Rheem Professional Classic Series Powered Damper, Professional Classic Plus Series Electric, Professional Classic Plus Series High Efficiency User Manual

786H

Use & Care Manual

With Installation Instructions for the Installer

Electric Residential

Water Heaters

Single and Double Element Models,

Residential 20–120 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.

LISTED

Printed in USA

AP9029-10 (06/13)

Safety Information

Safety Precautions ....... 3, 4

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.

Installation Instructions

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

Water Connections ........ 6

Electrical Connections. . . . . . 8

Operating Instructions

Safety Controls .......... 12

Water Temperature ........13

Care and Cleaning

Draining ................ 16

Maintenance ............. 16

Extended Shut-Down ..... 17

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.

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

Troubleshooting Tips

Before You Call

For Service .............. 18

Customer Service

Parts List ................ 19

If You Need

Service ................. 21

Wiring Diagram ......... 22

“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.

TURN OFF

POWER BEFORE

SERVICING

90°F150°F

125°F

(66°C)

(52°C)

(32°C)

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. 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 thermostat access panel.

Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds

Temperature Time To Produce a Serious Burn

DANGER

120°F More than 5 minutes

125°F 1½ 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 1½ seconds

155°F About 1 second

Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute

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 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.

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 adjustable surface mounted thermostat(s) located behind the jacket access panel(s). Dual element heaters have two thermostats. To comply with safety regulations the thermostat(s) were set at 120°F before the water heater was shipped from the factory.

The illustration at the left shows the temperature

adjustment dial used

Reset button

for setting the water temperature.

Thermostat dial

pointer

Refer to the Operating Instructions in this manual for detailed instructions in how to adjust the thermostat(s).

Thermostat

protective

cover

DANGER: Hotter water increases the potential for

Hot Water SCALDS.

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, 400 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or you may call 916-324-5315 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 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.

The location chosen for the water heater must take into consideration the following:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

A— Diameter of water

heater plus 2″ min.

B— Maximum 2″

NOTICE: Auxiliary catch pan MUST conform to local codes.

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

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

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.

Installing the water heater.

Vacuum Relief Va lve

If required, install per local codes

instructions.

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 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.

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.

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

Typical Installation

To electrical

distribution panel

Heat trap

6" minimum

Hot water outlet

to fixtures

Electrical junction box

(use only copper conductors)

Jacket access

panels

Union

Anode

be easily disconnected 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.

Temperature

Pressure

Relief Valve

Thermal

expansion tank

(if required)

Union

Heat trap

6" minimum

(Not Supplied)

and valve manufacturer’s

To cold water

supply

Shut-off

valve

Auxiliary catch pan

2" maximum

Drain valve

Relief valve discharge line

to suitable open drain

6" air gap

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 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.

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 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 BTUH).

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.

To Fill the Water Heater

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.

Make certain the drain valve 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.

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 temperature.

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.

Installing the water heater.

WARNING

Ground screw

Conduit

connector

Wire connections

Water heater junction box.

Junction

box cover

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

Electrical Connections

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″ or 3/4″ 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 sheathed

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

Non-metallic sheathed cable, 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.

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

NOTICE: This guide recommends minimum branch circuit sizing and wire size based on National Electric Code. Refer to wiring diagrams in this manual for field wiring connections.

Branch Circuit Sizing and Wire Size Guide

Total Water Recommended Over Current Protection Copper Wire Size AWG Based Heater Wattage (fuse or circuit breaker amperage rating) on N.E.C. Table 310-16 (75°C)

208V 240V 277V 480V 208V 240V 277V 480V 3,000 20 20 15 15 12 12 14 14

Single Phase

Wiring

3 Phase

Wiring

4,000 25 25 20 15 10 10 12 14 4,500 30 25 25 15 10 10 10 14 5,000 30 30 25 15 10 10 10 14 5,500 35 30 25 15 8 10 10 14 6,000 40 35 30 20 8 8 10 12 8,000 50 45 40 25 8 8 8 10 9,000 – 50 45 25 – 8 8 10 10,000 – – 50 30 – – 8 10 11,000 – – 50 30 – – 8 10 12,000 – – – 35 – – – 8

Total Water Recommended Over Current Protection Copper Wire Size AWG Based Heater Wattage (fuse or circuit breaker amperage rating) on N.E.C. Table 310-16 (75°C)

208V 240V 277V 480V 208V 240V 277V 480V 3,000 20 20 – 15 12 12 – 14 4,000 25 25 – 15 10 10 – 14 4,500 30 25 – 15 10 10 – 14 5,000 30 30 – 15 10 10 – 14 5,500 35 30 – 15 8 10 – 14 6,000 35 30 – 15 8 10 – 14 8,000 45 40 – 20 8 8 – 12 9,000 50 45 – 25 8 8 – 10 10,000 – 50 – 25 – 8 – 10 11,000 – 50 – 25 – 8 – 10 12,000 – – – 30 – – – 10

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