Bradford White Ecostor SC Installation instructions

238-47073-00C REV 11/08
SOLAR WATER HEATER WITH
ELECTRIC BACKUP
A Spanish language version of these instructions is available by contacting the manufacturer listed on the rating plate.
La version espanola de estas instruccions se puede obtener al escribirle a la fábrica cuyo nombre aparece in la placa de
especificaciones.
INSTALLATION/OPERATING MANUAL
WITH PARTS LISTING AND TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
For your family’s comfort, safety, and convenience, we recommend this water
heater/storage unit be installed and serviced by a plumbing professional.
WARNING
To avoid damage or injury, there
must be no materials stored against
the solar water heater and proper
care shall be taken to avoid
unnecessary contact (especially by
children) with the solar water heater.
Do not store or use gasoline
or other flammable liquids
in the vicinity of this water
heater or any other
a
pp
liance.

2
CONGRATULATIONS!
You 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 solar 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 if 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 solar water
heater in the back of this manual.
This manual should be kept with the solar water heater.
We’re committed to providing you with the finest water heater
made.

3
SECTION I
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
-READ CAREFULLY-
The equipment must be installed in accordance with those installation regulations required in the
area where the installation is to be made. These regulations must be carefully followed in all cases.
Authorities having jurisdiction shall be consulted before installations are made.
All wiring on water heaters installed in the USA must be in accordance with the National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 70, latest edition, and/or local regulations; or in Canada, installed in accordance with the
Canadian Electrical Code, CSA C22.1, latest edition and/or local regulations.
The following terms are used throughout this manual to bring attention to the presence of hazards of
various risk levels, or to important information concerning product life.
DANGER
Indicates an imminently hazardous
situation, which, if not avoided, will
result in death, serious injury, or
substantial property damage.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation, which, if not avoided,
may result in moderate, or minor
injury or property damage.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation, which, if not avoided, could
result in death, serious injury, or
substantial property damage.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I- IMPORTANT INFORMATION…………….….. 3
II- SPECIFICATIONS………………………………. 6
III- GENERAL INFORMATION……………………. 8
IV- PRE-INSTALLATION…………………………… 10
V- WATER CONNECTIONS………………………..
ONE-TANK SYSTEM INSTALLATION………………...
TWO-TANK SYSTEM INSTALLATION……...………...
12
13
15
VI- ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS……………….. 19
VII- OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS………………… 21
VIII- MAINTENANCE…………………………………. 23
IX- TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE………………… 25
X- PARTS LIST……………………………………… 26
XI- NOTES ……………………………………………. 28
NOTICE
Indicates special instructions on
installation, operation or
maintenance, which are important
but not related to personal injury
hazards.

4
Important Information continued-
DANGER
DO NOT store or use gasoline or other flammable, combustible, or corrosive vapors and/or liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other appliance.
IF YOU SMELL GAS:
DO NOT try to light any appliance.
DO NOT touch any electric switch; do not use any telephone in your building.
Immediately call your gas supplier from a telephone in another building. Follow the gas supplier’s
instructions.
If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department
DO NOT OPERATE THE APPLIANCE UNTIL THE LEAKAGE IS CORRECTED!
Liquefied petroleum gas/propane gas is heavier than air and will remain at floor level if there is a leak.
Basements, crawl spaces, closets, and areas below ground level will serve as pockets for accumulation of
leaking gas.
This water heater is supplied with adjustable thermostat(s) to control water temperature. Hot water
temperatures required for automatic dishwasher and laundry use can cause scald burns resulting in serious
personal injury and/or death. The temperature at which injury occurs varies with the person’s age and the
time of exposure. The slower response time of disabled persons increases the hazards to them. NEVER allow
small children to use a hot water tap or to draw their own bath water. NEVER leave a child or disabled
person unattended in a bathtub or shower.
WARNING
Installation is not complete unless a properly sized/capacity pressure and temperature relief valve is installed
into the side of the water heater. See the General Information section of this manual for details.
This water heater contains very hot water under high pressure. Do not unscrew any pipe fittings or attempt
to disconnect any components of this water heater without positively assuring the water is cool and has no
pressure. Always wear protective clothing and equipment when installing, starting up, or servicing this water
heater to prevent scald injuries. Do not rely on the pressure and temperature gauges to determine the
temperature and pressure of the water heater. This water heater contains components that become very hot.
Do not touch any components unless they are cool.
Improper installation, adjustments, alteration, service or maintenance can cause property damage, personal
injury or loss of life. Failure to follow all instructions in the proper order can cause personal injury or death.
Read and understand all instructions, including all those contained in component manufacturer’s manuals,
which are provided with the appliance before installing, starting-up, operating, maintaining, or servicing this
appliance. Keep this manual and literature in legible condition and posted near the appliance for reference
by owner and service technician.
This water heater requires regular maintenance and service to operate safely. Follow the instructions
contained in this manual.
Installation, maintenance, and service must be performed only by an experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable
installer or service agency.

5
Important Information continued-
WARNING
It is the responsibility of the installing contractor to see that all controls are correctly installed and are
operating properly when the installation is complete.
DO NOT operate the water heater with jumpered or absent controls or safety devices.
DO NOT tamper with or alter the water heater and/or controls.
DO NOT operate the water heater if any external part or control has been submerged in water. Immediately
call a qualified service technician to inspect the appliance and to replace any part of the control system that
was under water.
This water heater is suitable for installation on combustible flooring. DO NOT install this water heater on
carpeting.
DO NOT operate this water heater without first being certain it is filled with water.
Flammable items, pressurized containers, or any other potential fire hazardous articles must never be placed
on or adjacent to the heater. Containers of flammable gases should not be stored or used in the same room
with this water heater.
Hydrogen gas can be produced in an operating water heater that has not had water drawn from the tank for
a long period of time (generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable. To prevent the
possibility of injury under these conditions, it is recommended that a water faucet be opened for several
minutes at the kitchen sink before you use any electrical appliance that is connected to the hot water system.
If hydrogen is present, there will be unusual sounds such as air escaping through the pipes as hot water
begins to flow. Do not smoke or have open flame near the faucet at the time it is open.
CAUTION
The maximum supply temperature from the solar collector must not exceed 250°F (121°C).

6
SECTION II
SPECIFICATIONS
ANODES HOT WATER OUTLET - 3/4" NPT
COLD WATER INLET - 3/4" NPT
SOLAR SENSOR WIRING
JUNCTION BOX
ELECTRIC HIGH VOLTAGE
WIRING JUNCTION BOX
TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE
RELIEF VALUE OPENING
UPPER COVER:
SOLAR THERMISTOR WIRES,
THERMOSTAT, UPPER HEATING
ELEMENT UNDER COVER
LOWER COVER:
SOLAR THERMISTOR WIRES,
LOWER HEATING ELEMENT UNDER
COVER IN DUAL ELEMENT MODELS
DRAIN COUPLING - 3/4" NPT
DRAIN VALVE - 5/8" NH
OPTIONAL OUTLET
FOR RECIRCULATION
(60 & 75 GAL. MODELS)
MIDDLE COVER:
THERMOSTAT UNDER COVER IN
DUAL HEATING ELEMENT MODELS
TO SOLAR COLLECTOR :
SINGLE-WALL EXCHANGER - 1" NPT
DOUBLE-WALL EXCHANGER - 3/4" NPT
FROM SOLAR COLLECTOR:
SINGLE-WALL EXCHANGER - 1" NPT
DOUBLE-WALL EXCHANGER - 3/4" NPT
Figure 1 – Tank Layout
Table 1: Water Heater Dimension (Inches)
MODE
L A B C D E F
60-Gal. 22 60-1/4 59-1/4 29-1/2 7-3/8 53
75-Gal. 24 60-1/4 59-1/4 29-1/2 7-3/8 53

7
115-Gal. 28 1/4 63-1/4 62-1/2 29-1/2 7-3/8 55-3/4

8
Specifications continued-
Table 2: Single-wall Exchanger Solar Water Heater Capacities
MODEL
Tank
Capacity
(Gal)
Coil
Volume
(Gal)
Coil Heat
Transfer Area
(Sq Ft)
Approximat
e
Dry Weight
(Lbs)
Approximate
Wet Weight
(Lbs)
60-Gal. 60 2.5 14.2 212 697
75-Gal. 75 2.5 14.2 236 832
115-Gal. 115 2.5 14.2 340 1248
Table 3: Double-wall Exchanger Solar Water Heater Capacities
MODEL
Tank
Capacity
(Gal)
Coil
Volume
(Gal)
Coil Heat
Transfer Area
(Sq Ft)
Approximat
e
Dry Weight
(Lbs)
Approximate
Wet Weight
(Lbs)
60-Gal. 60 2.5 14.2 217 702
75-Gal. 75 2.5 14.2 241 837
115-Gal. 115 2.5 14.2 345 1253
Table 4: Electric Backup Water Heater Ratings with ASSE Approved Thermostatic Mixing Valve
First Hour Supply (Gallons)
MODEL Single Element Dual Element
Standby Heat
Loss Rating
(°F/Hr)
60-Gal 46 84 1.1
75-Gal 53 97 0.9
115-Gal 83 124 0.7
Heat Exchanger Flow Specifications
Heat Exchanger Pressure Drop Curve
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
7.00
01234567891011121314
Flowrate (GPM)
Total Pressure Drop
(PSID)
0.00
2.00
4.00
6.00
8.00
10.00
12.00
14.00
16.00
Total HeadLoss(Feet)
Single-wall
Double-wall
Figure 2 – Solar Heat Exchanger Pressure Drop Chart

9
SECTION III
GENERAL INFORMATION
FEATURES
This water heater contains the following features:
HEAT EXCHANGER –The heat exchanger (coil) is made of porcelain coated carbon steel tubing and female
fittings. If a confirmed leak occurs, contact the plumbing professional who installed the water heater or the
manufacturer listed on the rating plate, for additional guidance.
DOUBLE-WALL HEAT EXCHANGER MODELS –Water heaters that have a double-wall heat exchanger have a
slight gap between the two tubes that makes up the heat exchanger coil. The ¾” female fitting provides an
atmospheric vent for any fluid that enters the gap between the tubes.
SINGLE-WALL HEAT EXCHANGER MODELS – Water heaters that have a single-wall heat exchanger have a
solid tube that makes up the exchanger coil with a 1” female fitting. Water heaters with single-wall heat exchangers
meets the Uniform Plumbing Code for installation in all potable water systems provided that:
•The heat transfer medium (including additives) is practically non-toxic, having toxicity rating of class of 1 as listed in
Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products.
•The heat transfer medium pressure is limited to maximum 30 psig by approved relief valve.
•The heat transfer medium is potable water or contains only substances that are recognized as safe by the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA).
•The pressure of the heat transfer medium is maintained less than the normal minimum operating pressure of the
potable water system.
•The equipment is permanently labeled to indicate that only additives recognized as safe by the FDA shall be used
in the heat transfer medium.
BACKUP HEATING ELEMENT(S) WITH ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTATS – The water temperature may be
adjusted from approximately 100°F to approximately 180°F. The thermostats are factory set at 120°F. It is
recommended that lower temperatures be used to avoid the risk of scalding. Refer to the “Warnings” in the section
on SCALDING in Section VII, OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS. It is further recommended, in all cases, that the
water temperature be set for the lowest temperature that satisfies your hot water needs. This will also provide the
most energy efficient operation of the solar water heater and minimizes scale formation. In dual element models, a
thermostat under the middle cover controls the lower heating element. This ensures that only when the solar heating
system cannot satisfy user demand that the lower heating element is energized.
Setting the water heater temperature at 120°F will reduce the risk of scalds. Some states require settings to specific
lower temperatures.
SENSOR WIRES FOR SOLAR THERMISTOR CONNECTIONS – Twisted wires are provided under the lower
and upper covers. These wires have been provided as a means for connecting thermistors to a solar controller.
NOTICE: Neither the solar controller nor the thermistors are provided with the solar water heater and must
be purchased separately. The lower thermistor wires connect a thermistor for use in comparison to the solar
collector temperature to determine if an appropriate temperature difference for heat transfer is available. A bracket
to fix the thermistor against the tank wall is supplied. Refer to Section VI, ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, for
instructions in placing the thermistor against the tank wall. The upper thermistor wires are an optional second
thermistor connection to monitor the upper tank temperature. Some solar controllers provide this option.
SACRIFICIAL ANODES — Two sacrificial anode rods have been installed in the tank head to extend tank life.
The anode rods should be inspected annually to determine the amount of sacrificial decay and replaced when
necessary to prolong tank life. The permanent removal of these anodes, for any reason, will nullify the warranty.
Water conditions in your area will influence the time interval for inspection and replacement of the anode rod. The
use of a water softener may increase the speed of anode consumption. More frequent inspection of the anode is
needed when using softened (or phosphate treated) water. Contact the plumbing professional who installed the water
heater or the manufacturer listed on the rating plate, for anode replacement information.

10
General Information continued-
THERMOSTATICALLY ACTIVATED MIXING VALVE – An ASSE approved thermostatic mixing valve is
supplied with the water heater. The solar heating system may transfer heat into the water heater above the
temperature limits set by the thermostats. This may create the potential for scald injury. To protect against injury,
you must install the supplied ASSE approved thermostatic mixing valve (a device to limit the temperature of water to
protect against scald injury via mixing hot and cold water supply) or equivalent in the water system. This valve will
reduce point of discharge temperature in branch supply lines if adjusted properly. Refer to the instructions supplied
in the ASSE approved thermostatic mixing valve box for installation procedures and device specifications.
TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
CAUTION
This water heater must NOT be operated without the ASSE approved thermostatic mixing valve
included in the box with the heater or equivalent.
WARNING
Keep clear of the combination temperature and pressure relief valve discharge line outlet. The discharge
may be hot enough to cause scald injury. The water is under pressure and may splash.
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 of the Standard 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 must
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 must also have an hourly rated temperature steam BTU
discharge capacity not less than the hourly rating of the water heater/storage unit. The supplied combination
temperature and pressure relief valve, when properly installed and unrestricted, will discharge the maximum
input produced by a 250°F (121°C) collector supply temperature. A lower collector supply temperature will
reduce the input required to be discharged in the event of excessive potable water temperatures.
Install the combination temperature and pressure relief valve into the side opening provided and marked for this
purpose on the water heater/storage unit.
Some models may already be equipped or supplied with a combination temperature and pressure relief valve.
Verify that the 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.
Install a discharge line so that water discharged from the combination temperature and pressure relief valve will
exit within six (6) inches above, or any distance below the structural floor and cannot contact any live electrical
part. The discharge line is to be installed to allow for complete drainage of both the temperature and pressure
relief valve and the discharge line. 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 clearance of four (4) inches be
provided on the side of the water heater/storage unit 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!