GE GE02P08BAR User manual

Write the model and serial
numbers here:
Model #_________________
Serial # _________________
You can find them on the rating
label on the front side of your
water heater.
GE is a trademark of the General Electric Company. Manufactured under trademark license.
OWNER’S MANUAL
WATER HEATERS
Electronic Residential
49-6000248 Rev. 1 06-22 GEA
GE Branded Thermostat
Control
Point of Use Electric Water
Heater Models.
GE02P08BAR
GE06P08BAR
SAFETY INFORMATION..........3
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ....6
CARE AND CLEANING ..........10
INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS ..................14
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS......18
WIRING DIAGRAM...............18
LIMITED WARRANTY ...........23
CONSUMER SUPPORT ......... 24
ESPAÑOL
Para consultar una version en
español de este manual de
instrucciones, visite nuestro sitio de
internet GEAppliances.com.
FRANÇAIS
Pour une version français de
ce manuel d’utilisation, veuillez
visiter notre site web à l’adresse
GEAppliances.com.
See http://info.nsf.org/Certified/Lead_
Content/ for specific model listing

249-6000248 Rev. 1
THANK YOU FOR MAKING GE APPLIANCES A PART OF YOUR HOME.
Whether you grew up with GE Appliances, or this is your first, we’re happy to have you in the family.
We take pride in the craftsmanship, innovation and design that goes into every GE Appliances
product, and we think you will too. Among other things, registration of your appliance ensures that we
can deliver important product information and warranty details when you need them.
Register your GE appliance now online. Helpful websites and phone numbers are available in the
Consumer Support section of this Owner’s Manual. You may also mail in the pre-printed registration
card included in the packing material.

49-6000248 Rev. 1 3
READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE APPLIANCE
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING
For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion, electric
shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.
Be sure to read and understand the entire Owner’s Manual before attempting to install or operate this water
heater. It may save you time and cost. Pay particular attention to the Safety Instructions. Failure to follow these
warnings could result in serious bodily injury or death. Should you have problems understanding the instructions
in this manual, or have any questions, STOP and get help from a qualified service technician or the local electric
utility.
CAUTION
Risk of Fire - Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system served by this water heater that has
not been used for a long period of time (generally two weeks or more). HYDROGEN GAS IS EXTREMELY
FLAMMABLE!! To dissipate such gas and to reduce risk of injury, 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 be an unusual sound such as air escaping through the pipe as the water
begins to flow. Do not smoke or use an open flame near the faucet at the time it is open.
WARNING
Risk of Fire - DO NOT store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or
any other appliance. Keep rags and other combustibles away.
FOR INSTALLATIONS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
California Law requires that residential water heaters must be braced, anchored or strapped to resist falling
or horizontal displacement due to earthquake motions. For residential water heaters up to 52 gallon (197 L)
capacity, a brochure with generic earthquake bracing instructions can be obtained from: Office of the State
Architect, 400 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or you may call 916.324.5315 or ask a water heater dealer.
Applicable local codes shall always govern installation. For residential water heaters of a capacity greater than
52 gallons (197 L) consult the local building jurisdiction for acceptable bracing procedures.
WARNING
If the water heater has been subjected to flood, fire, or physical damage, turn off power and water to the
water heater.
Do not operate the water heater again until it has been thoroughly checked by qualified service personnel.
Safety Precautions
A. Do turn off power to water heater if it has been subjected to overheating, fire, flood or physical damage.
B. Do Not turn on water heater unless it is filled with water.
C. Do Not turn on water heater if cold water supply shut-off valve is closed.
NOTE: Flammable vapors may be drawn by air currents from surrounding areas to the water heater.
D. If there is any difficulty in understanding or following the Operating Instructions or the Care and Cleaning
section, it is recommended that a qualified person or serviceman perform the work.

449-6000248 Rev. 1
SAFETY INFORMATION
READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE APPLIANCE
Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds
Temperature Time to Produce a Serious Burn
120°F (49°C) More than 5 minutes
125°F (52°C) 1-1/2 to 2 minutes
130°F (54°C) About 30 seconds
135°F (57°C) About 10 seconds
140°F (60°C) Less than 5 seconds
145°F (63°C) Less than 3 seconds
150°F (66°C) About 1-1/2 seconds
155°F (68°C) About 1 second
Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute
!
Water temperature over 125°F can
cause severe burns instantly or
death from scalds.
Temperature control settings
usually approximate tap water
temperature. However, factors
could cause water temperature
to reach 160°F regardless of the
control settings.
Children, disabled and elderly
are at highest risk of being scalded.
See instruction manual before
setting temperature at water
heater.
Feel water before bathing or
showering.
Temperature limiting valves are
available; see manual.
The chart shown above may be used as a guide in determining
the proper water temperature for your home.
DANGER There is a Hot Water SCALD Potential if the
water temperature thermostat is set too high. Households
with small children, disabled or elderly persons may require
a 120°F (49°C) or lower thermostat setting to prevent contact
with “HOT” water.
This water heater is equipped with an adjustable thermostat that
will automatically control water temperature. It can be adjusted to a
maximum temperature of 150°F (60°C). The recommended set point
is 125°F (52°C) and is clearly marked on the temperature adjustment
dial.
Water Temperature Setting
The temperature of the water in the water heater can be regulated
by setting the temperature dial of the adjustable surface mounted
thermostat(s) located behind the jacket access panel(s).
The illustration shows the temperature
adjustment dial used for setting the water
temperature.
Refer to the Operating Instructions in this
manual for detailed instructions how to
adjust the thermostat(s).
DANGER Hotter water
increases the potential for hot water
SCALDS.
WATER TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT
Safety, energy conservation, and hot water capacity are factors
to be considered when selecting the water temperature setting
of the water heater. Water temperatures above 125°F can cause
severe burns or death from scalding. Be sure to read and follow the
warnings outlined on the label pictured to the left. This label is also
located on the water heater near the top of the tank.
Temperature
Adjustment
Dial

49-6000248 Rev. 1 5
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE APPLIANCE
SAFETY CONTROLS
The water heater is equipped with a combination
thermostat and high limit Energy-Cut-Off control (ECO)
that is located above the upper heating element in
contact with the tank surface. If for any reason the
water temperature becomes excessively high, the
high limit control (ECO) breaks the power circuit to
the heating element. Once the control opens, it must
be reset manually. Resetting of the high limit control
should be done by a qualified service technician.
CAUTION The cause of the high temperature
condition must be investigated by a qualified
service technician and corrective action must be
taken before placing the water heater in service
again.
READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY INFORMATION

649-6000248 Rev. 1
Operating Instructions
Water Heater Capacity and Increasing Temperature
Setpoint:
The water heater temperature setting strongly impacts
the amount of usable hot water available for showers
and baths.
• Safety regulations require a factory setting no greater
than 125°F (52°C) for all new water heaters. Therefore,
if your old water heater was set to a hotter temperature
than your new water heater with a factory set setpoint of
125°F (52°C), the new water heater may seem to provide
lower capacity than your old water heater. This can be
corrected by increasing the temperature setpoint.
• If more hot water capacity is desired, increasing the
temperature from 125°F to 135°F (52°C to 57°C) will
enable the same tank of hot water to last about 25%
longer because less hot water is mixed in at the shower
or faucet.
• Increasing the water temperature setpoint may improve
the cleaning performance of dishwashers and washing
machines.
• The user can adjust the temperature setting to meet
their needs. Always read and understand the safety
instructions contained in the owner’s manual before
adjusting the temperature setpoint.
If Adjustment is necessary:
1. Locate the front panel and temperature adjustment
knob on the water heater.
2. This temperature adjustment dial is variable increase
and decrease with a minimum setpoint of 68°F (20°C)
and a maximum setpoint of 150°F (60°C).
3. The recommended starting setpoint is identified on the
dial as 125°F (52°C).
4. The red indicator at the center of the display will
illuminate when the water is heating.
5. When the water in the tank is at the desired
temperature, the red indicator will NOT be illuminated.
Mixing Valves
• Mixing valves for reducing point-of-use water
temperature by mixing hot and cold water in branch
water lines are commercially available. Contact a
licensed plumber of the local plumbing authority for
further information.
Extended Shutdown Periods
If the water heater is to remain idle for an extended
period of time, the power and water to the appliance
should be turned off and the water heater drained to
conserve energy and prevent a buildup of dangerous
hydrogen gas. This unit has no power button, power
can only be shut off at the circuit breaker or disconnect
switch.
The water heater and piping should be drained if they
might be subjected to freezing temperatures.
After a long shutdown period, the water heater’s
operation and controls should be checked by qualified
service personnel. Make certain the water heater is
completely filled again before placing it in operation.
NOTE: Refer to the Hydrogen Gas Caution in the
Operating Instructions (see page 3).
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Temperature
Adjustment
Dial
Red Indicator

49-6000248 Rev. 1 7
Routine Preventive Maintenance
DANGER Risk of Scald - Before manually
operating the relief valve, make certain no one will
be exposed to the danger of coming in contact with
the hot water released by the valve. The water may
be hot enough to create a scald hazard. The water
should be released into a suitable drain to prevent
injury or property damage.
NOTE: If the temperature and pressure-relief valve
on the hot water heater discharges periodically, this
may be due to thermal expansion in a closed water
system. Contact the water supplier or your plumbing
contractor on how to correct this. Do not plug the
relief valve outlet.
Properly maintained, your water heater will provide years
of dependable trouble-free service. It is suggested that
the following annual preventive maintenance program be
established.
1. Inspect Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve.
2. Drain and Flush the water heater tank.
3. Inspect all water connection locations.
Temperature and Pressure-Relief Valve:
Once a year, it is recommended to lift and release the
lever handle on the temperature and pressure-relief
valve, located on the front-right side of the water heater,
to make certain the valve operates freely. Allow several
gallons to flush through the discharge line to an open
drain.
Most electrical appliances, even when new, make some
sound when in operation. If the hissing or singing sound
level increases excessively, the electric heating element
may require cleaning. Contact a qualified installer or
plumber for inspection.
Draining and Flushing the Water Heater
CAUTION Risk of Shock - Shut off power to
the water heater before draining water.
DANGER Risk of Scald - Before manually
operating the relief valve, make certain no one will
be exposed to the hot water released by the valve.
The water drained from the tank may be hot enough
to present a scald hazard and should be directed to
a suitable drain to prevent injury or damage.
A water heater’s tank can act as a settling basin for
solids suspended in the water. It is therefore not
uncommon for hard water deposits to accumulate in the
bottom of the tank. To clean the tank of these deposits,
it is recommended to drain and flush the water heater
tank once a year. To drain the water heater, follow these
steps:
1. Turn off power to the unit. The electric heating
elements will become damaged if operated without
water.
2. Open a hot water faucet to let hot water run out. Allow
water to flow until water is no longer hot.
3. Turn off the cold water supply.
4. Disconnect the water heater from both hot and cold
water connections.
5. Siphon out the remaining water if possible.
6. Remove the water heater from the installed location.
7. Tilt the water heater to drain remaining water out of
the tank and flush out any sediment in the tank.
Care and Cleaning
Exterior Surfaces
Hand wash with damp cloth, using only warm water. Wipe dry using a dry, clean cloth.
CARE AND CLEANING

849-6000248 Rev. 1
Installation Instructions
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
The location chosen for the water heater must take
into consideration the following:
LOCAL INSTALLATION
REGULATIONS
This water heater must be installed in accordance
with these instructions, local codes, utility codes,
utility company requirements or, in the absence of
local codes, the latest edition of the National Electrical
Code. It is available from some local libraries or
can be purchased from the National Fire Prevention
Association, Batterymarch park, Quincy, MA 02169 as
booklet ANSI/NFPA 70.
POWER REQUIREMENTS
Check the markings on the rating plate of the water
heater to be certain the power supply corresponds to
the water heater requirements.
LOCATION
The water heater and water lines should be protected
from freezing temperatures and high-corrosive
atmospheres. Do not install the water heater in outdoor,
unprotected areas.
Locate the water heater in a clean dry area as near as
practical to the area of greatest heated water demand.
Long uninsulated hot water lines can waste energy
and water. Unit must be installed in a level location.
If required, add shims under base of unit to level for
proper operation.
NOTE: This unit is designed for any common indoor
installation.
Servicing the water heater requires proper installation
such that front panels can be removed to permit
inspection and servicing. Reference installation
instructions found in this manual.
Moving the water heater or other appliances to provide
service to the water heater is not covered under
warranty.
CAUTION Risk of Property Damage -
The water heater should not be located in an
area where leakage of the tank or connections
will result in damage to the area adjacent to it
or to lower floors of the structure. Where such
areas cannot be avoided, it is recommended
that a suitable catch pan, adequately drained, be
installed under the water heater.
LOCATION (Cont).
Required clearances:
There must be sufficient clearance between any
object and the top, rear and sides of the water
heater in the event service is needed. The controls
and drain at front of unit must have clear access
for operation and service. Installations that require
minimal clearance on the sides or rear of the water
heater for earthquake straps are also acceptable.
In these cases, additional clearance should be
provided on the opposite side of the unit to
allow for service access.
CATCH PAN INSTALLATION
(If required)
NOTE: Auxiliary catch pan MUST conform to local
codes. Catch Pan Kits are available from the store
where the water heater was purchased, a builder
store or any water heater distributor. The catch
pan should be 2” (5.1 cm) minimum larger than the
Water Heater base diameter. To prevent corrosion
and improve Drain Valve access it is recommended
that the water heater be placed on spacers inside
the catch pan.
Relief Valve
Drain Line
Catch Pan
Catch Pan
Drain (piped to
suitable drain)
THERMAL EXPANSION
If a check valve is present on the inlet water line,
it will create a “closed system.” Heating water in
a closed system creates an increase in pressure
within the water system because the pressure is not
able to dissipate in the main supply line. Referred to
as “thermal expansion”, the rapid pressure increase
can cause the relief valve to operate (releasing
water) during each heating cycle, potentially causing
premature failure to the valve or even the water
heater. The suggested method of controlling thermal
expansion is to install an expansion tank in the cold
water line between the water heater and the check
valve as shown in the following illustrations. Contact
your installing contractor, water supplier, or plumbing
inspector for additional information.

49-6000248 Rev. 1 9
Installation Instructions
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Component Installation
Locate the temperature and pressure relief valve, drain valve, and inlet/outlet fittings in the packaging of your water heater.
Remove and discard all gray colored plugs that were placed in the fitting openings of the water heater for shipping.
Refer to illustrations below for installing each component to the water heater.
After completing installation of all components, make sure to check all connection points for water leaks and correct if
required.
Tools needed:
• Pipe wrench
• Adjustable wrench
• Pipe joint compound or pip thread sealant tape
Install Temperature and
Pressure Relief Valve

10 49-6000248 Rev. 1
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Installation Instructions
Optional Wall Mounting
This water heater can be mounted on a wall or can sit directly on the floor.
Only install in the vertical position with inlet and outlet pipes pointed upward.
When selecting an installation location, choose a location that allows easy access for maintenance.
For wall mounting condition, ensure the mounting surface is solid and secure. Screws should be secured into wall studs
when possible. If stud mounting cannot be achieved, use provided screw anchors to ensure secure mounting of the water
heater.
Tools Needed:
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Drill
• Pencil
• Tape Measure
• Level
Mounting Instructions:
1. Locate mounting slots on rear case of water heater.
2. Locate the metal mounting bracket and fasteners from packaging.
3. If screw locations are in wall studs, drive mounting screws directly into stud through the wall bracket securing it to the wall.
If screw locations are not in studs, prepare a hole with an anchor and then drive the screw into wall anchor.
4. Hang the water heater on the bracket and pull down to ensure the bracket is fully seated in the mounting slots of the water
heater.
Mounting
Bracket
Mounting
Screws
Mounting
Slots