Bradford White 45837F User manual

238-45837-00F REV 05/15
ASME COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC WATER HEATER
THE WARRANTY ON THIS WATER HEATER IS IN EFFECT ONLY WHEN
THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED AND OPERATED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL CODES AND THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS WATER HEATER WILL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR ANY DAMAGE RESULTING FROM FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH
THESE INSTRUCTIONS. READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY
BEFORE STARTING.
For your family’s comfort, safety and convenience, it is
recommended this water heater be installed and serviced by a
plumbing professional.
INSTALLATION & OPERATING
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
A Spanish language version of these instructions is available by
contacting the company listed on the rating plate.
La versión espãnola de estas instructiones se puede obtener al
escribible a la fábrica cuyo nombre aparece en la placa de
especificaciones.

2
CONGRATULATIONS!
Y
ou have just purchased one of the finest water heaters on the market
today!
This installation, operation and instruction manual will explain in
detail the installation and maintenance of your new ASME Commercial
Electric Water Heater. We strongly recommend that you contact a
plumbing professional for the installation of this water heater.
We require that you carefully read this manual, as well as the
enclosed warranty, and refer to it when questions arise. If you have
any specific questions concerning your warranty, please consult the
plumbing professional from whom your water heater was purchased.
For your records we recommend that you write the model, serial
number and installation date of your water heater in the maintenance
section in the back of this manual.
This manual should be kept with the water heater.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Information .......................................................... 3
Installation ......................................................................... 4
Locating The Water Heater.................................................... 4
Water Connections ................................................................ 6
Electrical Connections .......................................................... 13
Amperage Chart .................................................................. 14
GPH Recovery Capacities .................................................. 14
General Operation............................................................. 15
Thermostat Adjustment......................................................... 15
Maintenance....................................................................... 16
Servicing Guide................................................................. 19

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GENERAL INFORMATION
This electric water heater’s design is certified by Underwriters Laboratories
(UL) and listed in accordance with UL 1453. C-UL listed in accordance with
Canadian National Standard C22.2, No. 110-M90.
This water heater must be installed in accordance with local codes. In the
absence of local codes, install this water heater in accordance with the latest
edition of the National Electrical Code.
The warranty for this water heater is in effect only when the water heater is
installed, adjusted, and operated in accordance with these Installation and
Operating Instructions. The manufacturer will not be held liable for damage
resulting from alteration and/or failure to comply with these instructions.
This water heater has been designed and certified for the purpose of heating
potable water. The installation and use of this water heater for any purpose
other than the heating of potable water, may cause damage to the water
heater and create a hazardous condition and nullify the warranty.
Do not use this appliance if any part has been submerged in water. The
plumbing professional responsible for the installation of this water heater
should be contacted to inspect the appliance and to replace any part of the
control system, including thermostat(s), which has been submerged in water.
Make sure that the rating plate on the water heater is referenced for certainty
that the correct voltage is being supplied to the water heater.
CAUTION
Incorrect operation of this appliance may create a hazard to life and
property and will nullify the warranty.
DANGER
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable, combustible, or
corrosive vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this water heater or any
other appliance.

4
General Information continued-
A sacrificial anode(s) is used to extend tank life. Removal of any anode, for
any reason, will nullify the warranty. In areas where water is unusually
active, an odor may occur at the hot water faucet due to a reaction between
the sacrificial anode and impurities in the water. If this should happen, an
alternative anode(s) may be purchased from the supplier that installed this
water heater. This will minimize the odor while protecting the tank.
Additionally, the water heater should be flushed with appropriate dissolvers
to eliminate any bacteria.
INSTALLATION
Locating The Water Heater
This water heater MUST not be installed in any location where gasoline
or flammable vapors are likely to be present, unless the installation is
such to eliminate the probable ignition of gasoline or flammable
vapors.
The location where this water heater is to be installed is of utmost
importance. Before installing this water heater, consult the installation
section of these instructions. After reading these installation and operating
instructions, select a location for the water heater where the floor is level and
is easily accessible to a power supply and water connections. It is
recommended that the water heater be located near the center of greatest
hot water usage to prevent heat loss through the pipes. DO NOT locate the
water heater where water lines could be subjected to freezing
temperatures. Locate the water heater so that access panels, drain
valves, and clean-out openings are accessible.
IMPORTANT
Before proceeding, please inspect the water heater and its components for
possible damage. DO NOT install any damaged components. If damage is
evident, please contact the supplier where the water heater was purchased
or the manufacturer listed on the rating plate for replacement parts.
WARNING
Water heaters are heat producing appliances. To avoid damage or injury,
there shall be no materials stored against the water heater and proper care
shall be taken to avoid unnecessary contact (especially by children) with
the water heater. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL FLAMMABLE
MATERIALS, SUCH AS GASOLINE OR PAINT THINNER BE USED OR
STORED IN THE VICINITY OF THIS WATER HEATER OR ANY
LOCATION FROM WHICH FUMES COULD REACH THE WATER
HEATER.

5
Locating The Water Heater continued-
Water heater corrosion and component failure can be caused by the heating
and breakdown of airborne chemical vapors. Examples of some typical
compounds that are potentially corrosive are: spray can propellants, cleaning
solvents, refrigerator and air conditioning refrigerants, swimming pool
chemicals, calcium or sodium chloride, waxes and process chemicals.
These materials are corrosive at very low concentration levels with little or no
odor to reveal their presence. NOTE: DAMAGE TO THE WATER HEATER
CAUSED BY EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE VAPORS IS NOT COVERED
BY THE WARRANTY. DO NOT OPERATE THE WATER HEATER IF
EXPOSURE HAS OR WILL OCCUR. DO NOT STORE ANY
POTENTIALLY CORROSIVE COMPOUNDS IN THE VICINITY OF THE
WATER HEATER.
This water heater must be located in an area where leakage from the tank,
water line connections, and the combination temperature and pressure relief
valve will not result in damage to the area adjacent to the water heater or to
lower floors of the structure. When such locations cannot be avoided, a
suitable drain pan must be installed under the water heater. The drain pan
must have a minimum length and width of at least 4 in. (10.2 cm) greater
than the diameter of the water heater. The drain pan, as described above,
can be purchased from your plumbing professional. The drain pan must be
piped to an adequate drain. The piping must be pitched for proper drainage.
CLEARANCES
1. Minimum clearance to combustible material is 0 inches for the Top,
Sides, Front, and Rear of this water heater. However, it is
recommended that at least 18 inches (45.7 cm) from the Top, and
24 inches (61 cm) from the Front. Clearance for servicing may be
reduced down to minimum clearance to combustible material, but
service time and effort may be greatly increased.
2. Increase distances to provide clearances for servicing.
This water heater MUST be installed indoors out of the wind and
weather.
To comply with NSF requirements this water heater is to be:
a) Sealed to the floor with sealant, in a smooth and easily cleanable
way, or
b) Installed with an optional leg kit that includes legs and/or extensions
that provide a minimum clearance of 6” beneath the water heater.
Note: For California installation this water heater must be braced,
anchored, or strapped to avoid falling or moving during an earthquake.
See instructions for correct installation procedures. Instructions may
be obtained from the DSA Headquarters Office: 1102 Q Street, Suite
5100, Sacramento, CA 95811.

6
Water Connections
Note: Before proceeding with the installation, close the main water
supply valve.
After shutting the main water supply valve, open a faucet to relieve the water
line pressure in order to prevent water from leaking out of the pipes while
making the water connections to the water heater. After the pressure has
been relieved, close the faucet. The cold water inlet line connects to the inlet
nipple at the base of the water heater. The hot water outlet line connects to
the nipple on top of the water heater. The fittings at the cold water inlet and
hot water outlet are dielectric waterway fittings with tapered male threads.
Make the proper plumbing connections between the water heater and the
plumbing system in the structure. Install a manual shut-off valve in the cold
water supply line.
This water heater may be provided with an optional pressure and
temperature gauge. See Figure 1 for proper installation.
If this water heater is installed in a closed water supply system, such as one
having a back-flow preventer in the cold water supply, provisions must be
made to control thermal expansion. DO NOT operate this water heater in a
closed system without a provision for controlling thermal expansion. Contact
your water supplier or local plumbing inspector regarding how thermal
expansion can be controlled.
After installation of the water lines, open the main water supply valve and fill
the water heater. While the water heater is filling, open several hot water
faucets to allow air to escape from the water system. When a steady stream
of water flows through the faucets, close the faucets and inspect all water
connections for possible leaks. NEVER OPERATE THE WATER HEATER
WITHOUT FIRST BEING CERTAIN IT IS COMPLETELY FILLED WITH
WATER.
CAUTION
If sweat fittings are to be used, DO NOT apply heat to the nipples on top
of the water heater. Sweat the tubing to the adapter before fitting the
adapter to the water connections. It is imperative that heat is not applied
to the nipples containing a plastic liner.
IMPORTANT
FAILURE TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN A NEW, LISTED
TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE WILL RELEASE THE
MANUFACTURER FROM ANY CLAIM WHICH MIGHT RESULT FROM
EXCESSIVE TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURES.

7
Water Connections continued-
WARNING
For protection against excessive temperatures and pressure, install
temperature and pressure protective equipment required by local codes,
but not less than a combination temperature and pressure relief valve
certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory that maintains
periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials, as
meeting the Requirements for Relief Valves and Automatic Gas Shutoff
Devices for Hot Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22, and the Standard
CAN1-4.4 Temperature, Pressure, Temperature and Pressure Relief
Valves and Vacuum Relief Valves. The combination temperature and
pressure relief valve shall be marked with a maximum set pressure, not to
exceed the maximum working pressure of the water heater. The
combination temperature and pressure relief valve shall also have an
hourly rated temperature steam BTU discharge capacity not less than the
hourly input rating of the water heater.
Install the combination temperature and pressure relief valve into the
opening on the water heater, which is provided for this purpose.
Note: Some models may already be equipped or supplied with a
combination temperature and pressure relief valves. Verify that this
combination temperature and pressure relief valve complies with local
codes. If the combination temperature and pressure relief valve does not
comply with local codes, replace it with one that does. Follow the
installation instructions provided on this page.
Install a discharge line so that water discharged from the combination
temperature and pressure relief valve will exit within six (6) inches (15.3
cm) above, or any distance below the structural floor and at a location
where dischargers cannot contact any live electrical part. This discharge
line is to be installed complete drainage of both the temperature and
pressure relief valve and the discharge line can occur. The discharge
opening must not be subjected to blockage or freezing. DO NOT thread,
plug or cap the discharge line. It is recommended that a minimum of four
(4) inches (10.2 cm) be provided on the side of the water heater for
servicing and maintenance of the combination temperature and pressure
relief valve.
Do not place a valve between the combination temperature and pressure
relief valve and the tank.

8
Water Connections continued-
This water heater can deliver scalding temperature water at any faucet in the
system. Be careful whenever using hot water to avoid scalding injury.
Certain appliances, such as dishwashers and automatic clothes washers,
may require increased temperature water. By setting the thermostat on this
water heater to obtain the increased temperature water required by these
appliances, the potential for scald injury is increased. To protect against
injury, install an anti-scald tempering valve in the water system. This valve
will reduce the point of discharge water temperature by mixing cold and hot
water in branch supply lines. Anti-sealed tempering valves can be obtained
from your local plumbing supplier. Please consult a plumbing professional.
WARNING
Hydrogen gas can be produced in the hot water system served by
this water heater when there has been no usage for a long period of
time (generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely
flammable. Therefore, to reduce the risk of injury under these
conditions, it is recommended that the hot water faucet be opened
for several minutes at the kitchen sink before using any electrical
appliance connected to the hot water system. If hydrogen is present,
there will probably be an unusual sound, such as air escaping
through the pipe, as the water begins to flow. There should be no
smoking or open flame near the faucet at the time it is open.
CAUTION
INCREASING THE THERMOSTAT SETTING ABOVE THE PRESET
TEMPERATURE MAY CAUSE SEVERE BURNS AND CONSUME
EXCESSIVE ENERGY. HOTTER WATER INCREASES THE RISK OF
SCALD INJURY.

9
Water Connections continued-
Figure 1
can cause severe burns
are at hi
g
hest risk of bein
g
Children, disabled and elderly
instantly or death from scalds.
Water temperature over 125°F
Feel water before bathin
g
or
before settin
g
temperature
available.
showerin
g
.
Temperature limitin
g
valves are
Review this instruction manual
at water heater.
scalded.

10
Water Connections continued-
Figure 2A
(Dual Temperature System With Mixing Valve)
50A, 80A, 120A
Figure 2B
(Dual Temperature System With Mixing Valve)
6A, 12A, 20A, 30A, 40A