Rheem Water Star, Electric Water Heater Owner's Manual And Installation Instructions
This water heater must be installed and serviced by an authorised person.
Please leave this guide with the householder.
Owner’s Guide
and
Installation Instructions
Electric 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.
TRADEMARKS
®
Registered trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
TM
Trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
Note: Every care has been taken to ensure the 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 ........................................................................... 10
Save A Service Call ................................................................... 12
Installation .................................................................................. 15
Connections – Plumbing .......................................................... 21
Connections – Electrical ........................................................... 25
Commissioning .......................................................................... 28
Draining The Water Heater ....................................................... 29
Warranty ..................................................................................... 31
4
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
MODEL TYPE
The Rheem® Water Star water heater you have chosen can be installed indoor
or outdoor. The Water Star has been designed to be installed with a continuous
flow gas water heater.
Where the water heater is installed with a continuous flow gas water heater and
a hot tap is turned on, the Water Star commences to deliver hot water
immediately from its outlet. This continues until hot water from the continuous
flow water heater reaches the transfer valve in the Water Star water heater. At
this point the transfer valve commences to redirect and the hot water supplied
by the continuous flow water heater is diverted to the hot tap. This conserves
water as usable hot water is delivered to the tap faster.
The Water Star water heater must not be installed with a continuous flow
water heater that is rated to deliver temperatures not exceeding 50°C in
accordance with AS 3498.
Warning: Temperature controllers must not be fitted to a continuous flow
water heater when a Water Star water heater is installed because water at a
temperature much higher than the controller setting can be delivered.
Water is stored in a copper cylinder and
heated by the electric immersion heating
unit. The thermostat controls the
temperature.
Automatic safety controls are fitted to the
water heater to provide safe and efficient
operation.
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.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
5
HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?
The Water Star water heater features a
fixed setting thermostat, which heats the
water to a temperature of 70°C.
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 a Water Star 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.
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 power for the electrically operated
components. The removal of the front cover will expose 240 V wiring. It must
only be removed by an authorised or qualified person.
The water heater is fitted with a power supply cord and plug and must be
plugged into a weatherproof electrical outlet if installed outdoors. Take care not
to touch the power plug with wet hands.
minimum recommended
stored water temperature
Water Star thermostat
setting (not adjustable)
maximum recommended
supply temperature to
bathrooms and ensuites
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
6
SAFETY
This water heater is supplied with a temperature limiting valve, a thermostat, an
over-temperature cut-out, 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 on the thermostat indicates a
possibly dangerous situation. If the over-temperature cut-out operates, it must
not be reset and the water heater must be serviced by an authorised or
qualified person.
If the power supply cord or plug to the water heater is damaged, it must be
replaced by an authorised person in order to avoid a hazard. The power supply
cord and plug must be replaced with a genuine replacement part available from
Rheem. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to
arrange for an inspection.
Warning: For continued safety of this water heater it must be installed,
operated and maintained in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and Installation
Instructions.
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.
THERMOSTAT
The thermostat automatically controls the electricity supply to the heating unit
so a constant temperature is maintained. The thermostat and its protective over
temperature cut out is mounted inside the front cover of the water heater. There
is no need to switch the water heater off when it is not in use, except when you
are on an extended holiday. The thermostat is fully automatic and power is only
used when heating is required.
The thermostat on a Water Star has a fixed setting at 70°C. This cannot be
adjusted.
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.
Unplug the power supply cord from the power outlet.
Close the cold water isolation valve at the inlet to the water heater.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
7
TO TURN ON THE WATER HEATER
Open the cold water isolation valve fully on the cold water line to the water
heater.
If not already connected to the Water Star or to another power outlet, plug in
the power supply cord of the continuous flow water heater at the electrical
socket on the underside of the Water Star.
Plug in the power supply cord of the Water Star at the power outlet.
Note: Do not plug the three pin plug from the Water Star water heater into
the power outlet on the underside of this water heater.
Switch on the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the water heater.
GOING ON HOLIDAY?
If you plan to be away from home for one or two nights, we suggest you leave
the water heater switched on. However, if you plan to stay away more than a
few nights, conserve energy by switching the water heater off at the isolating
switch.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?
Installation requirements are shown on pages 15 to 19. The water heater must
be installed by an authorised person and the installation must comply with
National Standards AS/NZS 3500.4, AS/NZS 3000 and all local codes and
regulatory authority requirements. In New Zealand the installation must
conform with the New Zealand Building Code.
Warning: Temperature controllers must not be fitted to a continuous flow
water heater when a Water Star water heater is installed because water at a
temperature much higher than the controller setting can be delivered. If a Water
Star is installed to an existing continuous flow water heater installation, then all
controllers must be disconnected and removed.
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 cylinder and fittings. If
you are in a known harsh water area you must read page 10. If you are not
sure, have your water chemistry checked against the conditions described on
page 10.
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, the
water temperature (inlet and outlet) and the water usage pattern. However,
your water heater is supported by a comprehensive warranty (refer to page 32).
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 13).
Warning: Never block the outlet of this
valve or its drain line for any reason.
The TPR valve connects to the top of the
cylinder and is located underneath the front
cover. The easing lever on the valve can
be accessed by removing the plastic cap
on the top of the water heater. Replace the
cap when the easing lever has been
operated.
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 the Rheem Service or their nearest
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 10).
water
heater
drain
line
lift until water
flows from the
drain line –
lower gently
hot
water
outlet
REGULAR CARE
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
continuous flow 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 Star 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.
10
WATER SUPPLIES
This water heater must be installed in accordance with this advice to be
covered by the warranty.
This water heater is manufactured to suit the water conditions of most public
reticulated water supplies. However, there are some known water chemistries
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.
Due to the nature of the water chemistry the copper cylinder is not covered by
the water heater warranty when this water heater is connected to the public
water supply in the Redlands Shire in Queensland.
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 cylinder in a Water Star water heater.
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 nonreturn 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 a copper
cylinder in a Water Star water heater or its heating unit.
Water which is scaling may be treated with a water softening device to reduce
the saturation index of the water.
Refer to the Saturation Index chart on page 11.
Refer to the cold water connection detail on page 22 for the position of the
expansion control valve.
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