Kenmore 32686 - Power Miser 6 User manual

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SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Owner’s Manual
FOR POTABLE WATER HEATING ONLY.
NOT SUITABLE FOR SPACE HEATING.
POWER MISER™ 6
ELECTRIC
WATER HEATER
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A
www.sears.com
PRINTED 0707 185796-000
GAMA certification applies to all residential electric water
heaters with capacities of 20 to 120 Gallons. Input rating of
12kW or less.
•Safety Instructions
•Installation
•Operation
•Care and Maintenance
•Troubleshooting
•Parts List
MODEL NO.
153.326362 30 Gal.
153.326363 30 Gal.
153.326462 40 Gal.
153.326463 40 Gal.
153.326562 55 Gal.
153.326563 55 Gal.
153.326662 50 Gal. Medium
153.326663 50 Gal. Medium
153.326762 40 Gal. Medium
153.326763 40 Gal. Medium
153.326862 50 Gal. Short
153.326863 50 Gal. Short

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SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE
Your safety and the safety of others is extremely important in the installation, use and servicing of this water heater.
Many safety-related messages and instructions have been provided in this manual and on your own water heater to warn you
and others of a potential injury hazard. Read and obey all safety messages and instructions throughout this manual. It is very
important that the meaning of each safety message is understood by you and others who install, use or service this water
heater.
All safety messages will generally tell you about the type of hazard, what can happen if you do not follow the safety message
and how to avoid the risk of injury.
The California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act requires the Governor of California to publish a list of substances
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm, and requires businesses to warn
of potential exposure to such substances.
This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
This appliance can cause low level exposure to some of the substances listed, including formaldehyde.
IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS
• Sears Service Center: The Sears Service Center has the ability equivalent to a licensed tradesman in the fields of plumbing and
electrical work including a thorough understanding of the requirements of the National Electrical Code as it relates to the
installation of electric water heaters. The Sears Service Center also has a thorough understanding of this instruction manual,
and is able to perform repairs strictly in accordance with the service guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you
to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety
messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible
injury or death.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
DANGER indicates an imminently
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or injury.
CAUTION
WARNING indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or injury.
CAUTION indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION used without the safety alert
symbol indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could
result in property damage.

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GENERAL SAFETY

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SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE ........................................................................................................................................ 2
GENERAL SAFETY ............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................................................ 5
MATERIALS AND BASIC TOOLS NEEDED ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Materials Needed ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Basic Tools .................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Additional Tools Needed When Sweat Soldering ....................................................................................................................... 6
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................................................................................... 7-16
Removing the Old Water Heater .............................................................................................................................................. 7,8
Facts to Consider About the Location ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Insulation Blankets ...................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Facts to Consider About the Convertible Lower Element ........................................................................................................ 8,9
Water Piping ........................................................................................................................................................................... 9,10
T & P Valve and Pipe Insulation ................................................................................................................................................. 10
Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve ..................................................................................................................................... 10,11
Filling the Water Heater ............................................................................................................................................................. 11
Converting the Lower Element ............................................................................................................................................. 11-14
Wiring .................................................................................................................................................................................... 14,15
Wiring Diagrams ....................................................................................................................................................................... 16
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT .................................................................................................................................................... 17-22
Temperature Regulation ........................................................................................................................................................... 17
Thermostats .............................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Temperature Settings ................................................................................................................................................................ 17
Upper and Lower Thermostat Adjustments ......................................................................................................................... 17,18
Anode Rod Inspection ............................................................................................................................................................... 18
Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation ......................................................................................................................... 18
Draining ................................................................................................................................................................................ 18,19
Thermostat Removal/Replacement .......................................................................................................................................... 19
Element Cleaning/Replacement ......................................................................................................................................... 19-22
Drain Valve Washer Replacement ............................................................................................................................................ 22
Service ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE .................................................................................................................................................... 23-25
Start Up Conditions ................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Thermal Expansion ............................................................................................................................................................ 23
Strange Sounds ................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Operational Conditions ....................................................................................................................................................... 23-25
Smelly Water .................................................................................................................................................................. 23,24
“Air” in Hot Water Faucets .................................................................................................................................................. 24
Rumbling Noise .................................................................................................................................................................. 24
High Temperature Shut Off System .................................................................................................................................... 24
Not Enough or No Hot Water ......................................................................................................................................... 24,25
Water Is Too Hot.................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Leakage Checkpoints .......................................................................................................................................................... 25,26
REPAIR PARTS LIST .................................................................................................................................................................. 27-29
NOTES ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 30,31
WARRANTY ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Thank You for purchasing a Sears water heater. Properly
installed and maintained, it should give you years of trouble
free service. It is strongly suggested that this new water heater
be professionally installed, contact the local Sears Service
Center or any Sears store. They will arrange for prompt, quality
installation by Sears authorized contractors.
Abbreviations Found In This Instruction Manual:
UL – Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
NEC – National Electrical Code
ANSI – American National Standards Institute
• Read the “General Safety” section, page 3 of this manual
first and then the entire manual carefully. If you don’t follow
the safety rules, the water heater will not operate properly. It
could cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY AND/OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE.
This manual contains instructions for the installation,
operation, and maintenance of this electric water heater. It
also contains warnings throughout the manual that you must
read and be aware of. All warnings and all instructions are
essential to the proper operation of the water heater and
your safety. Since we cannot put everything on the first few
pages, READ THIS ENTIRE MANUALBEFOREATTEMPTING
TO INSTALL OR OPERATE THE WATER HEATER.
• The installation must conform with the instructions in this
manual; electric company rules; and Local Codes, or in the
absence of Local Codes, with the current edition of the
NEC - National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. This publication
is available from your local government or public library or
electric company or by writing Underwriters Laboratories
Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062.
• If after reading this manual you have any questions or do
not understand any portion of the instructions, call Sears
Service Center.
• Carefully plan the place where you are going to put the water
heater. Correct electrical wiring and connections are very
important in preventing death from possible electrical shock
and fires.
Examine the location to ensure the water heater complies with
the “Facts to Consider About the Location” section.
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 California Office of the
State Architect, 400 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Massachusetts Code requires this water heater to be installed
in accordance with Massachusetts 248-CMR 2.00; State
Plumbing Code and 248-CMR 5.00. In the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, this product must be installed by a licensed
plumber or gasfitter.
INTRODUCTION
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS
IN INCHES (mm)
TANK
CAPACITY
IN GALLONS
ELEMENT
WATTAGE
@ 240 VOLTS
MAXIMUM FUSE
RECOVERY RATE MINIMUM OR CIRCUIT
MODEL GALS.PER HOUR WIRE SIZE* BREAKER
NUMBER DIA. HEIGHT @900F Rise UPPER LOWER (GAUGE) SIZE (AMPS)
153.326362 30 18.0 (457) 46.5 (1181) 17.3 3800 3800 12 20
153.326363 30 18.0 (457) 46.5 (1181) 25.0 3800 5500 10 30
153.326462 40 18.0 (457) 59.5 (1511) 17.3 3800 3800 12 20
153.326463 40 18.0 (457) 59.5 (1511) 25.0 3800 5500 10 30
153.326562 55 20.5 (521) 60.25 (1530) 17.3 3800 3800 12 20
153.326563 55 20.5 (521) 60.25 (1530) 25.0 3800 5500 10 30
153.326662 50 23.0 (584) 49.0 (1245) 17.3 3800 3800 12 20
153.326663 50 23.0 (584) 49.0 (1245) 25.0 3800 5500 10 30
153.326762 40 20.5 (521) 44.0 (1118) 17.3 3800 3800 12 20
153.326763 40 20.5 (521) 44.0 (1118) 25.0 3800 5500 10 30
153.326862 47 26.5 (673) 34.0 (864) 17.3 3800 3800 12 20
153.326863 47 26.5 (673) 34.0 (864) 25.0 3800 5500 10 30
*Wiring size based on standard 60°C copper wire. If distance from fuse box to water heater is more than 90 feet, refer to your local
electrical code.
30 18.0 (457) 46.5 (1181)
40 18.0 (457) 59.5 (1511)
55 20.5 (521) 60.25 (1530)
50 23.0 (584) 49.0 (1245)
40 20.5 (521) 44.0 (1118)
50 26.5 (673) 34.0 (864)

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MATERIALS AND BASIC TOOLS NEEDED
Basic Tools
You may or may not need all of these tools, depending on your
type of installation. These tools can be purchased at your local
Sears store.
Pipe Wrench (2)
Screwdriver
6 Foot Tape or Folding Rule
Garden Hose
Drill
Pipe Dope or Teflon Tape
Additional Tools Needed When Sweat
Soldering
Tubing Cutters or Hacksaw
Propane Torch
Soft Solder
Solder Flux
Emery Cloth
Wire Brushes
SLOT-HEAD SCREWDRIVER
PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER
DRILL
PIPE DOPE (SQUEEZE TUBE)
USE FOR WATER CONNECTIONS
ROLL OF TEFLON TAPE (USE ON
WATER CONNECTIONS)
PIPE WRENCHGARDEN HOSE 6 FOOT TAPE
HACKSAW
TUBING CUTTER
PROPANE
TORCH
ROLL OF
EMERY CLOTH
3/4” (19 mm) WIRE BRUSH
1/2” (13 mm) WIRE BRUSH
ROLL OF
LEAD-FREE
SOFT SOLDER
SOLDER
FLUX
Materials Needed
To simplify the installation Sears has available the installation parts shown below. You may or may not need all of these materials,
depending on your type of installation.
EXPANSION TANKS FOR THERMAL
EXPANSION CONDITIONS AVAILABLE IN 2
GALLONS , AND 5 GALLONS CAPACITY
THROUGH LOCAL SEARS STORE OR
SERVICE CENTER.
DRAIN PANS AVAILABLE IN 20”
DIAMETER FOR WATER HEATERS
HAVING A DIAMETER 18” OR LESS,
24” DIAMETER FOR WATER
HEATERS HAVING A DIAMETER 22”
OR LESS AND AVAILABLE IN 28”
DIAMETER FOR WATER HEATERS
HAVING A DIAMETER 26” OR LESS.
WATER HEATER INSTALLATION KIT WITH
FLEXIBLE CONNECTORS FOR 3/4” OR 1/2”
THREADED OR COPPER PLUMBING.

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Removing the Old Water Heater
1. Turn “OFF” electrical supply to the water heater.
FIGURE 1.
2. Turn “OFF” the water supply to the water heater at the water
shut-off valve or water meter.
FIGURE 2.
3. Attach a hose to the water heater drain valve and put the
other end in a floor drain or outdoors. Open the water drain
valve. Open a nearby hot water faucet which will relieve
pressure in the water heater and speed draining.
FIGURE 3.
The water passing out of the drain valve may be extremely hot.
To avoid being scalded, make sure all connections are tight
and that the water flow is directed away from any person.
4. Check again to make sure the electrical supply is turned
“OFF” to the water heater. Then unplug the water heater
(cord set) or disconnect the electrical supply connection
from the water heater junction box.
FIGURE 4.
5a. If you have copper piping to the water heater, the two
copper water pipes can be cut with a hacksaw
approximately four inches away from where they connect
to the water heater. This will avoid cutting off the pipes too
short. Additional cuts can be made later if necessary.
Disconnect the temperature-pressure relief valve drain line.
When the water heater is drained, disconnect the hose
from the drain valve. Close the drain valve. The water heater
is now completely disconnected and ready to be removed.
FIGURE 5a.
5b. If you have galvanized pipe to the water heater, loosen the
two galvanized pipes with a pipe wrench at the union in
each line. Also disconnect the piping remaining to the water
heater. These pieces should be saved since they may be
needed when reconnecting the new water heater.
Disconnect the temperature-pressure relief valve drain line.
When the water heater is drained, disconnect the hose
from the drain valve. Close the drain valve. The water heater
is now completely disconnected and ready to be removed.
FIGURE 5b.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

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Mineral buildup or sediment may have accumulated in the old
water heater. This causes the water heater to be much heavier
than normal and this residue, if spilled out, could cause staining.
Facts to Consider About the Location
You should carefully choose an indoor location for the new
water heater, because the placement is a very important
consideration for the safety of the occupants in the building
and for the most economical use of the appliance. This water
heater is not intended for outdoor installation.
Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water
heater in a new location, the following critical points must be
observed.
• The location selected should be indoors as close to and as
centralized with the water piping system as possible. This
water heater, as well as all water heaters, will eventually
leak. Do not install without adequate drainage provisions
so water flow will not cause damage.
WATER HEATERS EVENTUALLY LEAK: Installation of the water
heater must be accomplished in such a manner that if the tank
or any connections should leak, the flow of water will not cause
damage to the structure. When such locations cannot be
avoided, a suitable drain pan should be installed under the
water heater. Drain pans are available at your local Sears stores.
Such drain pans must be piped to an adequate drain.
Water heater life depends upon water quality, water pressure
and the environment in which the water heater is installed.
Water heaters are sometimes installed in locations where
leakage may result in property damage, even with the use of a
drain pan piped to a drain. However, unanticipated damage
can be reduced or prevented by a leak detector or water shut-
off device used in conjunction with a piped drain pan. These
devices are available from some plumbing supply wholesalers
and retailers, and detect and react to leakage in various ways:
• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that trigger an alarm or
turn off the incoming water to the water heater when leakage
is detected.
• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that turn off the water supply
to the entire home when water is detected in the drain pan.
• Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the water
pressure differential between the cold water and hot water
pipes connected to the water heater.
INSTALLATION IN RESIDENTIAL GARAGES: The water heater
must be located and/or protected so it is not subject to physical
damage by a moving vehicle.
• The location selection must provide adequate clearances
for servicing and proper operation of the water heater.
Insulation Blankets
Insulation blankets are available to the general public for
external use on electric water heaters but are not necessary
with this product. The purpose of an insulation blanket is to
reduce the standby heat loss encountered with storage tank
heaters. Your water heater meets or exceeds the National
Appliance Energy Conversation Act standards with respect to
insulation and standby loss requirements, making an insulation
blanket unnecessary.
Should you choose to apply an insulation blanket to this heater,
you should follow these instructions below. Failure to follow
these instructions can result in fire, serious personal injury, or
death.
•Do not cover the temperature and pressure relief (T & P)
valve with an insulation blanket.
•Do not cover the instruction manual. Keep it on the side of
the water heater or nearby for future reference.
•Do obtain new warning and instruction labels for placement
on the blanket directly over the existing labels.
Facts to Consider About the
Convertible Lower Element
The Upper Element (if a double element model) is a
conventional 3800 watt element which only operates at its rated
wattage on 240 volts. (See rating plate on the water heater).
The Lower Element of the water heater can be converted from
operation at 3800 watts to 5500 watts on a 240 volt system.
Read and follow water heater warnings and instructions. If
after reading these instructions in this manual, you do not
understand any portion, call Sears Service Center.

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Before making the conversion to 5500 watts, check the (1)
power supply . . . must be 240 volts, (2) wiring . . . 10 gauge
AWG @ Type TW, 60°C or equivalent, and (3) Circuit breakers
or fusing . . .capable of 30 amp loading. Also, the installation
must conform with this manual, local codes and electric utility
rules. Failure to comply can result in DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY
INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
FIGURE 6.
NOTE: Whether or not the element conversion is made the
model rating plate must be marked. Using a hard point ink
pen, check the appropriate block within the model rating plate,
which is located adjacent to the lower access panel.
Water Piping
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended to
produce hot water. Water heated to a temperature which will
satisfy clothes washing, dish washing, and other sanitizing
needs can scald and permanently injure you upon contact.
Some people are more likely to be permanently injured by hot
water than others. These include the elderly, children, the infirm,
or physically/mentally handicapped. If anyone using hot water
in your home fits into one of these groups or if there is a local
code or state law requiring a certain temperature water at the
hot water tap, then you must take special precautions. In
addition to using the lowest possible temperature setting that
satisfies your hot water needs, a means such as a mixing
valve, should be used at the hot water taps used by these
people or at the water heater. Mixing valves are available at
plumbing supply or hardware stores. Follow manufacturers
instructions for installation of the valves. Before changing the
factory setting on the thermostat, read the “Temperature
Regulation” section in this manual.
See Figure 7 (below) for mixing valve usage.
FIGURE 7.
Figure 8 shows the attachment of the water piping to the water
heater. The water heater is equipped with 3/4” water
connections.
If a water heater is installed in a closed water supply system;
such as one having a back-flow preventer, check valve, water
meter with a check valve, etc... in the cold water supply; means
must be provided to control thermal expansion. Contact the
local utility or Sears Service Center on how to control this
situation.
NOTE: If using copper tubing, solder tubing to an adapter
before attaching the adapter to the water inlet connection.
Do not solder the water supply lines directly to the cold water
inlet. It will harm the dip tube and damage the tank.

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NOTE: To protect against untimely corrosion of hot and cold
water fittings, it is strongly recommended that di-electric
unions or couplings be installed on this water heater when
connected to copper pipe.
1. Look at the top cover of the water heater. The hot water outlet
is marked hot. Put two or three turns of teflon tape around
the threaded end of the threaded-to-sweat coupling and
around both ends of the 3/4” threaded nipple. Using flexible
connectors, connect the hot water pipe to the hot water outlet
of the water heater.
2. Look at the top cover of the water heater. The cold water inlet
is marked cold. Put two or three turns of teflon tape around
the threaded end of the threaded-to-sweat coupling and
around both ends of the 3/4” threaded nipple. Using flexible
connectors, connect the cold water pipe to the cold water
inlet of the water heater.
NOTE: Your water heater is insulated to minimize heat loss
from the tank. Further reduction in heat loss can be
accomplished by insulating the hot water lines from the
water heater.
FIGURE 8.
T & P Valve and Pipe Insulation
Remove insulation for T & P valve and pipe connections from
carton.
Fit pipe insulation over the incoming cold water line and the hot
water line. Make sure that the insulation is against the top
cover of the heater.
Fit T & P valve insulation over valve. Make sure that the insulation
does not interfere with the lever of the T & P valve.
Secure all insulation using tape.
FIGURE 9.
Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve
This heater is provided with a properly certified combination
temperature - pressure relief valve by the manufacturer.
The valve is certified by a nationally recognized testing
laboratory that maintains periodic inspection of production of
listed equipment of materials as meeting the requirements for
Relief Valves for Hot Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22 • CSA
4.4, and the code requirements of ASME.
If replaced, the valve must meet the requirements of local
codes, but not less than a combination temperature and
pressure relief valve certified as indicated in the above
paragraph.
The valve must be marked with a maximum set pressure not to
exceed the marked hydrostatic working pressure of the water
heater (150 psi = 1,035 kPa) and a discharge capacity not less
than the water heater input rate as shown on the model rating
plate. (For electric heaters, watts x 3.412 equals Btu/hr input
rate)
For safe operation of the water heater, the relief valve must not
be removed from its designated opening nor plugged.
The temperature-pressure relief valve must be installed directly
into the fitting of the water heater designed for the relief valve.