Rheem Air Sourced 270 Ambiheat Sidevent Technical Document

This water heater must be installed and serviced by a qualified person.
Please leave this guide with the householder.
Owner’s Guide
and
Installation Instructions
Air Sourced 270 Ambiheat Sidevent
Heat Pump Water Heater

An electronic copy of these Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions can be downloaded from
rheem.com.au and rheem.co.nz.
PATENTS
This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs in the name of
Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
TRADE MARKS
®Registered trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
™ 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
HOUSEHOLDER
This booklet contains important information about your
new water heater, including terms of the Rheem warranty.
We recommend you read pages 7 to 35,
and the terms of the Rheem warranty on pages 4 to 6.
The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest.
Warranty....................................................................................................................................... 4
Safety, Warnings, Installation Notes......................................................................................... 7
About Your Water Heater.......................................................................................................... 10
Display Panel ............................................................................................................................. 14
Maintenance Requirements...................................................................................................... 29
Water Supplies........................................................................................................................... 30
Save A Service Call................................................................................................................... 33
Installation.................................................................................................................................. 36
Connections –Plumbing .......................................................................................................... 42
Connections –Electrical........................................................................................................... 45
Commissioning.......................................................................................................................... 47
Draining The Water Heater ....................................................................................................... 49
RHEEM AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, A.B.N. 21 098 823 511
www.rheem.com.au, www.rheem.co.nz
For Service Telephone 131 031 AUSTRALIA or 0800 657 335 NEW ZEALAND

4
RHEEM HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER WARRANTY
- AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND ONLY -
HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER MODEL 551270
1. THE RHEEM WARRANTY –GENERAL
1.1 This warranty is given in Australia by Rheem Australia Pty Limited ABN 21 098 823 511 of 1 Alan Street,
Rydalmere New South Wales, and in New Zealand by Rheem New Zealand Limited of 475 Rosebank
Road Avondale Auckland 1026.
1.2 Rheem offer a trained and qualified national service network who will repair or replace components at
the address of the water heater subject to the terms of the Rheem warranty. Rheem Service, in addition
can provide preventative maintenance and advice on the operation of your water heater. The Rheem
Service contact number in Australia is 131031, with Contact Centre personnel available 24 hours, 7 days
a week to take your call and if necessary to arrange a service call for during normal working hours
Monday to Friday (hours subject to change) or in New Zealand on 0800 657 335.
1.3 For details about this warranty, you can contact us in Australia on 131031 or by email at
[e-mail] (not for service bookings), or in New Zealand on 0800 657 335 or by
email at [e-mail] (not for service bookings).
1.4 The terms of this warranty and what is covered by it are set out in sections 2 and 3 and apply to water
heaters manufactured from the 1st April 2021.
1.5 If a subsequent version of this warranty is published, the terms of that warranty and what is covered by
it will apply to water heaters manufactured after the date specified in the subsequent version.
2. TERMS OF THE RHEEM WARRANTY AND EXCLUSIONS TO IT
2.1 The decision of whether to repair or replace a faulty component is at Rheem’s sole discretion.
2.2 If you require a call out and we find that the fault is not covered by the Rheem warranty, you are
responsible for our standard call out charge. If you wish to have the relevant component repaired or
replaced by Rheem, that service will be at your cost.
2.3 Where a failed component or cylinder is replaced under this warranty, the balance of the original
warranty period will remain effective. The replacement does not carry a new Rheem warranty.
2.4 Where the water heater is installed outside the boundaries of a metropolitan area as defined by Rheem
or further than 25 km from either a regional Rheem branch office or an Accredited Rheem Service
Agent’s / Centre’s office, the cost of transport, insurance and travelling between the nearest branch
office or Rheem Accredited Service Agent’s / Centre’s office and the installed site shall be the owner’s
responsibility.
2.5 Where the water heater is installed in a position that does not allow safe or ready access, the cost of
that access, including the cost of additional materials handling and/or safety equipment, shall be the
owner’s responsibility. In other words, the cost of dismantling or removing cupboards, doors or walls
and the cost of any special equipment to bring the water heater to floor or ground level or to a serviceable
position is not covered by this warranty.
2.6 This warranty only applies to the original and genuine Rheem water heater in its original installed location
and any genuine Rheem replacement parts.
2.7 The Rheem warranty does not cover faults that are a result of:
a) Accidental damage to the water heater or any component (for example: (i) Acts of God such as
floods, storms, fires, lightning strikes and the like; and (ii) third party acts or omissions).
b) Misuse or abnormal use of the water heater.
c) Installation not in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions or with relevant
statutory and local requirements in the State or Territory in which the water heater is installed.
d) Connection at any time to a water supply that does not comply with the water supply guidelines as
outlined in the Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions.
e) Repairs, attempts to repair or modifications to the water heater by a person other than Rheem
Service or a Rheem Accredited Service Agent / Centre.

RHEEM HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER WARRANTY
- AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND ONLY -
5
HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER MODEL 551270
f) Faulty plumbing or faulty power supply.
g) Failure to maintain the water heater in accordance with the Owner's Guide and Installation
Instructions.
h) Transport damage.
i) Fair wear and tear from adverse conditions (for example, corrosion).
j) Cosmetic defects.
k) Ice formation in the waterways of a water heater system incorporating a freeze protection system
where the electricity supply has been switched off or has failed.
2.8 Rheem may reject a claim under this warranty in its sole discretion if a third party solar diverter is
connected to the water heater.
2.9 Subject to any statutory provisions to the contrary, this warranty excludes any and all claims for damage
to furniture, carpet, walls, foundations or any other consequential loss either directly or indirectly due to
leakage from the water heater, or due to leakage from fittings and/ or pipe work of metal, plastic or other
materials caused by water temperature, workmanship or other modes of failure.
2.10 If the water heater is not sized to supply the hot water demand in accordance with the guidelines in the
Rheem water heater literature, any resultant fault will not be covered by the Rheem warranty.
2.11 In New Zealand this warranty excludes to the extent permissible all implied warranties set out in the
Sale of Goods Act 1908 (New Zealand) and all guarantees set out in the Consumers Guarantees Act
1993 (New Zealand) to the extent that the goods are acquired for the purpose of resupply in trade
consumption in the course of a process of production or manufacture or repairing or treating in trade
other goods or fixtures on land.
3. WHAT IS COVERED BY THE RHEEM WARRANTY
FOR THE WATER HEATERS DETAILED IN THIS DOCUMENT
3.1 Rheem will repair or replace a faulty component of your water heater if it fails to operate in accordance
with its specifications as follows:
What components are
covered
The period from the date of
installation in which the
fault must appear in order to
be covered
What coverage you receive
551 series 270 model
All components
Year 1
Repair and/or replacement of the faulty
component, free of charge, including labour.
Sealed System*components
(if the water heater is installed
in a single-family
domestic dwelling)
Years 2 & 3
Repair and/or replacement of the faulty
component, free of charge, including labour.
The cylinder
(if the water heater is installed
in a single-family
domestic dwelling)
Years 2 & 3
Repair and / or replacement of the cylinder,
free of charge, including labour.
Years 4 to 7
Replacement cylinder, free of charge.
Installation and repair labour costs are the
responsibility of the owner.
The cylinder
(if the water heater is not
installed in a single-family
domestic dwelling)
Years 2 & 3
Replacement cylinder, free of charge.
Installation and repair labour costs are the
responsibility of the owner.
* The Sealed System includes components that carry refrigerant only, e.g. Compressor, Condenser, TX Valve,
Receiver / Drier, Evaporator and associated pipe work.

RHEEM HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER WARRANTY
- AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND ONLY -
6
HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER MODEL 551270
4. ENTITLEMENT TO MAKE A CLAIM UNDER THIS WARRANTY
4.1 To be entitled to make a claim under this warranty you need to:
a) Be the owner of the water heater or have consent of the owner to act on their behalf
b) Contact Rheem Service without undue delay after detection of the defect and, in any event, within
the applicable warranty period.
4.2 You are not entitled to make a claim under this warranty if your water heater:
a) Does not have its original serial numbers or rating labels.
b) Is not installed in Australia or New Zealand.
5. HOW TO MAKE A CLAIM UNDER THIS WARRANTY
5.1 If you wish to make a claim under this warranty, you need to:
a) Contact Rheem on 131031 in Australia or 0800 657 335 in New Zealand and provide owner’s
details, address of the water heater, a contact number and date of installation of the water heater
or if that’s unavailable, the date of manufacture and serial number (from the rating label on the water
heater).
b) Rheem will arrange for the water heater to be tested and assessed on-site.
c) If Rheem determines that you have a valid warranty claim, Rheem will repair or replace the water
heater in accordance with this warranty.
5.2 Any expenses incurred in the making of a claim under this warranty will be borne by you.
6. THE AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER LAW
6.1 Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are
entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably
foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods
fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
6.2 The Rheem warranty (set out above) is in addition to any rights and remedies that you may have under
the Australian Consumer Law.
7. THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 1993 (NEW ZEALAND)
7.1 Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993
(New Zealand). If the goods fail to comply with the applicable guarantees set out under the Consumer
Guarantees Act 1993 (New Zealand) being the guarantee as to acceptable quality, the guarantee as to
correspondence with description or the guarantee as to repair and parts, or if the goods fail to comply
with any express guarantee given by Rheem, then you are entitled to a replacement or refund and for
compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage.
7.2 The Rheem warranty (set out above) is in addition to any rights and remedies that you may have under
the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (New Zealand).

7
SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
It is important you read the following safety and warnings information.
SAFETY AND WARNINGS
•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.
•If the electrical supply 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 / Centre to
arrange for an inspection.
•This water heater uses 220 V - 240 V a.c. electrical power for operation of the control systems and the
electrically operated components. The removal of the access covers will expose 220 V - 240 V a.c. wiring.
They must only be removed by a qualified person.
•This water heater is supplied with an electronic thermostat, an over-temperature energy 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 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.
•DANGER: 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.
•The heat pump will operate until a water temperature of 60°C is reached. If the ambient air temperature
is outside of the heat pump’s operating range and heating of water is required, an electric heating unit will
heat the water temperature to 60°C.
Refer to “How Hot Should The Water Be?” on page 11 and to “Electric Boosting” on page 10.
•The lever on the temperature pressure relief valve and expansion control valve (if fitted) requires to be
operated every six (6) months to clear any deposits and to ensure the valve and its drain line are not
blocked.
Refer to “Relief Valves” on page 8 and “Minor Maintenance Every Six Months” on page 29.
•For continued safety of this water heater it must be installed, operated and maintained in accordance with
the Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions.
•Servicing of the water heater must only be carried out by qualified personnel. Phone Rheem Service or
their nearest Accredited Service Agent / Centre.
•Only a person qualified to install or service a water heater can drain the water heater, if this is required.
•Do not modify this water heater.
•In areas where there is a risk of freezing conditions, power must be available to the water heater at all
times and the electrical supply to the water heater should not be switched off, otherwise damage could
result (refer to “Freeze Protection” on page 10 and to “To Turn Off The Water Heater” on page 12).
•Do not use aerosols, stain removers and household chemicals in the vicinity of this water heater while
it is in operation. 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 flow, air inlet louvres and outlet grille are not obstructed in any way at any time.

SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
8
RELIEF VALVES
Temperature Pressure Relief Valve
This water heater incorporates a temperature pressure relief valve
located near the top of the water heater. This valve is essential for the
water heater’s safe operation.
It is possible for the valve to discharge a quantity of water through the
drain line during each heating period. This quantity should be equal
to approximately 1/50 of the hot water used, as water expands by this
volume when heated.
Expansion Control Valve
In many areas, including South Australia, Western Australia, New
Zealand 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 will discharge the quantity of water from
its drain line during the heating period instead of the temperature
pressure relief valve as it has a lower pressure rating.
Valve Operation
Continuous leakage of water from either valve and its drain line may
indicate a problem with the water heater. Refer to “Temperature
Pressure Relief Valve or Expansion Control Valve Running” on
page 34.
Warning: Never block the outlet of either valve or their drain lines
for any reason. A relief valve drain must be left open to atmosphere,
and be installed in a continuously downward direction.
In locations where water pipes are prone to freezing, the relief valve
drain line must be insulated and not exceed 300 mm in length before
discharging into a tundish through an air gap.
Operate the easing lever on the temperature pressure relief valve and expansion control valve once every
six (6) months to clear any deposits and ensure the valve and its drain line are not blocked. It is very important
the lever is raised and lowered gently. Refer to “Minor Maintenance Every Six Months” on page 29.
Warning: Water discharged from the temperature pressure relief valve drain line will be hot. Exercise care
to avoid any splashing of water by standing clear of the drain line’s point of discharge when operating either
valve’s easing lever.
DANGER: Failure to operate the easing lever on the relief valve once every six (6) months may result in
the water heater cylinder failing, or under certain circumstances, exploding.
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 / Centre to arrange for an inspection.
The temperature pressure relief valve should be replaced at intervals not exceeding five (5) years and the
expansion control valve should be checked for performance or replaced at intervals not exceeding
five (5) years. The checking of the valves performance or replacement should occur more frequently in areas
where there is a high incidence of water deposits. Refer to “Water Supplies” on page 30.
outlet /
drain
line
lift until water
flows from the
drain line –
lower gently

SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
9
INSTALLATION NOTES
This water heater must be installed:
•by a qualified person,
•in accordance with the installation instructions,
•in compliance with the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) and Plumbing Standard AS/NZS 3500.4,
▪This water heater is designed for outdoor installation only.
▪This water heater is intended to be permanently connected to the water mains and not connected by
a hose-set. A braided flexible hose or semi-flexible connector may be used for connection to the water
heater, where permitted by AS/NZS 3500.4.
▪Refer to dimensions diagram on page 41 for clearance requirements to provide adequate ventilation
for the heat pump module.
•in compliance with the Australian / New Zealand Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000,
▪Isolation switches must be installed in the electrical circuit to the water heater in accordance with the
Wiring Rules, so the water heater can be switched off.
▪The water heater must be directly connected to the mains power supply.
▪The power supply wires are to be directly connected to the terminal block and earth tab connection,
with no excess wire loops inside the front cover. The temperature rating of the power supply wires
insulation must suit this application, or the wiring protected by insulating sleeving with an appropriate
temperature rating if it can make contact with the internal storage cylinder. The temperature of the
internal storage cylinder can reach 60°C under normal operation.
•in compliance with all local codes and regulatory authority requirements,
•in New Zealand also conforming to Clauses G12 and H1 of the New Zealand Building Code.
Installation and commissioning requirements and details for the installing plumber and licensed electrical
worker are contained on pages 36 to 48.
Mains pressure water supply
The water heater is designed to operate at mains pressure by connecting directly to the mains water supply.
The water heater is supplied with a temperature pressure relief valve with a pressure rating of 1000 kPa. If an
expansion control valve has been installed on the cold water line to the water heater, this should have a
pressure rating of 850 kPa.
The maximum mains water supply pressure for the water heater is 800 kPa if an expansion control valve is
not installed, or 680 kPa if an expansion control valve is installed. If the mains supply pressure in your area
exceeds these values, a pressure limiting valve must be installed.
The supply pressure should be greater than 350 kPa for true mains pressure operation to be achieved.

10
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
WATER HEATER APPLICATION
This water heater is designed for use in a single family domestic dwelling for the purpose of heating potable
water. Its use in an application other than this may shorten its life.
MODEL TYPE
Your Rheem®air sourced heat pump water heater is designed for outdoor installation only. The model you
have chosen is the 551270 and is recommended for connection to either a 24 hour continuous tariff or an
extended off-peak (minimum 16 hours per day –replacement model and climate dependant) power supply.
A Rheem heat pump water heater consumes less energy than an electric water heater. The impact on an
electricity account will depend on the tariff arrangement of the water heater replaced and where you live.
Contact your energy provider for more information on tariff arrangements and cost comparisons.
The Rheem air sourced heat pump water heater has a Rheemglas®vitreous enamel lined steel cylinder. The
water heater’s evaporator absorbs heat from the surrounding air and transfers this heat into the water.
When hot water is drawn off and cold water enters the tank, a sensor activates a fan, a compressor and the
heat pump control system. The fan draws outside air in through the air inlet louvres at the top of the water
heater. Heat is absorbed from the air by an evaporator and transferred into the water through a heat exchanger
wrapped around the water heater cylinder. The resulting cold air is then discharged through the air outlet
louvres back to atmosphere. This process continues while ever heating is required until the water in the storage
tank reaches a temperature of 60°C.
Even on cloudy or cold days, heat is drawn from the surrounding air. The heat
pump will operate when the ambient air temperature is from -5°C to 43°C. The
electric heating unit will operate when the ambient air temperature falls below
-5°C or rises above 43°C if heating is required. The efficiency of the water
heater increases as the surrounding ambient air temperature increases.
Automatic safety controls are fitted to the water heater to provide safe and
efficient operation.
ELECTRIC BOOSTING
Ice may begin to form on the evaporator reducing the heat pump efficiency,
when the ambient air temperature falls below 7°C and the heat pump has been
operating for an extended period. If the heat pump operates between -5°C and
7°C for longer than 3 hours 20 minutes, the electric heating unit will turn on to
assist in the heating of the water. At ambient air temperatures below -5°C, the
water heater deactivates the heat pump operation and switches to the electric
heating unit. During these periods the evaporator will defrost if necessary.
When operating at a temperature outside of the heat pump’s operating range, the heated water capacity is
195 litres. The water will be heated to a temperature of 60°C by the electric heating unit if heating is required.
The temperature setting of the sensor controlling the electric heating unit is not adjustable and is set at 60°C.
FREEZE PROTECTION
The water heater has an active de-frost function so the heat pump operates automatically to remove ice from
its evaporator coil when the ambient air temperature is between -5 °C and 7°C.
The water heater also has a freeze protection function built in for extremely cold conditions. When the water
heater is placed into Vacation Mode at the Display Panel and power supply is available to the water heater,
either the heat pump operates or the electric heating unit is used to maintain a minimum tank water temperature
above 10°C.
The water heater has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage if power is unavailable at the water heater.
Warning: In areas where the ambient air temperature may fall below 4°C, power must be available to the
water heater at all times.