Rheem 325, Rheemglas 551 325 05, Rheemglas 551 325 07, Rheemglas 551 325 Owne's Manual And Installation Instructions
This water heater must be installed and serviced by an authorised person.
Please leave this guide with the householder.
Owners Guide
and
Installation Instructions
Air Sourced 325 Heat Pump
Water Heater
PATENTS
This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs in the name of
Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
TRADE MARKS
® Registered trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
™ Trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
Note: Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in preparation of this publication.
No liability can be accepted for any consequences, which may arise as a result of its application.
Notice to Victorian Customers from the
Victorian Plumbing Industry Commission.
This water heater must be installed by a licensed person as required by the
Victorian Building Act 1993.
Only a licensed person will give you a Compliance Certificate, showing that the work complies with all the
relevant standards. Only a licensed person will have insurance protecting their workmanship for 6 years.
Make sure you use a licensed person to install this water heater and ask for your Compliance Certificate.
3
CONTENTS
HOUSEHOLDER – We recommend you read pages 4 to 14.
The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest.
About Your Water Heater ............................................................................................................ 4
Regular Care ................................................................................................................................ 8
Water Supplies............................................................................................................................. 9
Save A Service Call ................................................................................................................... 12
Installation .................................................................................................................................. 15
Heat Pump And Tank Assembly .............................................................................................. 22
Connections – Plumbing .......................................................................................................... 31
Connections – Electrical ........................................................................................................... 33
Commissioning.......................................................................................................................... 35
Draining The Water Heater ....................................................................................................... 37
Warranty ..................................................................................................................................... 39
4
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
MODEL TYPE
Your Rheem® air sourced heat pump water heater is designed for outdoor installation only. The model you
have chosen is a Rheemglas® model.
The Rheem air sourced heat pump water heater has a vitreous enamel lined steel cylinder. The water
heater‟s evaporator absorbs heat from the surrounding air and transfers this heat into the water.
When hot water is drawn off and cold water enters the tank, the thermostat activates a fan, a compressor
and a circulator. The fan draws outside air in through the air inlet louvres at the side of the heat pump
module and the pump circulates water from the bottom of the storage tank through a heat exchanger. Heat is
absorbed from the air by an evaporator and transferred into the water through the heat exchanger. The
resulting cold air is then discharged through the air outlet grille back to atmosphere and the heated water is
circulated back into the storage tank. This process continues while ever heating is required until the water in
the storage tank reaches a temperature of 60°C.
Even on cloudy or cold days, heat is drawn from the surrounding air. The heat pump will operate when the
air temperature is between a minimum of 3°C to 5 C and maximum of 45 C to 55°C. The booster heating
unit will operate when the air temperature is below 3°C to 5°C or above 45°C to 55°C if heating is required.
The efficiency of the water heater increases as the surrounding air temperature increases.
Automatic safety controls are fitted to the water heater to provide safe and efficient operation.
ELECTRIC BOOSTING
Ice may begin to form on the evaporator when the air temperature falls
below 7 C, which will reduce the heat pump efficiency. At air temperatures
below 3°C to 5 C, the water heater deactivates the heat pump operation
and switches to the booster heating unit. The boost capacity in this mode is
100 litres.
The water inside the tank will be heated to a temperature of 70°C by the
electric booster heating unit if heating is required. During this period the
evaporator will defrost if necessary. The temperature setting of the
thermostat controlling the booster heating unit is not adjustable and is set
at 70°C.
MAINS PRESSURE
The water heater is designed to operate at mains pressure by connecting
directly to the mains water supply. If the mains supply pressure in your
area exceeds that shown on page 16, a pressure limiting valve must be
fitted. The supply pressure should be greater than 350 kPa for true mains
pressure operation to be achieved. A minimum water supply pressure of
200 kPa is required to enable the heat pump circulator and heat pump
system to operate effectively.
THERMAL CUT OUT
The refrigeration circuit is protected by thermal sensors. These will activate a thermal cut out in the event of
thermal surges or excessive heat in the refrigeration system.
If the thermal cut out has activated, the heat pump will not operate and the water heater will switch to booster
heating mode to ensure a supply of hot water. In booster heating mode, the booster heating unit will operate
regardless of the ambient air temperature, if heating of the water is required. The boost capacity of the
heating unit in booster heating mode is 100 litres and the water will be heated to 70°C.
The thermal cut out automatically resets when the refrigeration circuit cools down and the booster heating
unit has completed one heating cycle.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
5
HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?
The system controls (compressor, evaporator and fan) will
operate until a water temperature of 60 C is reached. During
periods of ambient air temperature below 3°C to 5 C, the water
temperature is boosted automatically, if heating is required, by
the thermostatically controlled electric heating unit.
To meet the requirements of the National Plumbing Standard
the temperature of the stored water must not be below 60 C.
HOTTER WATER INCREASES THE RISK OF SCALD INJURY
This water heater can deliver water at temperatures which can
cause scalding. Check the water temperature before use, such
as when entering a shower or filling a bath or basin, to ensure it
is suitable for the application and will not cause scald injury.
We recommend and it may also be required by regulations that
an approved temperature limiting device be fitted into the hot
water pipe work to the bathroom and ensuite when this water
heater is installed. This will keep the water temperature below
50 C at the bathroom and ensuite. The risk of scald injury will
be reduced and still allow hotter water to the kitchen and
laundry.
TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT
The thermostats controlling the heat pump and the booster heating unit are factory set and not adjustable.
WARNING
This water heater is only intended to be operated by persons who have the experience or the knowledge and
the capabilities to do so. This water heater is not intended to be operated by persons with reduced physical,
sensory or mental capabilities i.e. the infirm, or by children. Children should be supervised to ensure they do
not interfere with the water heater.
This water heater uses 240 V AC electrical power for operation of the control systems and the electrically
operated components. The removal of the access cover(s) will expose 240 volt wiring. They must only be
removed by an authorised or qualified person.
Do not use aerosols, stain removers and household chemicals near the water heater whilst it is
working. Gases from some aerosol sprays, stain removers and household chemicals are corrosive to the
materials used in the heat pump system.
Do not store swimming pool chemicals, household cleaners, etc., near the water heater.
Ensure the air flow, air inlet louvres and outlet grille are not obstructed in any way at any time.
SAFETY
This water heater is supplied with a thermostat, two over-temperature energy cut-outs and a combination
temperature pressure relief valve. These devices must not be tampered with or removed. The water heater
must not be operated unless each of these devices is fitted and is in working order.
The operation of the over-temperature cut-out indicates a possibly dangerous situation. If the overtemperature cut-out operates, it must not be reset and the water heater must be serviced by an authorised or
qualified person.
If the electrical supply conduit to the water heater is damaged, it must be replaced by an authorised person
in order to avoid a hazard. Phone your nearest Rheem Service Department or Accredited Service Agent to
arrange for an inspection.
The warranty can become void if relief valves or other safety devices are tampered with or if the
installation is not in accordance with these instructions.
typical maximum temperature
from heat pump operation,
minimum recommended stored
water temperature
maximum recommended supply
temperature to bathrooms and
ensuites
booster temperature setting
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
6
OPERATING MODE MONITOR
An operating mode monitor is located on the front of the heat pump module and houses a green and a red
LED.
The green LED, marked “normal”, indicates the operational mode of the heat pump water heater and the red
LED, marked “attention”, indicates a fault mode.
The green LED will emit either a constant glow or a series of flashes, with a 2 second interval between each
series. A series of long green flashes may also be emitted.
The red LED will emit a series of flashes, with a 2 second interval between each series, only if there is a
particular fault condition with the system.
The modes are:
Flashes
Operational Modes
solid green
(remains on)
Standby mode – waiting to heat
1 x green
Call for heating received – system checks performed
(heat pump heating or heating unit operation determined)
2 x green
Pump commences circulation at full speed
3 x green
Compressor and fan operation established
(heat pump operating)
long green
Heating unit on – ambient air temperature
below 3°C to 5°C or above 45°C to 55°C
no green
(remains off)
Call for service
If the power supply to the water heater is on and the green LED is off or the red LED is flashing, this
indicates there may be a fault with the water heater. The red LED may emit up to six flashes in each series of
flashes.
The fault which leads to the red LED flashing may be cleared when the heating cycle is complete and the
thermostat cuts power to the booster heating unit. The heat pump will then return to normal operation and
the green LED will commence operating. If the red LED continues or recommences to flash, count the
number of flashes and phone your nearest Rheem Service Department or Accredited Service Agent to
arrange for an inspection.
Note: Following a heating cycle by the booster heating unit, the thermostat opens circuit cutting power to the
booster heating unit and heat pump. When the thermostat next closes circuit switching power on to the heat
pump or if the electrical supply is switched off and on again at the isolating switch to the water heater, the red
LED will display the fault code for thirty (30) seconds that led to the booster heating unit being activated.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
7
TIMER CONTROL
A timer can be installed in the electrical circuit to the water heater. The timer must be weatherproof if it is
installed outdoors. It may be desirable for the water heater not to operate between certain hours due to the
noise created by the system controls, such as during the night.
GOING ON HOLIDAYS
If you plan to be away from home for a few nights, we suggest you leave the water heater switched on. If you
plan to be away for a longer period, conserve energy by switching the isolating switch to the water heater off
(refer to “To Turn Off The Water Heater” on page 7).
TO TURN OFF THE WATER HEATER
If you plan to be away from home for only a few nights, we suggest you leave the water heater switched on.
If it is necessary to turn off the water heater:
Switch off the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the water heater.
Close the cold water isolation valve at the inlet to the water heater.
TO TURN ON THE WATER HEATER
Open the cold water isolation valve fully on the cold water line to the water heater.
Switch on the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the water heater.
The heat pump may take a few minutes to commence operating when the power supply is switched on. The
heat pump will only operate when the water in the storage tank requires heating and the heat pump
compressor is cool.
The booster heating unit will operate instead of the heat pump if the ambient air temperature is less than 3°C
to 5°C.
Note: The heat pump may not turn on after having just completed a heating cycle and more hot water is
drawn from the water heater. The heat pump will wait until the compressor has cooled down and the
conditions for start up are favourable in order to protect the compressor from damage. This may take up to
90 minutes from the last heating cycle.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?
Installation requirements are shown on page 20. The water heater must be installed by an authorised person
and the installation must comply with Standards AS/NZS 3500.4, AS/NZS 3000 and all local codes and
regulatory authority requirements. In New Zealand, the installation must conform with Clause G12 of the New
Zealand Building Code.
DOES THE WATER CHEMISTRY AFFECT THE WATER HEATER?
The water heater is suitable for most public water supplies, however some water chemistries may have
detrimental effects on the water heater and fittings. If you are in a known harsh water area you must read
page 9. If you are not sure, have your water chemistry checked against the conditions described on page 9.
HOW LONG WILL THE WATER HEATER LAST?
There are a number of factors that will affect the length of service the water heater will provide. These
include the water chemistry, the water pressure, temperature (inlet and outlet) and the water usage pattern.
However, your water heater is supported by a comprehensive warranty (refer to page 40).
ENVIRONMENT
At the end of the service life of the heat pump water heater and prior to the water heater being disposed of, a
person qualified to work with refrigerants must recover the refrigerant from within the sealed system. The
refrigerant must not be vented to atmosphere. Phone your nearest Rheem Service Department or Accredited
Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
8
REGULAR CARE
TEMPERATURE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
This valve is near the top of the water heater and is essential for its safe operation. It is possible for the valve
to release a little water through the drain line during each heating period. This occurs as the water is heated
and expands by approximately 1/50 of its volume.
Continuous leakage of water from the valve and its drain line may
indicate a problem with the water heater (refer to “Temperature
Pressure Relief Valve Running” on page 14).
Warning: Never block the outlet of this valve or its drain line for
any reason.
Operate the easing lever on the temperature pressure relief valve
once every six months. It is very important you raise and lower
the lever gently.
DANGER: Failure to do this may result in the water heater
cylinder failing, or under certain circumstances, exploding.
If water does not flow freely from the drain line when the lever is
lifted, then the water heater should be checked by your nearest
Rheem Service Department or Accredited Service Agent.
The temperature pressure relief valve should be checked for
performance or replaced at intervals not exceeding 5 years, or more
frequently in areas where there is a high incidence of water deposits
(refer to “Water Supplies” on page 9).
EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE
In many areas, including South Australia, Western Australia and
scaling water areas, an expansion control valve is fitted to the cold
water line to the water heater. The expansion control valve may
discharge a small quantity of water from its drain line during the
heating period instead of the temperature pressure relief valve on
the water heater.
Operate the easing lever on the expansion control valve once every six months. It is very important you
raise and lower the lever gently. The expansion control valve should be checked for performance or
replaced at intervals not exceeding 5 years, or more frequently in areas where there is a high incidence of
water deposits.
HEAT PUMP SYSTEM
It is recommended the evaporator and refrigeration system is checked every five years. In particularly dusty
environments, it may be necessary to have the heat pump system checked and cleaned of dust and residue
on a more regular basis.
water
heater
drain
line
lift until water
flows from the
drain line –
lower gently
9
WATER SUPPLIES
Water heaters must be installed in accordance with this advice to be covered by the warranty.
A Rheem water heater is manufactured to suit the water conditions of most public reticulated water supplies.
However, there are some known water supplies which can have detrimental effects on the water heater and
its operation and/or life expectancy. If you are unsure of your water chemistry, you may be able to obtain
information from your local water supply authority. This water heater should only be connected to a water
supply which complies with these guidelines for the water heater warranty to apply.
ANODE
The vitreous enamel lined mild steel cylinder of the water heater is covered by warranty where the total
dissolved solids (TDS) content in the water is less than 2500 mg/L and when the correct colour coded anode
is used. The use of an incorrect colour coded anode will void the cylinder warranty and may shorten the life
of the water heater cylinder.
The correct colour coded anode should be selected and fitted to the water heater in accordance with the
following advice and the “Water Chemistry Charts” for TDS on page 11.
Total Dissolved Solids
Anode colour code
0 – 40 mg/L
Green
40 – 150 mg/L
Green or Black
150 – 400 mg/L
Black
400 – 600 mg/L
Black or Blue
600 – 2500 mg/L
Blue
2500 mg/L +
Blue (no cylinder warranty)
The changing of anodes must be carried out by a plumber or authorised service person.
Note: Some water analysis reports may state the conductivity of the water rather than the level of total
dissolved solids. Conductivity, measured in microsiemens per centimetre (µS / cm), is directly proportional to
the TDS content of the water. TDS, in mg / L, is approximately 70% of the conductivity in µS / cm.
ANODE INSPECTION
The anode(s) installed in a vitreous enamel lined mild steel water heater cylinder will slowly dissipate whilst
protecting the cylinder. The life of the cylinder may be extended by arranging for an authorised person to
inspect the anode(s) and replace if required.
The suggested maximum time after installation when the anode(s) should be inspected in the heat pump is 8
years.
For water supplies which are either softened, desalinated, of poor chemistry or where the water supply may
alternate between rainwater tank and a reticulated public supply or another supply, it is recommended the
anode(s) be inspected 3 years earlier than shown (refer to “Anode” on page 9).
It is recommended the anode be inspected during a five year service of the water heater, if one is conducted.
WATER SUPPLIES
10
CAUTION
If the water supply has a TDS greater than 150 mg/L and a green anode has not been changed to a black
anode, or if the TDS is greater than 600 mg/L and the anode has not been changed to a blue anode, there is
the possibility the anode may become overactive and hydrogen gas could accumulate in the top of the water
heater during long periods of no use. In areas where this is likely to occur, the installer should instruct the
householder on how to dissipate the gas safely.
If, under these conditions, the water heater has not been used for two or more weeks the following procedure
should be carried out before using any electrical appliances (automatic washing machines and dishwashers)
which are connected to the hot water supply.
The hydrogen, which is highly flammable, should be vented safely by opening a hot tap and allowing the
water to flow. There should be no smoking or naked flame near the tap whilst it is turned on. Any hydrogen
gas will be dissipated. This is indicated by an unusual spurting of the water from the tap. Once the water runs
freely again, any hydrogen in the system will have been released.
SATURATION INDEX
The saturation index (SI) is used as a measure of the water‟s corrosive or scaling properties.
In a corrosive water supply, the water can attack copper parts and cause them to fail. Where the saturation
index is less than –1.0, the water is very corrosive and warranty does not apply to a copper sheathed heating
unit. A corrosion resistant heating unit must be used. An expansion control valve may need to be fitted on
the cold water line after the non-return valve in a corrosive water area where there are sufficient quantities of
silica dissolved in the water.
In a scaling water supply calcium carbonate is deposited out of the water onto any hot metallic surface.
Where the saturation index exceeds +0.40, the water is very scaling. An expansion control valve must be
fitted on the cold water line after the non-return valve to protect and for warranty to apply to the temperature
pressure relief valve and water heater cylinder.
Where the saturation index exceeds +0.80, warranty does not apply to a standard watts density heating unit
or a heat pump heat exchanger. A low watts density heating unit must be used. Water with an SI greater
than +0.80 may be treated with a water softening device to reduce the SI of the water.
Contact your nearest Rheem Service Department or Accredited Service Agent if a replacement heating unit
is required.
Refer to the cold water connection detail on page 31 for the position of the expansion control valve.
CHLORIDE AND PH
In a high chloride water supply, the water can corrode stainless steel parts and cause them to fail. Where the
chloride level exceeds 250 mg/L warranty does not apply to a heat pump‟s stainless steel heat exchanger.
pH is used as a measure of the water‟s alkalinity and acidity. In an acidic water supply, the water can attack
stainless steel parts and cause them to fail. No warranty applies to a heat pump‟s stainless steel heat
exchanger where the pH is less than 6.0. Water with a pH less than 6.0 may be treated to raise the pH.
The water supply from a rainwater tank in a metropolitan area is likely to be corrosive due to the dissolution
of atmospheric contaminants. This may result in pH of less than 6.0 and warranty would not apply to a heat
pump‟s stainless steel heat exchanger. It is recommended an analysis on the water from a rainwater tank be
conducted prior to connecting this type of water supply to a water heater with a stainless steel heat
exchanger.
CHANGE OF WATER SUPPLY
The changing or alternating from one water supply to another can have a detrimental effect on the operation
and / or life expectation of a water heater cylinder, a temperature pressure relief valve, a heating unit and a
heat exchanger in a heat pump water heater.
Where there is a changeover from one water supply to another, eg, a rainwater tank supply, desalinated
water supply, public reticulated water supply or water brought in from another supply, then water chemistry
information should be sought from the supplier or it should be tested to ensure the water supply meets the
requirements given in these guidelines for warranty to apply.
WATER SUPPLIES
11
WATER CHEMISTRY CHARTS
CONDUCTIVITY - µS/cm
TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS & CONDUCTIVITY
40 150 400 600
TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS) - mg/L
ANODE SELECTION
warranty applies to a vitreous enamel lined water heater cylinder if the
correct coloured anode is used for the TDS / conductivity level of water
2500
3570
NO WARRANTY
APPLIES
to a vitreous
enamel lined
water heater
cylinder
Blue
Black
or
Orange
Green
60 215 570 860
-1.0
No warranty applies to a
temperature pressure relief valve or a
water heater cylinder unless an
expansion control valve is fitted.
No warranty applies to a:
-copper sheathed heating unit
-open circuit solar collector
-copper cylinder or tank
SATURATION INDEX (SI)
WITHIN WARRANTY
SPECIFICATION
SATURATION INDEX
(measured @ 80°C water temperature)
corrosive scaling
No warranty applies to a:
-standard watts density heating unit
-open circuit solar collector
-heat pump heat exchanger
-copper cylinder or tank
+0.4 +0.80
0
0
-1.0
No warranty applies to a
temperature pressure relief valve or a
water heater cylinder unless an
expansion control valve is fitted.
No warranty applies to a:
-copper sheathed heating unit
-open circuit solar collector
-copper cylinder or tank
SATURATION INDEX (SI)
WITHIN WARRANTY
SPECIFICATION
SATURATION INDEX
(measured @ 80°C water temperature)
corrosive scaling
No warranty applies to a:
-standard watts density heating unit
-open circuit solar collector
-heat pump heat exchanger
-copper cylinder or tank
+0.4 +0.80
WITHIN WARRANTY
SPECIFICATION
4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
CHLORIDES
pH & CHLORIDES
acidic alkaline
pH
to a stainless steel water heater
cylinder or to a stainless steel
heat exchanger
NO WARRANTY APPLIES
to a stainless steel water heater cylinder
or to a stainless steel heat exchanger
NO WARRANTY APPLIES
CONDUCTIVITY - µS/cm
TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS & CONDUCTIVIT Y
40 150 400 600
TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS) - mg/L
ANODE SELECTION
warranty applies to a vitreous enamel lined water heater cylinder if the
correct coloured anode is used for the TDS / conductivity level of water
2500
3570
NO WARRANTY
APPLIES
to a vitreous
enamel lined
water heater
cylinder
Blue
Black
or
Orange
Green
60 215 570 860
-1.0
No warranty applies to a
temperature pressure relief valve or a
water heater cylinder unless an
expansion control valve is fitted.
No warranty applies to a:
-copper sheathed heating unit
-open circuit solar collector
-copper cylinder or tank
SATURATION INDEX (SI)
WITHIN WARRANTY
SPECIFICATION
SATURATION INDEX
(measured @ 80°C water temperature)
corrosive scaling
No warranty applies to a:
-standard watts density heating unit
-open circuit solar collector
-heat pump heat exchanger
-copper cylinder or tank
+0.4 +0.80
0
0
0
12
SAVE A SERVICE CALL
Check the items below before making a service call. You will be charged for attending to any condition or
fault that is not related to manufacture or failure of a part.
NOT ENOUGH HOT WATER (OR NO HOT WATER)
Is the electricity switched on?
Inspect the isolating switch marked “HOT WATER” or “WATER HEATER” at the switchboard and the
isolating switch (if one is installed) at the water heater and ensure they are turned on.
Check the fuse marked “HOT WATER” or “WATER HEATER” at the switchboard.
Is a timer installed?
If a timer has been installed, ensure sufficient time has been allowed to reheat the storage tank.
Are you using more hot water than you think?
Is one outlet (especially the shower) using more hot water than
you think?
Very often it is not realised the amount of hot water used,
particularly when showering. Carefully review the family‟s hot
water usage. As you have installed an energy saving appliance,
energy saving should also be practised in the home.
Adjust your water usage pattern to take advantage of maximum
energy gains. Have your plumber install a flow control valve to
each shower outlet to reduce water usage.
Heat pump controller or circulator has failed
Has the heat pump controller or circulator failed?
The heat pump will not operate and the water heater will switch to backup heating mode. The boost
capacity of the heating unit in backup heating mode is 100 litres.
Refer to “Heat Pump Is Not Operating” on page 13.
Phone your nearest Rheem Service Department or Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an
inspection.
Temperature pressure relief valve running
Is the relief valve discharging too much water?
Refer to “Temperature Pressure Relief Valve Running” on page 14.
Water heater size
Do you have the correct size water heater for your requirements?
The sizing guide in the sales literature and on the Rheem website (www.rheem.com.au) suggests
average sizes that may be needed.
WATER NOT HOT ENOUGH
You may find that due to heavy hot water usage the water temperature may be lower than normally
expected, due to insufficient heating time being allowed. You will need to carefully plan your use of the hot
water on such occasions.
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