Bradford White RE3 User manual

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Manual 238-51544-00C REV 9/21
SERVICE
MANUAL
Troubleshooting Guide
and Instructions for Service
(To be performed ONLY by
qualified service providers)
Models Covered
by This Manual:
Residential:
RE1, RE2 & RE3 Upright Models.
RE1 & RE2 Lowboy Models.
RE1 Utility Models.
RE1 Wall Hung Models.
Light Duty:
LE Upright Models.
LE Utility Models.
LE Lowboy.
LE Wall Hung.
Residential Electric and Light Duty
Commercial Electric Water Heaters

2
Residential and Light Duty
Commercial Electric Water Heaters
Page
2
2
3
6
6
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Service Procedure
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RE-I
RE-II
RE-III
Introduction……………………………………………………………………
Tools……………………………………………………………………………
General Information…………………………………………………………..
Sequence of Operation………………………………………………………
Single Element Operation……………………………………..........
Double Element Non-Simultaneous Single Phase……………….
Double Element Simultaneous Single Phase 4wire Service……
Double Element Non-Simultaneous 3Phase………....................
Double Element Simultaneous 3 Phase…………………………..
Double Element Non-Simultaneous Single Phase Off Peak …..
Troubleshooting……………………………………………………………...
Line Voltage and High Limit ECO Testing…………………………………
Heating Element Testing……………......................................................
Residential Thermostat Testing ……......................................................
Single Element …………………………….....................................
Double Element, 4wire, Simultaneous, Single Phase …………..
Double Element, Non-Simultaneous, Single Phase ……….........
Double Element, Non-Simultaneous, 3Phase …………………...
Double Element, Simultaneous, 3 Phase …………………………
Double Element, Non-Simultaneous, Single Phase, Off Peak …
Light Duty Commercial Thermostat Testing ….......................................
Double Element, Non-Simultaneous, Single Phase……………...
Double Element, Simultaneous, Single Phase …………………...
Double Element, Non-Simultaneous, 3Phase ……………………
Double Element, Simultaneous, 3Phase ………………………….
Thermostat Removal and Replacement
……………………………………
Heating Element Removal and Replacement ……………………………..
DipTube and Anode Inspection and Replacement ……………………….
Generic Parts List …………………………………………………………….
RE IV
RE-V
RE-VI
RE-VII
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This service manual is designed to aid service and maintenance professionals on the function, proper diagnosis
and repair of Bradford White residential electric and light duty commercial electric water heaters.
The text and illustrations in this manual provide step by step instructions to facilitate proper operation and
troubleshooting procedures. Contact the Bradford White Technical Support Group immediately if diagnosis can
not be made using the methods described in this service manual.
-Multi Meter
- 1-½ Deep Well Socket
-¼" Nut Driver
-Phillips Head Screw Driver
-Thermometer
-Drain Hose
-Various Hand Tools: Pipe Wrench, Channel Locks, Pliers (common &needle nose), Wire cutters, Wire Strippers,Flash Light.
Page 2

3
GENERAL INFORMATION
Commonly Used Formulas
Watts
Amps =
(for single phase units) Example: 4500W/240V =18.75A
Volts
Watts
Amps =
(for balanced 3 phase units) Example: 4500W/240V x1.732 = 10.82A
Volts x1.732
Watts =
Example: 18.75A x240V =4500W
Amps x Volts
Volts
2
2
Example: (240V) /4500W =12.8 Ohms
Ohms =
Watts
WHITE
Grounded
(Neutral)
BLACK
Ungrounded
GREEN
Grounding
BLACK
Ungrounded
GREEN
Grounding
RED
Ungrounded
120
0
240
120
120
120
Neutral
A
B
C
Neutral
A
B
C
Neutral
A
B
C
RED
BLACK RED
RED
BLACK RED
RED
BLACK RED
Page 3
120
120
208
120
208 208
277
277
480
277
480 480
120
120
240
120
240 240

4
GENERAL INFORMATION
Wattage Limitations at Various Voltages
Residential Electric Upright RE2 &RE3 Series (Non-Simultaneous Operation)
Residential High Efficiency Upright RE2 Series (Non-Simultaneous Operation)
Residential Electric Lowboy RE2 Series (Non-Simultaneous Operation)
Voltage
Maximum
Wattage
Element
Upper/Lower
3,000/3,000
120
3,000
6,000/6,000
208, 240
6,000
277, 480
6,000
6,000/6,000
Residential Electric Upright RE2 &RE3 Series (Simultaneous Operation)
Residential High Efficiency Upright RE2 Series (Simultaneous Operation)
Residential Electric Lowboy RE2 Series (Simultaneous Operation)
Light Duty Commercial Electric LE Series (Non-Simultaneous Operation)
Light Duty Commercial Electric LE Series (Simultaneous Operation)
Voltage
Maximum
Wattage
Element
Upper/Lower
1,500/1,500
120
3,000
5,000/5,000
208
10,000
5,500/5,500
240
11,000
6,000/6,000
277, 480
12,000
Residential Electric Utility Series (Single Element Operation)
Light Duty Utility Series (Single Element Operation)
Voltage
Maximum
Wattage
Single
Element
3,000
120
3,000
6,000
208, 240
6,000
6,000
277
6,000
6,000
480
6,000
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5
GENERAL INFORMATION
Surface Mounted Thermostats
Surface mounted thermostats are mounted into abracket which holds the thermostat against the side of the tank.
Surface mounted thermostats respond to tank surface temperatures to sense acall for heat, set point temperature
settings and high limit (ECO) activation. It is important that the entire back surface of the thermostat is in full contact or
flush with the tank. Improperly mounted thermostat will lead to improper water heater operation.
Manual
ECO (high limit)
Reset button
Temperature
control Dial
Temperature
control Dial
Surface Mount
Combination Thermostat/
ECO (high limit)
59T/66T Series
Surface Mount
Combination Thermostat/
ECO (high limit)
59T/66T Series
Surface Mount
Thermostat
59T Series
Direct Immersion “Screw-in” Type Heating Element
1-½ Hex
Screw-in Flange
Terminal Block
Zinc Plated Copper or
Incoloy Sheath
Terminal Block
Screw
Element Rating Ink Stamped
on side of Terminal Block.
Page 5

6
SEQUENCE OF OPERATION
Residential and light duty commercial electric water heaters are designed to operate using several different operating
modes. The common modes and sequence of operation are as follows:
1. Single Element Operation.
2. Double Element Non-Simultaneous Operation (single phase).
3. Double Element Non-Simultaneous Operation (3 phase).
4. Double Element Simultaneous Operation (single phase).
5. Double Element Simultaneous Operation (3 phase).
Sequence of Operation-Single Element Operation.
1
Line voltage is applied across terminals
L1 &L3 of the thermostat. ECO is
closed, so there is voltage at terminal L4
and to one side of the element.
1
ECO
Closed
2
Tank is cold therefore thermostat
is closed at terminal T2 (calling for heat).
This completes the circuit and allows
current to flow through the element.
2
Thermostat closed
at terminal T2
3
3
When the thermostat is satisfied, it opens at
terminal T2 interrupting current flow through the
element. System is now in stand-by mode, waiting
for the next call for heat.
Thermostat opens
at terminal T2
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7
SEQUENCE OF OPERATION
Non-Simultaneous and Simultaneous Operation
Double element electric water heaters are designed to operate in either Non-Simultaneous or Simultaneous mode.
Non-Simultaneous Mode: Allows only one heating element to operate at atime. For example, when the tank is cold,
the upper element is energized first, heating the top of the tank. Only when the upper thermostat is satisfied, the upper
element is de-energized and power is directed to the lower thermostat, energizing the lower element and heating the
bottom portion of the tank until the lower thermostat is satisfied. As hot water is drawn off the tank, it is replaced with cold
water delivered throughthe diptube to the bottom of the tank. When the tank cools at the lower thermostat level, the
lower thermostat will call for heat, energizing the lower element. If enough hot water is drawn from the tank, the top
portion of the tank cools and the upper thermostat will call for heat, de-energizing the lower element and allowing only
the top element to energize until the upper thermostat is satisfied.
Simultaneous mode: allows both heating elements to operate at the same time. That is, if either thermostat (upper or
lower) is calling for heat, the corresponding heating element is energized independent of the other.
Sequence of Operation-Double Element, Non-Simultaneous Operation, Single Phase.
1
Line voltage is applied across terminals
L1 &L3 of the upper thermostat. ECO is
closed, so there is voltage at terminal L4
and to one side of the upper and lower
elements.
Tank is cold. Therefore, the thermostats
are closed at terminals T2 & 2 (calling for heat).
The circuit is complete through the upper
thermostat only, allowing current to flow through
upper element.
When the upper thermostat is satisfied, it opens at
terminal T2, interrupting current flow through the
upper element. Terminal T4 closes, allowing voltage
to pass to terminal 1of the lower thermostat. This
completes the circuit through the lower thermostat
and allows current flow through the lower element.
When the lower thermostat is satisfied, it opens at
terminal 2, interruptingcurrent flow through lower
element. The system is now in stand-by mode
waiting for the next call for heat.
1
2
2
ECO
Closed
Thermostat closed
at terminal T2
3
Upper
T’stat
Upper
T’stat
Upper
Element
Upper
Element
Thermostat closed
at terminal 2
4
Lower
T’stat
Lower
T’stat
Lower
Element
Lower
Element
5
The lower thermostat/element
combination will generally
cycle on and off more often
than the upper. In some cases,
such as acold tank or in high
demand periods, the upper
thermostat will call for heat
3
4
5
(opening at terminal
Thermostat closed
at terminal T4
Thermostat closed
at terminal T2
T4 and closing at
terminal T2) prior to the lower
thermostat being satisfied. This
will interrupt current flow
through the lower thermostat
and element and allow current
to flow through the upper
element only. When the upper
thermostat is satisfied, it
resumes operation as
described in sequence #3
above.
Upper
T’stat
Upper
T’stat
Upper
T’stat
Upper
Element
Upper
Element
Upper
Element
Thermostat open
between terminals
1and 2
Thermostat closed
between terminals
1and 2
Lower
T’stat
Lower
T’stat
Lower
T’stat
Lower
Element
Lower
Element
Lower
Element
Page 7

8
SEQUENCE OF OPERATION
A 4 wire, double element heater wired for simultaneous operation is essentially two single element systems operating
independently. The heaters are wired internally with two independent circuits, one circuit for each thermostat/element
combination. When installed using atwo wire service, the blue and red (or white) wires will be connected together,
likewise black and yellow wires will be connected together.
Sequence of Operation-Double Element, Simultaneous Operation, Single Phase, 4wire service
installation.
Circuit two
Circuit two
1
2
1
Line voltage from circuit one is applied
across terminals L1 &L3 of the lower
thermostat. Likewise, line voltage from
circuit two is applied across terminals L1 &
L3 of the upper thermostat. ECO in both
upper and lower thermostat is closed, so
there is voltage at terminal L4 of each
thermostat and to one side of the upper and
lower elements.
Circuit one
Circuit one
ECO
Closed
Thermostat closed
at terminal T2
2
Tank is cold therefore both thermostats
are closed at terminal T2 (calling for heat).
This completes the circuit through the
thermostats and allows currentto flow
through the elements.
ECO
Closed
Thermostat closed
at terminal T2
Circuit two
3
3
When either thermostat is satisfied, it will
open at terminal T2, interrupting current
flow through the corresponding element. As
both thermostats satisfy, the system will be
in stand-by mode waiting for the next call
for heat. Thermostats will operate
independent of each other.
Circuit one
Thermostat open
at terminal T2
Thermostat open
at terminal T2
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9
SEQUENCE OF OPERATION
Sequence of Operation-Double Element, Non-Simultaneous Operation, 3Phase.
1
2
1
Line voltage is applied across terminals L1
&L3 of upper thermostat. Likewise, Line
voltage is applied to terminal L3 of lower
thermostat. ECO in both upper &lower
thermostat is closed, so there is voltage at
terminal L4 of both thermostats and to one
side of both upper &lower elements.
ECO
Closed
Thermostat closed
at terminal T2
2
Tank is cold therefore both thermostats
are closed at terminal T2 (calling for heat).
The circuit is complete through the upper
thermostat only allowing current to flow
through the upper element.
ECO
Closed
Thermostat closed
at terminal T2
3
When the upper thermostat is satisfied, it
opens at terminal T2 interrupting current
flow through upper element, and closes at
terminal T4 allowing voltage to pass to
terminal L1 of lower thermostat. This
completes the circuit through the lower
thermostat allowing current flow through
lower element.
3
4
Thermostat closed
at terminal T4
Thermostat closed
at terminalT4
4
When the lower thermostat is satisfied, it
opens at terminal T2 interrupting the
current flow through the lower element. The
system is now in stand-by mode waiting for
the next call for heat.
Thermostat closed
at terminal T2
Thermostat open
at terminal T2
5
The lower thermostat/element combination
will generally cycle on and off more often
than the upper. In some cases, such as a
cold tank or in high demand periods, the
upper thermostat will call for heat (opening
at terminal T4 and closing at terminal T2)
prior to the lower thermostat being satisfied.
This will interrupt current flow through the
lower thermostat and element and allow
current to flow through the upper element
only. When the upper thermostat is
satisfied, it resumes operation as described
in sequence #3 above.
5
Thermostat closed
at terminal T2
Thermostat closed
at terminal T2
Page 9

10
SEQUENCE OF OPERATION
Sequence of Operation-Double Element, Simultaneous Operation, 3Phase.
1
2
1
Line voltage is applied across terminals L1
&L3 of upper thermostat. Line voltage also
extends to terminal L1 of lower thermostat.
Also, line voltage is applied to terminal L3
of lower thermostat. ECO in both upper &
lower thermostat is closed, so there is
voltage at terminal L4 of both thermostats
and to one side of both upper &lower
elements.
ECO
Closed
Thermostat closed
at terminal T2
2
Tank is cold therefore both thermostats
are closed at terminal T2 (calling for heat).
This completes the circuit through the
thermostats and allows current to flow
through the elements.
ECO
Closed
at terminal T2
3
3
When either thermostat is satisfied, it will
open at terminal T2, interrupting current
flow through the corresponding element. As
both thermostats satisfy, the system will be
in stand-by mode waiting for the next call
for heat. Thermostats will operate
independent of the other.
Thermostat open
at terminal T2
Thermostat open
at terminal T2
Page 10