AquaMAX 971 Series Technical Document

This water heater must be installed and serviced by a qualified person.
Please leave this guide with the householder.
Owner’s Guide
and
Installation Instructions
Electric Domestic
Water Heater

An electronic copy of these Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions
can be downloaded from aquamax.com.au.
PATENTS
This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs
in the name of Aquamax Australia Pty Limited or Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
TRADEMARKS
®Registered trademark of Aquamax Australia Pty Limited or Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
TM Trademark of Aquamax Australia Pty Limited or 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.
AQUAMAX AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED, A.B.N. 37 138 189 689,
www.aquamax.com.au
For Service Telephone 131031 AUSTRALIA

3
CONTENTS
HOUSEHOLDER
This booklet contains important information about your
new water heater, including terms of the Aquamax warranty.
We recommend you read pages 8 to 25,
and the terms of the Aquamax warranty on pages 4 to 7.
The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest.
Warranty.......................................................................................4
Safety, Warnings, Installation Notes .........................................8
About Your Water Heater..........................................................12
Maintenance Requirements......................................................17
Water Supplies...........................................................................19
Save A Service Call ...................................................................23
Installation..................................................................................26
Connections –Plumbing ..........................................................35
Connections –Electrical...........................................................40
Commissioning..........................................................................42
Draining The Water Heater .......................................................43

4
AQUAMAX ELECTRIC MAINS PRESSURE
WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS 971, 9W1, 991, 992 SERIES 160-400 MODELS
1.THE AQUAMAX WARRANTY –GENERAL
1.1 This warranty is given by Aquamax Australia Pty Limited ABN 37 138 189 689
of 463-467 Warrigal Road Moorabbin Victoria.
1.2 Aquamax offer a trained and qualified service network who will repair or
replace components at the address of the water heater subject to the terms of
the Aquamax warranty. Aquamax Service, in addition can provide preventative
maintenance and advice on the operation of your water heater. The Aquamax
Service contact number is 131031, with Contact Centre personnel available
24 hours, 7 days a week to take your call and if necessary to arrange a service
call for during normal working hours Monday to Friday (hours subject to
change).
1.3 For details about this warranty, you can contact us on 131031 or by email at
[email protected] (not for service bookings).
1.4 The terms of this warranty and what is covered by it are set out in sections 2
and 3 and apply to water heaters manufactured from 1st December 2018.
1.5 If a subsequent version of this warranty is published, the terms of that warranty
and what is covered by it will apply to water heaters manufactured after the
date specified in the subsequent version.
2.TERMS OF THE AQUAMAX WARRANTY AND EXCLUSIONS TO IT
2.1 Aquamax may reject a claim under this warranty in its sole discretion if:
a) You do not arrange for a major service to be conducted on your water
heater in the fifth year after installation, in accordance with Aquamax’s
recommendation in the Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions; and
b) The fault giving rise to the warranty claim would have been detected and
rectified during that major service.
2.2 The decision of whether to repair or replace a faulty component is at
Aquamax’s sole discretion.
2.3 If you require a call out and we find that the fault is not covered by the Aquamax
warranty, you are responsible for our standard call out charge. If you wish to
have the relevant component repaired or replaced by Aquamax, that service
will be at your cost.
2.4 Where a failed component or cylinder is replaced under this warranty, the
balance of the original warranty period will remain effective. The replacement
does not carry a new Aquamax warranty.

AQUAMAX ELECTRIC MAINS PRESSURE
WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY
5
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS 971, 9W1, 991, 992 SERIES 160-400 MODELS
2.5 Where the water heater is installed outside the boundaries of a metropolitan
area as defined by Aquamax or further than 25 km from either a regional
Aquamax branch office or an Accredited Aquamax Service Agent's office, the
cost of transport, insurance and travelling between the nearest branch office
or Aquamax Accredited Service Agent’s office and the installed site shall be
the owner’s responsibility.
2.6 Where the water heater is installed in a position that does not allow safe or
ready access, the cost of that access, including the cost of additional materials
handling and/or safety equipment, shall be the owner’s responsibility. In other
words, the cost of dismantling or removing cupboards, doors or walls and the
cost of any special equipment to bring the water heater to floor or ground level
or to a serviceable position is not covered by this warranty.
2.7 This warranty only applies to the original and genuine Aquamax water heater
in its original installed location and any genuine Aquamax replacement parts.
2.8 The Aquamax warranty does not cover faults that are a result of:
a) Accidental damage to the water heater or any component (for example:
(i) Acts of God such as floods, storms, fires, lightning strikes and the like;
and (ii) third party acts or omissions).
b) Misuse or abnormal use of the water heater.
c) Installation not in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and Installation
Instructions or with relevant statutory and local requirements in the State
or Territory in which the water heater is installed.
d) Connection at any time to a water supply that does not comply with the
water supply guidelines as outlined in the Owner’s Guide and Installation
Instructions.
e) Repairs, attempts to repair or modifications to the water heater by a person
other than Aquamax Service or an Aquamax Accredited Service Agent.
f) Faulty plumbing or faulty power supply.
g) Failure to maintain the water heater in accordance with the Owner's Guide
and Installation Instructions.
h) Transport damage.
i) Fair wear and tear from adverse conditions (for example, corrosion).
j) Cosmetic defects.

AQUAMAX ELECTRIC MAINS PRESSURE
WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY
6
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS 971, 9W1, 991, 992 SERIES 160-400 MODELS
2.9 Aquamax may reject a claim under this warranty in its sole discretion if a third
party solar diverter is connected to the water heater.
2.10 Subject to any statutory provisions to the contrary, this warranty excludes any
and all claims for damage to furniture, carpet, walls, foundations or any other
consequential loss either directly or indirectly due to leakage from the water
heater, or due to leakage from fittings and/ or pipe work of metal, plastic or
other materials caused by water temperature, workmanship or other modes of
failure.
2.11 If the water heater is not sized to supply the hot water demand in accordance
with the guidelines in the Aquamax water heater literature, any resultant fault
will not be covered by the Aquamax warranty.
3.WHAT IS COVERED BY THE AQUAMAX WARRANTY
FOR THE WATER HEATERS DETAILED IN THIS DOCUMENT
3.1 Aquamax will repair or replace a faulty component of your water heater if it fails
to operate in accordance with its specifications as follows:
What components
are covered
The period from the
date of installation
in which the fault
must appear in
order to be covered
What coverage
you receive
971, 9W1, 991, 992 series 160-400 models
All components
(all installations)
Year 1
Repair and/or replacement of
the faulty component, free of
charge, including labour.
The cylinder
(if the water heater is
installed in a single-family
domestic dwelling)
Years 2 to 10
Replacement cylinder, free of
charge. Installation and repair
labour costs are the
responsibility of the owner.

AQUAMAX ELECTRIC MAINS PRESSURE
WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY
7
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS 971, 9W1, 991, 992 SERIES 160-400 MODELS
4.ENTITLEMENT TO MAKE A CLAIM UNDER THIS WARRANTY
4.1 To be entitled to make a claim under this warranty you need to:
a) Be the owner of the water heater or have consent of the owner to act on
their behalf
b) Contact Aquamax Service without undue delay after detection of thedefect
and, in any event, within the applicable warranty period.
4.2 You are not entitled to make a claim under this warranty if your water heater:
a) Does not have its original serial numbers or rating labels.
b) Is not installed in Australia.
5.HOW TO MAKE A CLAIM UNDER THIS WARRANTY
5.1 If you wish to make a claim under this warranty, you need to:
a) Contact Aquamax on 131031 and provide owner’s details, address of the
water heater, a contact number and date of installation of the water heater
or if that’s unavailable, the date of manufacture and serial number (from
the rating label on the water heater).
b) Aquamax will arrange for the water heater to be tested and assessed on-
site.
c) If Aquamax determines that you have a valid warranty claim, Aquamax will
repair or replace the water heater in accordance with this warranty
5.2 Any expenses incurred in the making of a claim under this warranty will be
borne by you.
6.THE AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER LAW
6.1 Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian
Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure
and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage.
You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to
be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
6.2 The Aquamax warranty (set out above) is in addition to any rights and remedies
that you may have under the Australian Consumer Law.

8
SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
It is important you read the following safety and warnings information.
SAFETY AND WARNINGS
•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.
•If the electrical conduit to the water heater is damaged, it must be replaced
by a qualified person in order to avoid a hazard. Phone Aquamax Service to
arrange for an inspection.
•This water heater uses 220 V –240 V a.c. power for the electrically operated
components. The removal of the front cover(s) will expose 220 V –240 V a.c.
wiring. It must only be removed by a qualified person.
•This water heater is supplied with 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 Aquamax warranty may not cover faults if relief valves or other
safety devices are tampered with or if the installation is not in
accordance with these instructions.
•DANGER: The operation of the over-temperature cut-out on a 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 a
qualified person.
•The water heater will operate until a water temperature of 60°C to 70°C is
reached, depending upon the thermostat setting.
Refer to “How Hot Should The Water Be?” on page 12 and “Temperature
Adjustment” on page 13.
•The lever on the temperature pressure relief valve and expansion control
valve (if fitted) requires to be operated every six (6) months to clear any
deposits and to ensure the valve and its drain line are not blocked.
Refer to “Relief Valves” on page 9 and “Minor Maintenance Every Six
Months” on page 18.
•For continued safety of this water heater it must be installed, operated and
maintained in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and Installation
Instructions.

SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
9
•Servicing of a water heater must only be carried out by qualified personnel.
Phone Aquamax Service.
•Only a person qualified to install or service a water heater should drain the
water heater, if this is required.
•Do not modify this water heater.
RELIEF VALVES
Temperature Pressure Relief Valve
This water heater incorporates a temperature
pressure relief valve located near the top of the
water heater. This valve is essential for the water
heater’s safe operation.
It is possible for the valve to discharge a quantity
of water through the drain line during each
heating period. This quantity should be equal to
approximately 1/50 of the hot water used, as
water expands by this volume when heated.
Expansion Control Valve
In many areas, including South Australia,
Western Australia and scaling water areas, it is
mandatory an expansion control valve is fitted to
the cold water line to the water heater.
The expansion control valve will discharge the
quantity of water from its drain line during the
heating period instead of the temperature
pressure relief valve as it has a lower pressure
rating.
Valve Operation
Continuous leakage of water from either valve
and its drain line may indicate a problem with the
water heater. Refer to “Temperature Pressure
Relief Valve or Expansion Control Valve
Running” on page 24.
Warning: Never block the outlet of either valve or their drain lines for any
reason. A relief valve drain must be left open to atmosphere, and be installed in
a continuously downward direction.
In locations where water pipes are prone to freezing, the relief valve drain line
must be insulated and not exceed 300 mm in length before discharging into a
tundish through an air gap.
lift until water
flows from the
drain line –
lower gently
drain
line

SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
10
Operate the easing lever on the temperature pressure relief valve and expansion
control valve once every six (6) months to clear any deposits and ensure the
valve and its drain line are not blocked. It is very important the lever is raised
and lowered gently. Refer to “Minor Maintenance Every Six Months” on
page 18.
Warning: Water discharged from the temperature pressure relief valve drain
line will be hot. Exercise care to avoid any splashing of water by standing clear
of the drain line’s point of discharge when operating either valve’s easing lever.
DANGER: Failure to operate the easing lever on the relief valve once every
six (6) months 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 must be checked. Phone Aquamax Service to arrange for an
inspection.
The temperature pressure relief valve should be replaced at intervals not
exceeding five (5) years and the expansion control valve should be checked for
performance or replaced at intervals not exceeding five (5) years. The checking
of the valves performance or replacement should occur more frequently in areas
where there is a high incidence of water deposits. Refer to “Water Supplies” on
page 19.
INSTALLATION NOTES
This water heater must be installed:
•by a qualified person,
•in accordance with the installation instructions,
•in compliance with the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) and Plumbing
Standard AS/NZS 3500.4,
▪This water heater is designed for indoor or outdoor installation.
▪This water heater is intended to be permanently connected to the water
mains and not connected by a hose-set. A braided flexible hose or semi-
flexible connector may be used for connection to the water heater, where
permitted by AS/NZS 3500.4.
•in compliance with the Australian / New Zealand Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000,
▪Isolation switches must be installed in the electrical circuit to the water
heater in accordance with the Wiring Rules, so the water heater can be
switched off.

SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
11
▪The power supply wires are to be directly connected to the terminal block
and earth tab connection, with no excess wire loops inside the front cover.
The temperature rating of the power supply wires insulation must suit this
application, or the wiring protected by insulating sleeving with an
appropriate temperature rating if it can make contact with the internal
storage cylinder. The temperature of the internal storage cylinder can
reach 70°C under normal operation.
•in compliance with all local codes and regulatory authority requirements,
Installation and commissioning requirements and details for the installing
plumber and licensed electrical worker are contained on pages 26 to 42.
Mains pressure water supply
The water heater is designed to operate at mains pressure by connecting directly
to the mains water supply.
The water heater is supplied with a temperature pressure relief valve. If an
expansion control valve has been installed on the cold water line to the water
heater, this should have a pressure rating as shown in the table below.
If the mains water supply pressure in your area exceeds that shown, an approved
pressure limiting valve is required.
Models
971160
9W1160, &
250, 315, 400
Temperature pressure relief valve setting
1400 kPa
1000 kPa
Expansion control valve setting*
1200 kPa
850 kPa
Maximum mains supply pressure
With expansion control valve
960 kPa
680 kPa
Without expansion control valve
1120 kPa
800 kPa
The supply pressure should be greater than 350 kPa for true mains pressure
operation to be achieved.

12
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
WATER HEATER APPLICATION
This water heater is designed for use in a single family domestic dwelling for the
purpose of heating potable water. Its use in an application other than this may
shorten its life.
MODEL TYPE
Aquamax®water heater models are available with either a single heating unit or
with twin heating units (refer to “Single Element Model” on page 14 and “Twin
Element Model” on page 14). The water heater is suitable for either indoor or
outdoor installation.
Water is stored in a vitreous enamel lined steel 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.
The water heaters have connections on
either side of the tank. Plugs block off
the alternative connection points. A
160 model has caps covering the plugs.
The plugs and caps and are not to be
tampered with or removed.
HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?
The water heater features a
tradesperson adjustable thermostat,
which allows you to choose the most
suitable temperature for your hot water
needs. Refer to “Temperature
Adjustment” on page 13.
To meet the requirements of the
National Plumbing Standard the
temperature of the stored water must
not be below 60°C.
minimum thermostat setting
and minimum recommended
stored water temperature.
top heating unit thermostat
setting on a twin element
model (not adjustable)
maximum recommended
supply temperature to
bathrooms and ensuites
maximum thermostat setting
(160 to 400 models)

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
13
HOTTER WATER INCREASES THE RISK OF SCALD INJURY
This water heater can deliver hot water at temperatures up to 70°C depending
upon the thermostat setting, sufficiently hot to cause severe scalding. Water at
this temperature may have been plumbed to fixtures where water hotter than
50°C is allowed, such as the kitchen and laundry.
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.
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.
TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT
The water heater features a tradesperson adjustable thermostat, which allows
you to select the most suitable temperature for your hot water needs. This
requires a licensed electrical worker to make any temperature adjustments. The
thermostat has a maximum temperature setting of 70°C and a minimum
temperature setting of 60°C.
We advise you to have a licensed electrical worker adjust the thermostat to the
lowest temperature setting that meets your needs, especially if there are young
children or elderly people in your home. Refer to “Hotter Water Increases the
Risk of Scald Injury” on page 13.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
14
SINGLE ELEMENT MODEL
This type of water heater has one heating unit
with its own thermostat, located at the base of
the water heater.
•Continuous electricity supply
This type of connection is suited to where
the storage capacity is less than the normal
daily usage.
•Off-Peak electricity supply
This type of connection will only allow
heating to occur during set hours. A volume
of water sufficient for the day’s total use is
heated and stored. This type of heating will
be more economical due to reduced tariffs
by the electricity authority.
TWIN ELEMENT MODEL
This type of water heater has two heating units, each with its own thermostat.
One heating unit is at the base of the water heater and the other near the top.
•Bottom heating unit
During normal operation this heating unit
supplies all the hot water.
•Top heating unit (Booster)
This heating unit only operates during
periods of high demand to provide an
additional supply of heated water.
•Electrical connection
The two heating units are wired for non-
simultaneous operation, so that only one
heating unit can operate at a time. The
bottom heating unit is usually connected to
an Off-Peak (overnight) or time controlled
supply and the top heating unit to a
Continuous / Domestic supply. Some
electricity suppliers allow both heating units
to be metered at the Off-Peak or controlled
tariff.
NOTE: Power must be available to the top heating unit circuit at all times
for this water heater to operate as designed.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
15
PRECAUTIONS
Where damage to property can occur in the event of the water heater leaking,
the water heater must be installed in a safe tray. Construction, installation and
draining of a safe tray must comply with AS/NZS 3500.4 and all local codes and
regulatory authority requirements.
The water heater must be maintained in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and
Installation Instructions. Refer to “Maintenance Requirements” on page 17 and
to “Anode Inspection and Replacement” on page 20.
If this water heater is to be used where an uninterrupted hot water supply is
necessary for your application or business you should ensure that you have
back-up redundancy within the hot water system design. This should ensure the
continuity of hot water supply in the event that this water heater were to become
inoperable for any reason. We recommend you seek advice from a plumber or
specifier about your needs and building back-up redundancy into your hot water
supply system.
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 water heater isolating switch on the
switchboard or at the isolating switch at the water heater (if installed).
•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 water heater isolating switch on the
switchboard and at the isolating switch at the water heater (if installed).
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 either the
switchboard or isolating switch (if one is installed).
Note: When the electrical supply is switched back on, the water heater will take
some time to reheat the water. Depending upon the power supply connection,
hot water may not be available until the next day.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
16
VICTORIAN CUSTOMERS
Notice to Victorian Customers from the Victorian Building Authority. 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.
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, its components
and fittings. Refer to “Water Supplies” on page 19.
If you are in a known harsh water area or you are not sure of your water
chemistry, have your water checked against the conditions described on
pages 19 to 22.
HOW LONG WILL THE WATER HEATER LAST?
The water heater is supported by a manufacturer’s warranty (refer to page 4).
There are a number of factors that will affect the length of service the water
heater will provide. These include but are not limited to the water chemistry, the
water pressure, the water temperature (inlet and outlet) and the water usage
pattern. Refer to “Precautions” on page 15.

17
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
MAJOR SERVICE EVERY FIVE YEARS
It is recommended a major service be conducted on the water heater every
five (5) years.
Warning: Servicing of a water heater must only be carried out by qualified
personnel. Phone Aquamax Service.
Note: The major service and routine replacement of any components, such as
the anode and relief valve(s), are not included in the Aquamax warranty. A
charge will be made for this work. Only genuine replacement parts should be
used on this water heater.
The major service includes the following actions:
•Replace the temperature pressure relief valve.
•Inspect and flush the expansion control valve (if fitted). If required, replace
the valve.
•Inspect and if required, replace the anode.
If the anode is not replaced, it should be replaced within five (5) years of this
service (refer to “Anode Inspection and Replacement” on page 20).
•Check the electric heating unit for excessive calcium build-up or corrosion
and replace if necessary.
•Visually check the unit for any potential problems.
•Inspect all connections.
•Check the drain line from the safe tray (if one is installed) is not blocked.
Note: The water heater may need to be drained during this service. After the
completion of the service, the water heater will take some time to reheat the
water. Depending upon the power supply connection, hot water may not be
available until the next day.

MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
18
MINOR MAINTENANCE EVERY SIX MONTHS
It is recommended minor maintenance be performed every six (6) months. Minor
maintenance can be performed by the dwelling occupant.
The minor maintenance includes:
•Operate the easing lever on the temperature pressure relief valve. It is very
important the lever is raised and lowered gently. Refer to “Relief Valves”
on page 9.
Warning: Water discharged from the temperature pressure relief valve
drain line will be hot. Exercise care to avoid any splashing of water by
standing clear of the drain line’s point of discharge when operating the valve’s
easing lever.
•Operate the easing lever on the expansion control valve (if fitted). It is very
important the lever is raised and lowered gently. Refer to “Relief Valves”
on page 9.
•Check the drain line from the safe tray (if one is installed) is not blocked.

19
WATER SUPPLIES
This water heater must be installed in accordance with this advice to be
covered by the Aquamax 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 whichcomplies with these guidelines
for the Aquamax warranty to apply.
ANODE
The vitreous enamel lined cylinder of the water heater is only covered by the
Aquamax warranty when the total dissolved solids (TDS) content in the water is
less than 2500 mg/L and when the correct colour coded anode is used. If an
incorrect colour coded anode is used in the water heater, any resultant faults will
not be covered by the Aquamax warranty. In addition, the use of an incorrect
colour coded anode may shorten the life of the water heater cylinder.
The correct colour coded anode must be selected and fitted to the water heater
in accordance with the following advice and the Anode Selection chart on
page 20 for the Aquamax warranty to apply to the water heater cylinder.
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 qualified 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.

WATER SUPPLIES
20
ANODE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT
The anode installed in your water heater will slowly dissipate whilst protecting
the cylinder. The life of the cylinder may be extended by replacing the anode.
For water supplies which are either softened or desalinated, or where the water
supply may alternate between a water tank and a reticulated public supply or
another supply, or where there is a variable supply (e.g. from a bore or public
reticulated supply from various water sources), the anode must be inspected
(and replaced if there is any sign of depletion) within five (5) years of its
installation, and within every three (3) years thereafter.
For all water supplies, if the anode is not replaced during a major service (refer
to “Major Service Every Five Years” on page 17) then the maximum time after its
installation when the anode should be replaced for this water heater is
ten (10) years.
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.
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, any hydrogen in the system will have been released.
(3570)
Green
150
2500
600
400
TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS) mg/L
(CONDUCTIVITY - μS/cm)
(215)
(570)
(860)
Black
40
(60)
Blue
Blue
ANODE SELECTION
above
2500 mg/L (3570 μS/cm),
no warranty applies to a
vitreous enamel lined
water heater cylinder
warranty applies to a vitreous enamel lined
water heater cylinder if the correct coloured anode
is used for the TDS / conductivity level of the water