Rheem 3805 Series Technical Document

Owner’s Guide
and
Installation Instructions
Rheem Heat Pump Water Heater
3805 Series
270,340 Models
This water heater must be installed and serviced by a qualified person.
Please leave this guide with the householder.

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Dear Homeowner:
Thank you for selecting the Rheem residential heat pump water heater.
NOTE: For continual safe operation of this water heater it must be installed, operated and
maintained in accordance with these instructions. This manual provides instruction regarding both
installation and operation. After installation is completed please ensure the manual is given to
the end-user for future reference.
This water heater is designed for use in a single family domestic dwelling for the purpose of heating
potable water.
The main features of the water heater include: automatic operation whilst power and water
supplies available; simultaneous delivery of hot water to multiple outlets; automated
temperature control to maintain tank temperature to constant level; inclusion of a number of
safety protections such as thermostat, over temperature cut-off device, temperature/pressure
relief valve and earth protective device (these devices must not be tampered with or removed. The
water heater must not be operated unless each of these devices is fitted and is in working order).

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Table of Contents
PRECAUTIONS..................................................................................................................................................4
SPECIFICATIONS...............................................................................................................................................6
DIMENSIONS....................................................................................................................................................8
INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................................................9
PLUMBING CONNECTION...............................................................................................................................10
MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................................................................................... 10
CONNECTION SIZES................................................................................................................................................10
PIPE SIZING.......................................................................................................................................................... 10
WATER CONNECTIONS ...........................................................................................................................................11
HOT WATER DELIVERY ...........................................................................................................................................11
TEMPERATURE &PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE .................................................................................................................11
EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE (ECV) .........................................................................................................................12
RELIEF VALVE DRAIN.............................................................................................................................................. 12
CONDENSATION DRAIN ..........................................................................................................................................13
REDUCING HEAT LOSSES......................................................................................................................................... 13
WATER SUPPLIED BY STORAGE TANK ON THE ROOF.......................................................................................................13
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION..............................................................................................................................14
OPERATION AND USAGE................................................................................................................................15
TO FILL AND TURN ON THE WATER HEATER ..............................................................................................................15
REMOTE CONTROLLER............................................................................................................................................ 15
TO TURN OFF THE WATER HEATER ................................................................................................................17
DRAINING THE WATER HEATER .....................................................................................................................18
WATER QUALITY ............................................................................................................................................18
ANODE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT..................................................................................................................... 18
SATURATION INDEX: ..............................................................................................................................................19
MAINTENANCE ..............................................................................................................................................19
MINOR SIX MONTH MAINTENANCE ...........................................................................................................................19
MAJOR FIVE YEAR SERVICE.......................................................................................................................................20
HEAT PUMP SYSTEM .............................................................................................................................................. 20
TROUBLESHOOTING.......................................................................................................................................21

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FAILURE AND SOLUTION .........................................................................................................................................21
CONTROL PANEL ...................................................................................................................................................21
USING HOT WATER...............................................................................................................................................22
WIRING DIAGRAM .........................................................................................................................................24
WARRANTY....................................................................................................................................................25
1. HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER MODEL........................................................... ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
2. TERMS OF THE SOLAHART WARRANTY AND EXCLUSIONS TO IT.................. ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
3. WHAT IS COVERED BY THE SOLAHART WARRANTY ................................................................................. 25

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Precautions
Please read these precautions carefully, failure to follow these instructions may damage your Heat
Pump water heater or endanger the safety of persons and property in the vicinity of the water
heater.
This water heater is only intended to be operated by persons who have the experience or the
knowledge and the capabilities to do so. This water heater is not intended to be operated by persons
with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities i.e. the infirm, or by children. Children should
be supervised to ensure they do not interfere with the water heater.
The water heater must be directly connected to a 220 V AC (±10%) mains power supply. The water
heater must be on its own circuit with an isolating switch installed at the switchboard. A secondary
isolating switch may be installed within reach of the water heater.
The removal of the access cover(s) will expose 220 Volt wiring. They must only be removed
by a qualified technician.
This water heater can deliver water at temperatures which can cause scalding. Check the water
temperature before use, such as when entering a shower or filling a bath or basin, to ensure it will
not cause scald injury.
We recommend and it may also be required by regulations that an approved temperature
limiting device be fitted. This will ensure the water temperature does not exceed 50°C and
the risk of scald injury will be reduced.
Do not use aerosols, stain removers and household chemicals near the water heater whilst
it is working. Gases from some aerosol sprays, stain removers and household chemicals are
corrosive to the materials used in the heat pump system.
Do not store swimming pool chemicals, household cleaners, etc near the water heater.
Ensure the air inlet and outlet louvres are not obstructed in any way at any time. Do not lean
any objects against water heater and ensure all trees and shrubbery are well clear of air
intakes and exhaust.
Discharge of water from relief valve and condensate drain is normal during heat pump
operation therefore provision must be made to drain this water away. A suitable floor drain
that enables water to be drained away to a safe location must be installed near the storage
tank location. The continual presence of moisture around base of heater will lead to
premature failure.
The water heater is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation. Take care to ensure all
electrical components are protected from effects of humidity and rain.
The power supply to the water heater must not be switched on until the water heater is
filled with water.
Do not attempt to install, repair or remove the water heater, all work must be carried out by
a qualified technician.

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Do not attempt to insert any foreign object (e.g. hand, screwdriver, stick) into the air inlet or
outlet of the outdoor unit. Rotating fan blades may cause injury.
If the water heater begins to operate abnormally (e.g. excessive noise, emit smoke, peculiar
smell, etc) stop operation of the equipment, isolate power supply promptly and contact the
Service Department. Do not attempt to repair the unit.
Operate the easing lever on the temperature & pressure relief valve at least once every 6
months. It is very important you raise and lower the lever gently.
oEnsure that the drain line is clear and free of any obstructions and discharge water
can freely flow from drain line. If water does not discharge please contact Service
Department immediately.

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Specifications
Model
RHP270-3805
RHP340-3805
Power Supply
220V～50Hz
Circuit Fuse - Model Number
50T T16AL250V
Circuit Fuse - Parameters
16A/250V
Rated heating volume*
3250 W
HP heating rated input
Power (watts)
900
Current (amps)
4.1
Auxiliary heating input
Power (watts)
2400
Current (amps)
10.9
Maximum Input
Power (watts)
3800
Current (amps)
17.3
Rated Hot water output (litres/hr)
70
Water temperature setting (oC)
30～65 (Preset 55)
Suitable ambient temperature (oC)
-7～43
Refrigerant quantity
R134a (1.35 Kg)
Water Side
Heat exchanger type
Copper Pipe coiled outside the tank
Tank capacity (L)
270
340
Cold/ hot water connection
RP ¾” / 20
relief valve connection
RP ¾” / 20
Maximum Pressure (MPa)
0.85
Air Side
Heat exchanger type
Female fitting hydrophilic aluminium foil
Air outlet
Side Exhaust
Storage
Tank
Diameter (mm)
ø648
Height (mm)
1815
2125
Net weight (kg)
115
130
*Working conditions: Dry bulb temperature: 20oC, Wet bulb Temperature: 15oC,
Tank water inlet: 15oC, tank water outlet: 55oC.

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Dimensions
MODEL
A
mm
B
mm
RHP270-3805
1151
1815
RHP340-3805
1461
2125

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Installation
The water heater must be installed:
by a qualified person, and
in accordance with the installation instructions, and
in compliance with all relevant standards, local codes and regulatory authority
requirements.
This product is not suitable for installation in an area where frost is likely to occur.
The water heater should be installed close to the most frequently used outlet and its position chosen
with noise, safety and service in mind.
It is advisable to install the water heater away from bedroom or living room windows as the system
controls can generate a level of noise whilst they are operating. Consider the location in relation to
neighbours’ bedrooms and living room windows.
The water heater must be installed with a clearance of at least
100mm from a wall. A clearance of at least 500mm is required
perpendicular from both the air inlet and outlet louvres to any wall
or obstruction.
Clearance must also be allowed for servicing of the water heater.
Make sure the temperature pressure relief valve lever is accessible
and the top and front cover, air inlet and outlet louvres, system
controls and thermostat can be removed for servicing. You must be
able to read the information on the rating plate. If possible leave
headroom of one water heater height so the anode can be
inspected or replaced.
It is recommended the heat pump water heater be installed at ground or floor level and must stand
vertically upright, supported by a fireproof level slab or solid base (minimum thickness 50mm).
Where damage to property can occur in the event of the water heater leaking, the water heater
must be installed in a safe tray. Construction, installation and draining of a safe tray must comply
with all local codes and regulatory authority requirements.
Drain must have a high thermal resistance to handle high temperature water otherwise
damage may result.
The water heater must not be installed in an area with a corrosive atmosphere where chemicals are
stored or where aerosol propellants are released. The air may be safe to breathe, but the chemicals
may attack the materials used in the heat pump system.

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Plumbing Connection
All plumbing work must be carried out by a qualified person and in accordance with all local codes
and regulatory authority requirements.
Material Specifications
All piping used must be capable of withstanding the temperature and pressure conditions that may
exist within the system. The pipe used must be suitable for high temperature (99oC) and high
pressure applications (850kPa). The pipe material must also be of a type that will not corrode when
in contact with potable water.
Connection Sizes
Cold water inlet: RP ¾” / 20 (English system Sealed cylindrical inner thread)
Hot water outlet: RP ¾” / 20 (English system Sealed cylindrical inner thread)
TPR valve: RP ¾” / 20 (English system Sealed cylindrical inner thread)
Pipe Sizing
To achieve true mains pressure operation, the cold water line to the water heater should be the
same size or bigger than the hot water line from the water heater. The pipe sizing for hot water
supply systems should be carried out by persons competent to do so, choosing the most suitable
pipe size for each individual application. The following suggestion is a guide only:
Main pipe 20mm (¾ "); branch pipe not smaller than 15mm (½ ").

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Water Connections
This water heater has either a dip tube or fitting liner in the inlet and outlet fittings. These must be in
place for the water heater to function properly. Do not remove or damage them by using heat
nearby. They will be pushed into the correct position as the fitting is screwed in.
An isolation valve and non return valve must be installed on the
cold water line to the water heater. An acceptable arrangement is
shown in the diagram.
An expansion control valve (ECV) must be installed if required by
the local regulations or if the water quality is scaling in nature.
A pressure limiting valve must be fitted after the non-return valve if the incoming water supply
pressure is higher than 550kPa with ECV fitted or 680kPa without ECV fitted.
A disconnection union must always be provided at the cold water inlet and hot water outlet on the
water heater to allow for disconnection of the water heater.
Hot Water Delivery
This water heater can deliver water at temperatures which can cause scalding.
It is necessary and we recommend that a temperature limiting device be fitted between the water
heater and the hot water outlets in any ablution area such as a bathroom or ensuite, to reduce the
risk of scalding. The installing plumber may have a legal obligation to ensure that scalding water
temperatures are not delivered to a bathroom, ensuite or other ablution area.
Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve
The temperature and pressure relief valve (TPR) is fitted near the top of the water heater and is
essential for its safe operation. The TPR valve protects the tank from the adverse effects of high
temperature and pressure. The TPR will open and discharge water when temperatures above 93oC
or pressures in excess of 850kPa are experienced.

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It is possible for the valve to release a little water through the drain line during each heating period.
This occurs as the water is heated and expands by approximately 1/50 of its volume.
The temperature pressure relief valve must be fitted before the water heater is operated. Before
fitting the relief valve, make sure the probe has not been bent. Seal the thread with Teflon tape -
never hemp. Make sure the tape does not hang over the end of the thread.
Screw the valve into the correct opening leaving the valve drain pointing downwards. Do not use a
wrench on the valve body - use the spanner flats provided. A copper drain line must be fitted to the
temperature pressure relief valve.
Expansion Control Valve (ECV)
Local regulations may make it mandatory to install an expansion control valve (ECV) in the cold
water line to the water heater. In other areas, an ECV is required if the saturation index is greater
than +0.4. The expansion control valve must always be installed after the non-return valve and be
the last valve installed prior to the water heater. A copper drain line must be fitted to the expansion
control valve.
Relief Valve Drain
DN15 copper drain lines must be fitted to the temperature pressure relief
valve and expansion control valve (if one is installed) to carry the discharge
clear of the water heater. Connect the drain lines to the valves using
disconnection unions. The drain line from the valve to the point of discharge
should be as short as possible, have a continuous fall all the way from the
water heater to the discharge outlet and have no tap, valves or other
restrictions in the pipe work.
A drain line from a relief valve must comply with all relevant standards, local codes and regulatory
authority requirements.
A drain line must be no longer than 9 metres with no more than three bends greater than 45°before
discharging at an outlet or air break. The maximum length of 9 metres for a drain line is reduced by 1
metre for each additional bend required of greater than 45°, up to a maximum of three additional
bends. Where the distance to the point of final discharge exceeds this length, the drain line can
discharge into a tundish.
Subject to local regulatory authority approval, the drain lines from the temperature pressure relief
valve and expansion control valve from an individual water heater may be interconnected.
The outlet of a drain line must be in such a position that flow out of the pipe can be easily seen, but
arranged so discharge will not cause injury, damage or nuisance. The termination point of a drain
line must comply with the local regulations. Drain lines must not discharge into a safe tray.

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In locations where water pipes are prone to freezing, drain lines must be insulated, must not exceed
300mm in length and are to discharge into a tundish through an air gap of between 75mm and
150mm.
If a drain line discharges into a tundish, the drain line from the tundish must be not less than DN20.
The drain line from a tundish must meet the same requirements as for a drain line from a relief
valve.
For multiple installations the drain lines from several water heaters can discharge into a common
tundish.
Warning: As the function of the temperature pressure relief valve on this water heater is to
discharge high temperature water under certain conditions, it is strongly recommended the pipe
work downstream of the relief valve be capable of carrying water exceeding 93°C. Failure to
observe this precaution may result in damage to pipe work and property.
Condensation Drain
A drain line must be fitted to the condensate drain to carry the discharge clear of the water heater.
The drain line can be extended using 13 mm rigid hose or conduit. The pipe work from the
condensate drain should be as short as possible, and fall all the way from the water heater with no
restrictions. It should have no more than three right angle bends in it. The outlet of the drain line
must be in such a position that flow out of the pipe can be easily seen - but arranged so water
discharge will not cause damage or nuisance.
The condensate drain line must not be connected to the relief valves drain lines but may discharge
at the same point.
Reducing Heat Losses
The pipe work of the water heater must be insulated in compliance with all relevant standards, local
codes and regulatory authority requirements. The insulation must be weatherproof and UV resistant
if exposed.
Water supplied by storage tank on the roof
Please note the following if the incoming water is supplied from a roof mounted water tank:
The minimum acceptable inlet water pressure is 0.05MPa.
The tank must be at least 1 metre higher than the highest point in the plumbing system.
If the vertical distance between the bottom of tank and highest hot water outlet is
within 5 metres take care to avoid an air lock.
The cold water line from the supply tank should be adequately sized and fitted with a
full flow gate valve or ball valve to ensure full flow.

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Electrical connection
NOTE: The power supply to the heater must not be switched on until the water heater is filled with
water.
All electrical work and permanent wiring must be carried out by a qualified person and in
accordance with the Wiring Rules and all local codes and regulatory authority requirements.
The water heater must be directly connected to a 220V AC (+/-10%), 50 Hz mains power supply. The
water heater must be on its own circuit with an isolating switch installed at the switchboard. A
secondary isolating switch may be installed within reach of the water heater.
A flexible 20 mm conduit is required for the electrical cable to the water heater. The conduit is to be
connected to the unit with a 20 mm terminator. Connect the power supply wires directly to the
terminal block and earth tab connection, ensuring there are no excess wire loops inside the front
cover.
Electrical Connection - external cable to heater.

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Operation and usage
To Fill And Turn On The Water Heater
NOTE: The power supply to the water heater must not be switched on until the water heater is filled
with water.
Open all of the hot water taps in the house (don’t forget the shower).
Open the cold water isolation valve fully to the water heater.
Air will be forced out of the taps.
Close each tap as water flows freely from it.
Check the pipe work for leaks.
Switch on the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the water heater.
Program the remote controller.
Remote Controller
During normal operation the remote controller display provides real time information such as
current tank temperature and time of day. Additionally, any component or function that is currently
operational such as the fan, compressor, heating element and/or defrost mode will appear as an
icon on the remote display to indicate operation.

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The clock is on 24 hour notation. When a fault occurs an error code will be displayed in place of the
clock.
During controller setup the temperature display will flash. This indicates the current set point
temperature rather than current tank temperature.
1. Buttons
a. Power: To switch on /off the system.
b. Up “▲”button: Each press of the up button will increase the setting value of the
parameter by one increment, while pressing and holding up the up button will scroll
setting value up.
c. Down “▼”button:Each press of the down button will decrease the setting value of
the parameter by one increment, while pressing and holding up the down button
will scroll the setting value down.
d. Electric Heating button: activate/deactivate the supplementary electric heating
element (in some cases).
e. OK button: Press to confirm the setup and the content of inquiry.
f. Set button: Press to begin programming of set-up parameters.
2. Functions
a. ON/OFF: Press the ON/OFF button to switch on /off the system. When the system is
switched off the remote control will display the time only.
b. Temperature Setting: Switch on the system (factory preset temperature is 55oC).
i. Press the UP or DOWN button to adjust the temperature setting (selectable
temperature range is 30～65oC).
ii. Press the OK button to confirm the temperature setting.
c. Time setting: Time can be set with system on or off.
i. Press the SET button once to enter setup mode.
ii. Press SET again, the hour figure will flash.
iii. Press UP or DOWN button to adjust the hour (adjustable between 00 and
23).
iv. Press the SET button once again to set the minutes, press UP button or
DOWN button to adjust the minutes (adjustable between 00 and 59).
v. When finished, press the SET button to exit setup mode.
d. Supplementary electric heating: The electric heating system is set to operate
automatically when the ambient temperatures drop below 5oC (when in this mode
the element cannot be switched off manually); when ambient temperature exceeds
5oC the electric heating will automatically be deactivated and Heat Pump will begin
to operate normally.

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During normal heat pump operation it is possible to manually activate the
supplementary electric heating unit if a faster recovery rate is required.
i. Press the ELECTRIC HEATING button to start the electric heating system. Its
corresponding symbol will glow on the remote controller display.
ii. At anytime during the heating cycle the Electric heating can be manually
stopped by pressing the ELECTRIC HEATING button again.
iii. Once the temperature setting is reached the heating unit is automatically
switched off and the Electric Heating symbol on the remote will no longer be
illuminated.
NOTE: When the desired temperature setting is in excess 55oC it is recommended that
the electric heating element is used in place of the Heat Pump.
e. Parameter Query: Turn on the system.
i. Press the OK button 3 times, Cxx (which stands for the exhaust temperature
of compressor) will appear on the time area;
ii. Press OK again, hxx (ambient temperature) appears;
iii. Press OK again, Pxx (Temperature of Evaporator Coil) appears.
f. System Component Checks:
i. During the time delay phase (at start-up) or when system is switched off,
press and hold the up button for 5 seconds, the compressor will be forced to
operate;
ii. Press and hold the down button for 5 seconds, operating compressor will be
forced to stop.
iii. Press and hold the down button for 5 seconds, defrosting valve and liquid
injecting valve will be forced to activate for 10 seconds (after 10 seconds
they will close automatically).
3. Frost protection: When ambient temperature drops below the point when evaporator could
freeze, or in the event of freezing conditions occurs, the system will automatically start
defrosting.
4. Anti-freeze: When the temperature of the tank water drops below 2oC the anti-freeze
function will activate the supplementary electric heating system to heat up stored water to
9oC. This procedure will repeat if water drops below 2oC again.
To Turn Off The Water Heater
If it is necessary to turn off the water heater:
a. Switch off the electrical supply to the water heater.
b. Close the cold water isolation valve.

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Note: if it is necessary to switch the power off to the water heater and there is a risk of freezing,
then it is recommended to drain the water heater; failure to do so may result in damage if freezing
occurs.
Draining the Water Heater
When carrying out maintenance or when going on long holidays during the winter time it may be
necessary to drain the water heater. Drain the heater as follows:
Warning: Exercise care, as water discharged from the water heater may be of a very high
temperature.
1. Switch off the electrical supply to the water heater.
2. Close the cold water isolation valve.
3. Close all hot water taps.
4. Operate the relief valve release lever - do not let the lever snap back or you will damage the
valve seat. Operating the lever will release the pressure in the water heater.
5. Disconnect the cold water inlet and connect a flexible hose to tank. Place the other end of
flexible hose in drain.
6. Open a hot tap or relief valve. This will let air into the water heater and allow the water to
drain through the hose.
Water Quality
Poor water quality will have a detrimental effect on the water heater and its operation and /or
life expectancy. If you are unsure of your water quality, information can be obtained from your
local water supply authority.
This water heater is manufactured to suit the water conditions of most public reticulated water
supplies. The total dissolved solid content (TDS) of the water supply is to be less than 2500mg/L.
Note if the TDS level exceeds 600mg/L the consumption of the sacrificial anode rod will be
accelerated and the life span of water heater will be shortened accordingly.
Anode inspection and replacement
The anode installed in your water heater will dissipate whilst protecting the cylinder. The life of
the cylinder may be extended by replacing the anode.
For water supplies which are either of a poor quality, softened, desalinated or where the water
supply may alternate between a water tank and a reticulated public supply or another supply, it
is recommended the anode be checked regularly and replaced as necessary.
CAUTION
If the water supply has a TDS of less than 150 mg/L or greater than 600 mg/L there is the
possibility the anode may become overactive and hydrogen gas could accumulate in the top of