Rheem 613050 Technical Document

This water heater must be installed and serviced by a qualified person.
Please leave this guide with a responsible officer.
Owner’s Guide
and
Installation Instructions
Electric Heavy Duty
Water Heater

PATENTS
This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs.
TRADEMARKS
®Registered trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
TM Trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
NOTE: Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in preparation of this publication.
No liability can be accepted for any consequences, which may arise as a result of its application

3
CONTENTS
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER –We recommend you read pages 4 to 13.
The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest.
About Your Water Heater............................................................................................................ 4
Maintenance Requirements........................................................................................................ 7
Water Supplies............................................................................................................................. 9
Save A Service Call ................................................................................................................... 12
Installation.................................................................................................................................. 14
Connections –Plumbing .......................................................................................................... 20
Connections –Electrical........................................................................................................... 22
Multiple Installations ................................................................................................................. 24
Commissioning.......................................................................................................................... 28
Draining The Water Heater ....................................................................................................... 29
Warranty ..................................................................................................................................... 31

4
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
WATER HEATER APPLICATION
This water heater is designed for the purpose of heating potable water. Its use in an application other than
this may shorten its life.
MODEL TYPE
The Rheem®Heavy Duty Electric water heater model you have chosen
can be installed indoor or outdoor and is either a 50 litre or 315 litre
model. The 50 litre has three heating units and the 315 litre has either
three or six heating units.
Water is stored in a vitreous enamel lined steel cylinder and heated by
either 3 or 6 electric immersion heating units. The temperature is
controlled by thermostats. Automatic safety controls are fitted to the
water heater to provide safe and efficient operation.
MAINS PRESSURE
The water heater is designed to operate at mains pressure by
connecting directly to the mains water supply. If the mains supply
pressure in your area exceeds that shown on page 15, a pressure
limiting valve must be fitted. The supply pressure should be greater
than 350 kPa for true mains pressure operation to be achieved.
HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?
The water heater has a minimum temperature setting of 60°C and a
maximum recommended thermostat setting of 75°C –613050, 77°C –
613315, 82°C –616315. Refer to “Temperature Adjustment” on
page 5.
The water heater can provide hot water at sanitising temperatures.
To meet the requirements of the National Plumbing Standard the
temperature of the stored water must not be below 60°C.
If this water heater is installed as an in-series booster water heater as
part of a solar water heating system, to maximise solar contribution it is
recommended the thermostats are set at 60°C, unless sanitising
temperatures are required.
Note: AS 3498 requires that a water heater provides the means to
inhibit the growth of Legionella bacteria in potable water. This water
heater can satisfy this AS 3498 requirement provided it is energised
and the thermostat setting is 60°C or higher, including when it is used
as an in-series booster water heater for a solar water heater.
HOTTER WATER INCREASES THE RISK OF SCALD INJURY
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 is suitable for the
application and will not cause scald injury.
We recommend and it may also be required by regulations that an approved temperature limiting device be
fitted into the hot water pipe work to the bathing and public areas when this water heater is installed. This will
keep the water temperature below the maximum permitted by AS/NZS 3500.4 to these areas. The risk of
scald injury will be reduced and still allow hotter water to the kitchen, laundry and other areas requiring
sanitising temperatures.
maximum recommended
thermostat setting
616315 –82°C
613315 –77°C
613050 –75°C
minimum recommended
stored water temperature
and minimum thermostat
setting
maximum recommended
supply temperature to
bathrooms, ensuites and
public areas

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
5
THERMOSTATS
The thermostats automatically control the electricity supply to the heating units so a constant temperature is
maintained. The thermostats and their protective over temperature cut out are mounted inside the front cover
of the water heater. There is no need to switch the water heater off when it is not in use. The thermostats are
fully automatic and power is only used when heating is required.
TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT
The water heater features tradesperson adjustable thermostats. They require a licensed tradesperson to
make any temperature adjustments. We advise the thermostats are adjusted to the lowest temperature
setting that meets your needs, especially if there are young children or elderly people in the premises. Refer
to “Hotter Water Increases the Risk of Scald Injury” on page 4.
WARNING
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.
This water heater uses 240 V AC power for the electrically operated components. The removal of the front
cover will expose 240 V wiring. It must only be removed by a qualified person.
SAFETY
This water heater is supplied with a thermostat, an over-temperature cut-out, and a combination temperature
pressure relief valve. 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.
The operation of the over-temperature cut-out on the thermostat indicates a possibly dangerous situation. If
the over-temperature cut-out operates, it must not be reset and the water heater must be serviced by a
qualified person.
If the electrical conduit to the water heater is damaged, it must be replaced by a qualified person in order to
avoid a hazard. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an
inspection.
Warning: For continued safety of this water heater it must be installed, operated and maintained in
accordance with the Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions.
The Rheem warranty may not cover faults if relief valves or other safety devices are tampered with or
if the installation is not in accordance with these instructions.
PRECAUTIONS
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 AS/NZS 3500.4
and all local codes and regulatory authority requirements.
The water heater must be maintained in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions.
Refer to “Maintenance Requirements” on page 7 and to “Anode Inspection and Replacement” on page 10.
If this water heater is to be used where an uninterrupted hot water supply is necessary for your application or
business you should ensure that you have back-up redundancy within the hot water system design. This
should ensure the continuity of hot water supply in the event that this water heater were to become
inoperable for any reason. We recommend you seek advice from your plumber or specifier about your needs
and building back-up redundancy into your hot water supply system.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
6
TO TURN OFF THE WATER HEATER
If it is necessary to turn off the water heater:
Switch off the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the water heater(s).
Close the cold water isolation valve on the cold water line to the water heater(s) to shut down the entire
system, or;
Close the isolation valves on the cold and hot water branches to shut down an individual water heater in
a bank.
TO TURN ON THE WATER HEATER
Open the isolation valves fully on the cold and hot water branches to the water heater(s) installed in a
bank.
Open the cold water isolation valve on the cold water line to the water heater(s). Air will be forced out of
the taps.
Switch on the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the water heater(s).
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?
Installation requirements are shown on pages 14 to 19. The water heater must be installed:
by a qualified person, and
in accordance with the installation instructions, and
in compliance with Standards AS/NZS 3500.4, AS/NZS 3000 and all local codes and regulatory authority
requirements.
In New Zealand the installation must also conform to the New Zealand Building Code.
VICTORIAN CUSTOMERS
Notice to Victorian Customers from the Victorian Plumbing Industry Commission. This water heater must be
installed by a licensed person as required by the Victorian Building Act 1993.
Only a licensed person will give you a Compliance Certificate, showing that the work complies with all the
relevant Standards. Only a licensed person will have insurance protecting their workmanship for 6 years.
Make sure you use a licensed person to install this water heater and ask for your Compliance Certificate.
DOES THE WATER CHEMISTRY AFFECT THE WATER HEATER?
The water heater is suitable for most public water supplies, however some water chemistries may have
detrimental effects on the water heater, its components and fittings. Refer to “Water Supplies” on page 9.
If you are in a known harsh water area or you are not sure of your water chemistry, have your water checked
against the conditions described on pages 9 to 11.
HOW LONG WILL THE WATER HEATER LAST?
The water heater is supported by a manufacturer’s warranty (refer to page 31). There are a number of
factors that will affect the length of service the water heater will provide. These include but are not limited to
the water chemistry, the water pressure, the water temperature (inlet and outlet) and the water usage
pattern. Refer to “Precautions” on page 5.

7
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
MINOR MAINTENANCE EVERY SIX MONTHS
It is recommended minor maintenance be performed every six (6) months. Minor maintenance can be
performed by a responsible officer.
The minor maintenance includes:
Operate the easing lever on the temperature pressure relief valve. It is very important you raise and
lower the lever gently. Refer to “Temperature Pressure Relief Valve” on page 8.
Warning: Exercise care to avoid any splashing of water, as water discharged from the drain line will
be hot. Stand clear of the drain line’s point of discharge when operating the valve’s lever.
Operate the easing lever on the expansion control valve (if fitted). It is very important you raise and
lower the lever gently. Refer to “Expansion Control Valve” on page 8.
Check the drain line from the safe tray (if one is installed) is not blocked.
MAJOR SERVICE EVERY FIVE YEARS
It is recommended a major service be conducted on the water heater every five years.
Warning: Servicing of a water heater must only be carried out by qualified personnel. Phone Rheem
Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent.
Note: The major service and routine replacement of any components, such as the anode and relief valve(s),
are not included in the Rheem warranty. A charge will be made for this work. Only genuine replacement
parts should be used on this water heater.
The major service includes the following actions:
Replace the temperature pressure relief valve.
Inspect and flush the expansion control valve (if fitted). If required, replace the valve.
Inspect and if required, replace the anode.
If the anode is not replaced, it should be replaced within three years of this service (refer to “Anode
Inspection and Replacement” on page 10).
Check the electric heating units for excessive calcium build-up or corrosion and replace if necessary.
Drain and flush the water heater if required.
In commercial applications where large volumes of hot water are used, sediment may build-up on the
bottom of the cylinder. In extreme cases, particularly in areas of high water sediment, draining and
flushing out may be necessary.
Visually check the unit for any potential problems.
Inspect all connections.
Check the drain line from the safe tray (if one is installed) is not blocked.
Note: The water heater may need to be drained during this service. After the completion of the service, the
water heater will take some time to reheat the water. Depending upon the power supply connection, hot
water may not be available until the next day.

MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
8
TEMPERATURE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
This valve is near the top of the water heater and is essential for its
safe operation. 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.
Continuous leakage of water from the valve and its drain line may
indicate a problem with the water heater (refer to “Temperature
Pressure Relief Valve Running” on page 13).
Warning: Never block the outlet of this valve or its drain line for
any reason.
Operate the easing lever on the temperature pressure relief valve
once every six months. Refer to “Minor Maintenance Every Six
Months”on page 7. It is very important the lever is raised and
lowered gently.
DANGER: Failure to do this may result in the water heater
cylinder failing, or under certain circumstances, exploding.
Warning: Exercise care to avoid any splashing of water, as
water discharged from the drain line will be hot. Stand clear of the
drain line’s point of discharge when operating the valve’s lever.
If water does not flow freely from the drain line when the lever is
lifted, then the water heater must be checked. Phone Rheem
Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an
inspection.
The temperature pressure relief valve should be replaced at
intervals not exceeding five (5) years, or more frequently in areas
where there is a high incidence of water deposits (refer to “Water
Supplies” on page 9).
EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE
In many areas, including South Australia, Western Australia and scaling water areas, it is mandatory an
expansion control valve is fitted to the cold water line to the water heater. The expansion control valve may
discharge a small quantity of water from its drain line during the heating period instead of the temperature
pressure relief valve on the water heater.
Operate the easing lever on the expansion control valve once every six months. Refer to “Minor Maintenance
Every Six Months”on page 7. It is very important the lever is raised and lowered gently. If water does
not flow freely from the drain line when the lever is lifted, then the water heater should be checked by Rheem
Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent. The expansion control valve should be checked for
performance or replaced at intervals not exceeding five (5) years, or more frequently in areas where there is
a high incidence of water deposits.
water
heater
drain
line
lift until water
flows from the
drain line –
lower gently

9
WATER SUPPLIES
This water heater must be installed in accordance with this advice to be covered by the Rheem
warranty.
This water heater is manufactured to suit the water conditions of most public reticulated water supplies.
However, there are some known water chemistries which can have detrimental effects on the water heater
and its operation and / or life expectancy. If you are unsure of your water chemistry, you may be able to
obtain information from your local water supply authority. This water heater should only be connected to a
water supply which complies with these guidelines for the Rheem warranty to apply.
CHANGE OF WATER SUPPLY
The changing or alternating from one water supply to another can have a detrimental effect on the operation
and / or life expectation of a water heater cylinder, a temperature pressure relief valve and a heating unit.
Where there is a changeover from one water supply to another, e.g. a rainwater tank supply, bore water
supply, desalinated water supply, public reticulated water supply or water brought in from another supply,
then water chemistry information should be sought from the supplier or it should be tested to ensure the
water supply meets the requirements given in these guidelines for the Rheem warranty to apply.
ANODE
The vitreous enamel lined cylinder of the water heater is only covered by the Rheem warranty when the total
dissolved solids (TDS) content in the water is less than 2500 mg/L and when the correct colour coded anode
is used. If an incorrect colour coded anode is used in the water heater, any resultant faults will not be
covered by the Rheem warranty. In addition, the use of an incorrect colour coded anode may shorten the life
of the water heater cylinder.
The correct colour coded anode must be selected and fitted to the water heater in accordance with the
following advice and the Anode Selection chart on page 9 for the Rheem warranty to apply to the water
heater cylinder.
Total Dissolved Solids
Anode colour code
0 –40 mg/L
Green
40 –150 mg/L
Green or Black
150 –400 mg/L
Black
400 –600 mg/L
Black or Blue
600 –2500 mg/L
Blue
2500 mg/L +
Blue (no cylinder warranty)
The changing of anodes must be carried out by a qualified person.
Note: Some water analysis reports may state the conductivity of the water rather than the level of total
dissolved solids. Conductivity, measured in microsiemens per centimetre (µS / cm), is directly proportional to
the TDS content of the water. TDS, in mg / L, is approximately 70% of the conductivity in µS / cm.
(3570)
Green
150
2500
600
400
TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS) mg/L
(CONDUCTIVITY - μS/cm)
(215)
(570)
(860)
Black
40
(60)
Blue
Blue
ANODE SELECTION
Above 2500 mg/L,
no warranty applies
to a vitreous-
enamel-lined water
heater cylinder
Warranty applies to a vitreous-enamel-lined
water heater cylinder if the correct coloured
anode is used for the TDS of the water

WATER SUPPLIES
10
ANODE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT
The anode installed in your water heater will slowly dissipate whilst protecting the cylinder. The life of the
cylinder may be extended by replacing the anode.
For water supplies which are either softened or desalinated, or where the water supply may alternate
between a water tank and a reticulated public supply or another supply, or where there is a variable supply
(e.g. from a bore or public reticulated supply from various water sources), the anode must be inspected (and
replaced if there is any sign of depletion) within 5 years of its installation.
For all water supplies, if the anode is not replaced during a major service (refer to “Major Service Every Five
Years” on page 7) then the maximum time after installation when the anode should be replaced for this
electric water heater is 8 years.
CAUTION
If the water supply has a TDS greater than 150 mg/L and a green anode has not been changed to a black
anode, or if the TDS is greater than 600 mg/L and the anode has not been changed to a blue anode, there is
the possibility the anode may become overactive and hydrogen gas could accumulate in the top of the water
heater during long periods of no use.
If, under these conditions, the water heater has not been used for two or more weeks the following procedure
should be carried out before using any electrical appliances (automatic washing machines and dishwashers)
which are connected to the hot water supply.
The hydrogen, which is highly flammable, should be vented safely by opening a hot tap and allowing the
water to flow. There should be no smoking or naked flame near the tap whilst it is turned on. Any hydrogen
gas will be dissipated. This is indicated by an unusual spurting of the water from the tap. Once the water runs
freely, any hydrogen in the system will have been released.
SATURATION INDEX
The saturation index is used as a measure of the water’s corrosive or scaling properties.
In a corrosive water supply, the water can attack copper parts and cause them to fail.
Where the saturation index is less than –1.0, the water is very corrosive and the Rheem warranty does not
apply to a copper sheathed heating unit. A corrosion resistant heating unit must be used for the Rheem
warranty to apply to the heating unit.
In a scaling water supply calcium carbonate is deposited out of the water onto any hot metallic surface.
Where the saturation index exceeds +0.40, the water is very scaling. An expansion control valve must be
fitted on the cold water line after the non-return valve to protect and for the Rheem warranty to apply to the
temperature pressure relief valve and water heater cylinder.
Where the saturation index exceeds +0.80, the Rheem warranty does not apply to a standard watts density
heating unit. A low watts density heating unit must be used for the Rheem warranty to apply to the heating
unit.
Water which is scaling may be treated with a water softening device to reduce the saturation index of the
water.
Contact Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent if a replacement heating unit is required.
Refer to the Saturation Index chart on page 11.
Refer to the cold water connection detail on page 20 for the position of the expansion control valve.