial numbers here:

Installation Instructions

Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Water Supply Connections . . 9

Gas Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Venting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13

Wiring Diagram . . . . . . . . . . .14

Pipe Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Heat Traps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Installation Checklist . . . . . . .17

Potable/Space Heating . . . . 18

Operating Instructions

Lighting Instructions . . . . . . 19

Water Temperature . . . . .20-21

Care and Cleaning

Draining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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.

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.

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Vent System Inspection . . . . 24

Burner Inspection . . . . . . . . 24

Extended Shut-Down . . . . . .25

Troubleshooting Tips

Before You Call

For Service . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27

Gas Valve LED Error Code .28

Customer Service

Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

If You Need Service . . . . . . .32

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

Attention is called to observe a

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. 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.

NOTICE: This water heater is equipped with a flammable vapor sensor that will automatically shut down the water heater in the presence of gasoline vapors and some other flammable vapors. If the flammable vapor sensor shuts down the water heater, contact a qualified service technician. Clear any hazardous materials and ventilate the area around the water heater. Do not turn off the appliance or adjust the ON/OFF switch in any way. Do not tamper with the flammable vapor sensor. Do not submerse the flammable vapor sensor in water. Do not allow the flammable vapor sensor to come into contact with any substances such as bleach or cleaners. See the “Gas Valve LED Error Code” Section of this manual for a list of error codes.

DANGER!

PROPERLY VENT THE WATER HEATER

Failure to 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 startup; 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 A R N I N G

FLAMMABLE S

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.

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 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

D A N G E R

HOT

BURN

Water temperature over 125°

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.

F (52°C)

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

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 rotating the dial on the front of the gas control (thermostat). To comply with safety regulations the gas control (thermostat) was set at “HOT” position before the water heater was shipped from the factory. The “HOT” dial position corresponds to a water temperature of approximately 120°F. DANGER: Hotter water increases the potential for Hot Water SCALDS. The illustration below details the approximate water temperature for each mark on the Gas Control (Thermostat) Temperature Dial.

Feel water before bathing or showering.

Temperature limiting valves are

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

available, see manual.

Valve Set

Point

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.

LOW

●

HOT

B C

VERY HOT

Estimated

Temperature 90°F -----------------------98°F -----------------------105°F -----------------------113°F -----------------------120°F More than 5 minutes 130°F About 30 seconds 140°F Less than 5 seconds 150° About 1-1/2 seconds 160°F About 1/2 second

Burns on Adult Skin

DANGER!

LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM (LP PROPANE OR BUTANE) 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.

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.

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

Installing the water heater

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.

Combustion Air Inlet

Openings

Max.

2.75”

Flammable Vapor Sensor

Diameter of water heater plus 2” min.

The auxiliary catch pan installation MUST conform to local codes.

Notice: DO NOT allow the catch pan to obstuct the flammable vapor sensor.

Notice: DO NOT allow the flammable vapor sensor to become submerged in water. Make sure the catch pan is properly drained.

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.

Location

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 water heater must be centered in the catch pan.

The catch 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 any of the combustion air inlet openings located around the perimeter of the water heater. A minimum of 1” is required between these combustion air inlet openings and any obstruction.

DO NOT obstruct or block 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 pilot or 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.

Rheem Water Heating FVIR certified gas water heaters can be installed on a residential garage floor without the use of an 18" stand in accordance with the National Fuel Gas Code, NFPA 54, ANSI Z223.1 2006, paragraph 9.1.10 Installation in Residential Garages, 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.

● 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:

Front Side Rear Top

Closet & Alcove

3”

(7.6 cm)

1”

(2.5 cm)

0”

(0 cm)

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”

(30.5 cm)

Installing the water heater

Inspect Shipment

Inspect the water heater for possible damage. Check the markings on the rating plate of the water heater to be certain the type of gas supplied corresponds to the water heater requirements.

Combustion and Ventilation Air

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.

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.

DO NOT obstruct or block the Flammable

Vapor Sensor.

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.

Thermal Expansion

Vacuum Relief Valve

If required, install per local codes

instructions.

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 heat traps.

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

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

Thermostatic gas valve

Jacket door

Flammable Vapor Sensor

Auxiliary catch pan

Drain Pan Pipe to suitable drain.

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.

Union

Shut-off valve

Thermal expansion tank (if required)

Drain valve

6” Air gap

Relief valve discharge line to suitable open drain.

Combustion Air Inlet Openings

(Not Supplied)

and valve manufacturer’s

Heat trap 6” minimum

To cold water supply

Shut-off valve

Installing the water heater

A new combination temperature and pressure relief valve, complying with the Standard for Relief Valves and Automatic Gas Shut-Off Devices for Hot Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22, is supplied 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. Local codes shall govern the installation of relief valves.

Relief Valve

WARNING: 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.

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 equal or exceed the Btuh input of the water heater as marked on its rating plate.

Position the outlet of the relief valve above a suitable open drain to eliminate potential water damage. Piping used should be of a type approved for hot water distribution.

To Fill the Water Heater

Make certain that the drain valve is closed, then 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.

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.

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

Do not allow the flammable vapor sensor to become submerged in water.

Condensation

Condensation can form on the tank when it is first filled with water. Condensation might also occur with a heavy water draw and very cold inlet water temperatures.

Drops of water falling on the burner can produce a sizzling or pinging sound.

This condition is not unusual, and will disappear after the water becomes heated. If, however, the condensation continues, examine the piping and fittings for possible leaks.

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