Rheem Double Element Residential Electric Models User manual

Water Heaters
Electric Residential
The purpose of this manual is twofold: one,
to provide the installer with the basic
directions and recommendations for the
proper installation and adjustment of the
water heater; and two, for the
owner–operator, to explain the features,
operation, safety precautions, maintenance
and troubleshooting of the water heater.
This manual also includes a parts list.
It is imperative that all persons who are
expected to install, operate or adjust this
water heater read the instructions carefully
so they may understand how to perform
these operations. If you do not understand
these instructions or any terms within it,
seek professional advice.
Any questions regarding the operation,
maintenance, service or warranty of this
water heater should be directed to the seller
from whom it was purchased. If additional
information is required, refer to the section
on “If you need service.”
Do not destroy this manual. Please
read carefully and keep in a safe
place for future reference.
Recognize this symbol as an
indication of Important Safety
Information!
!
!
Double Element Residential Electric Models
Printed in USA
Use & Care Manual
With Installation Instructions for the Installer
AP11058 Rev. 9 (11/03)

Safety Information
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . 3, 4
Installation Instructions
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Water Connections . . . . . . . . 6
Electrical Connections . . . . . 8
Operating Instructions
Safety Controls . . . . . . . . . . 12
Water Temperature . . . . . . . 13
Care and Cleaning
Draining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Extended Shut-Down . . . . . 14
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Troubleshooting Tips
Before You Call
For Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Customer Service
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
If You Need
Service Assistance . . . . . . . 18
Wiring Diagram . . . . . . . . . 20
2
Inside you will find many helpful hints on how to use and maintain
your water heater properly. Just a little preventive care on your part
can save you a great deal of time and money over the life of your
water heater.
You’ll find many answers to common problems in the Before You
Call For Service section. If you review our chart of Troubleshooting
Tips first, you may not need to call for service at all.
READ THIS MANUAL
FOR YOUR RECORDS
Write the model and serial numbers here:
#
#
You can find them on a label on the appliance.
Staple sales slip or cancelled cheque here.
Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service under
the warranty.
Your safety and the safety of others are very important. There are
many important safety messages in this manual and on your
appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.
This is the safety alert symbol. Recognize this symbol as
an indication of Important Safety Information!
This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or
hurt you and others.
All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either
the word “DANGER”, “WARNING”, “CAUTION” or “NOTICE”.
These words mean:
DANGER An imminently hazardous situation
that will result in death or serious
injury.
WARNING A potentially hazardous situation that
could result in death or serious injury
and/or damage to property.
CAUTION A potentially hazardous situation that
may result in minor or moderate
injury.
Notice: Attention is called to observe a
specified procedure or maintain
a specific condition.
!
!
!
!
READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION

Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds
Temperature Time To Produce a Serious Burn
49°C (120°F) More than 5 minutes
52°C (125°F) 11/2to 2 minutes
54°C (130°F) About 30 seconds
57°C (135°F) About 10 seconds
60°C (140°F) Less than 5 seconds
63°C (145°F) Less than 3 seconds
66°C (150°F) About 11/2seconds
68°C (155°F) About 1 second
Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute
The chart shown above may be used as a guide
in determining the proper water temperature for your
home.
NOTICE: Households with small children, disabled,
or elderly persons may require a 49°C (120°F) or lower
thermostat setting to prevent contact with “HOT” water.
The temperature of the water in the heater is
regulated by the adjustable surface mounted
thermostat(s) located behind the jacket access
panel(s). Dual element heaters have two thermostats.
The thermostat(s) were set at 60°C (140°F) before
the water heater was shipped from the factory.
The illustration at the left
shows the temperature
adjustment dial used for
setting the water
temperature.
Refer to the Operating
Instructions in this
manual for detailed
instructions in how to
adjust the thermostat(s).
DANGER: Hotter water increases the potential for Hot
Water SCALDS.
DANGER
!
HOT
Water temperature over 125°F can
cause severe burns instantly or
death from scalds.
Children, disabled and elderly are
at highest risk of being scalded.
See instruction manual before
setting temperature at water
heater.
Feel water before bathing or
showering.
Temperature limiting valves are
available, see manual.
BURN
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TURN OFF
POWER
BEFORE
SERVICING
110
120
130140150
160
170
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
3
Reset button
Thermostat
protective cover
(only on certain
models)
Thermostat
dial pointer
WARNING!
WATER TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT
Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the water
temperature setting of water heater’s thermostat. Water temperatures above 52°C (125°F) can
cause severe burns or death from scalding. Be sure to read and follow the warnings outlined on
the label pictured below. This label is also located on the water heater near the thermostat
access panel.
NOTICE: Mixing valves are available for reducing point of use
water temperature by mixing hot and cold water in branch
water lines. Contact a licensed plumber or the local plumbing
authority for further information.

4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
WARNING!
For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire or
explosion, electric shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.
Be sure to read and understand the entire Use and Care Manual before attempting to install or
operate this water heater. It may save you time and cost. Pay particular attention to the Safety
Instructions. Failure to follow these warnings could result in serious bodily injury or death.
Should you have problems understanding the instructions in this manual, or have any questions,
STOP, and get help from a qualified service technician, or the local electric utility.
READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION
CAREFULLY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Have the installer show you the location of the circuit breaker and how to shut it off if
necessary. Turn off the circuit breaker if the water heater has been subjected to overheating,
fire, flood, physical damage or if the ECO fails to shut off.
●Read this manual entirely before installing
or operating the water heater.
●Use this appliance only for its intended
purpose as described in this Use and Care
Manual.
●Be sure your appliance is properly installed
in accordance with local codes and the
provided installation instructions.
●Do not attempt to repair or replace any part
of your water heater unless it is specifically
recommended in this manual. All other
servicing should be referred to a qualified
technician.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Installing the water heater.
The location chosen for the water heater must take into consideration the following:
Local Installation Regulations
This water heater must be installed in
accordance with these instructions, local
authorities and codes, utility codes or
utility company requirements, which must
be followed and take precedent over any
recommendation in this manual.
Location
Locate the water heater in a clean dry area
as near as practical to the area of greatest
heated water demand. Long uninsulated hot
water lines can waste energy and water.
Place the water heater in such a manner
that the thermostat and element access
panels can be removed to permit
inspection and servicing such as removal
of elements or checking controls.
The water heater and water lines should be
protected from freezing temperatures. Do
not install the water heater in outdoor,
unprotected areas.
CAUTION: The water heater should not
be located in an area where leakage of the
tank or connections will result in damage to
the area adjacent to it or to lower floors of
the structure. Where such areas cannot be
avoided, it is recommended that a suitable
catch pan, adequately drained, be installed
under the water heater.
A—Diameter of water heater
plus 5 cm (2″) min.
B—Maximum 5 cm (2″)
NOTICE: Auxiliary catch pan MUST conform to local codes.
Catch Pan Kits are available from the store where the water heater
was purchased, or any water heater distributor.
B
ATo open drain, line should
be at least 1.9 cm (3/4″) ID
and pitched for proper
drainage.
5
Inspect Shipment
Inspect the water heater for possible damage. Check the markings on the rating plate of
the water heater to be certain the power supply corresponds to the water heater
requirements.

6
Typical Installation
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To cold water supply*
Jacket access panel
Relief valve discharge line to
suitable open drain
Drain valve
Electrical junction box (inside jacket)
Hot water outlet
to fixtures
Anode Shut-off valve
Union
Temperature &
pressure relief valve
Thermal expansion tank
(if required)
Heat trap 15 cm (6″)
minimum
15 cm (6″) air gap
Heat trap 15 cm (6″)
minimum
Auxiliary catch pan
5 cm (2’) maximum
To electrical
distribution panel
Jacket access panel
Union
Installing the water heater.
Thermal Expansion
Determine if a check valve exists in the inlet water line. It may have been installed
in the cold water line as a separate back flow preventer, or it may be part of a pressure reducing
valve, water meter or water softener. A check valve located in the cold water inlet line can
cause what is referred to as a “closed water system”. A cold water inlet line with no check
valve or back flow prevention device is referred to as an “open” water system.
As water is heated, it expands in volume and creates an increase in the pressure within
the water system. This action is referred to as “thermal expansion”. In an “open” water
system, expanding water which exceeds the capacity of the water heater flows back into
the city main where the pressure is easily dissipated.
A“closed water system”, however, prevents the expanding water from flowing back into the
main supply line, and the result of “thermal expansion” can create a rapid and dangerous
pressure increase in the water heater and system piping. This rapid pressure increase can
quickly reach the safety setting of the relief valve, causing it to operate during each heating
cycle. Thermal expansion, and the resulting rapid and repeated expansion and contraction of
components in the water heater and piping system can cause premature failure of the relief
valve, and possibly the heater itself. Replacing the relief valve will not correct the problem!
The suggested method of controlling thermal expansion is to install an expansion tank in the
cold water line between the water heater and the check valve (refer to the illustration below).
The expansion tank is designed with an air cushion built in that compresses as the system
pressure increases, thereby relieving the over pressure condition and eliminating the repeated
operation of the relief valve. Other methods of controlling thermal expansion are also available.
Contact your installing contractor, water supplier or plumbing inspector for additional
information regarding this subject.
NOTICE: Do not apply heat to
the HOT or COLD water
connections. If sweat
connections are used, sweat
tubing to adapter before
fitting adapter to the water
connections on heater. Any
heat applied to the water
supply fittings will
permanently damage the dip
tube and or heat traps.
Water Supply Connections
Refer to the illustration below for suggested typical installation. The installation of unions or
flexible copper connectors is recommended on the hot and cold water connections so that the
water heater may be easily disconnected for servicing if necessary. The HOT and COLD
water connections are clearly marked and are 3/4″NPT on all models. Install a shut-off valve
in the cold water line near the water heater.
To cold water supply*
* Some models are
constructed with a side
cold water inlet and will
not have an opening on
the top of the water
heater.

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Heat trap
15cm (6”) minimum
Union
To electrical
distribution panel Temperature
&
Pressure
Relief Valve
Anode
Union
Hot water outlet
to fixtures
Electrical junction box
(use only copper conductors)
WARNING: The pressure
rating of the relief valve must
not exceed 1 034 kPa (150 PSI),
the maximum working
pressure of the water heater as
marked on the rating plate.
A new combination temperature and pressure relief valve, complying with the Standard for Relief Valves and
Automatic Gas Shut-Off Devices for Hot Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22/CSA 4.4 M99, must be
installed in the opening provided and marked for the purpose on the water heater. No valve of any type should
be installed between the relief valve and the tank. Local codes shall govern the installation of relief valves.
Relief Valve
The BTU/h rating of the relief valve must
not be less than the input rating of the
water heater as indicated on the rating
label located on the front of the heater
(1 watt=3.412 BTU/h).
Connect the outlet of the relief valve
to a suitable open drain so that the
discharge water cannot contact live
electrical parts or persons and to eliminate
potential water damage.
Piping used should be of a type approved
for hot water distribution. The discharge
line must be no smaller than the outlet of
the valve and must pitch downward from
the valve to allow complete drainage (by
gravity) of the relief valve and discharge
line. The end of the discharge line should
not be threaded or concealed and should
be protected from freezing. No valve of
any type, restriction or reducer coupling
should be installed in the discharge line.
To Fill the Water Heater
WARNING: The tank must be full of
water before heater is turned on. The water
heater warranty does not cover damage or
failure resulting from operation with an
empty or partially empty tank.
Make certain the drain valve is completely
closed.
Open the shut-off valve in the cold water
supply line.
Open each hot water faucet slowly to
allow the air to vent from the water
heater and piping.
A steady flow of water from the hot water
faucet(s) indicates a full water heater.
7
Condensation
Condensation can form on the tank when
it is first filled with water. Condensation
might also occur with a heavy water draw
and very cold inlet water temperature.
This condition is not unusual, and will
disappear after the water becomes heated.
If, however, the condensation continues,
examine the piping and fittings for
possible leaks.
Additional information on this subject
may be found at www.rheem.com under
“Library”. Scroll down to the Technical
Service Bulletins 1300 Series Section and
choose Bulletin #1303.
Typical Installation (Alternate Construction)

8
Installing the water heater.
NOTICE: This guide recommends minimum branch circuit sizing and wire size. Refer to wiring diagrams in this manual for
field wiring connections.
Branch Circuit Sizing and Wire Size Guide
Total Water Recommended Over Current Protection Copper Wire Size AWG Based
Heater Wattage (fuse or circuit breaker amperage rating) on N.E.C. Table 310-16 (75°C)
208V 240V 277V 480V 208V 240V 277V 480V
3,000 20 20 --- --- 12 12 --- ---
3,800 25 20 --- --- 10 12 --- ---
4,000 25 25 --- --- 10 10 --- ---
4,500 30 25 --- --- 10 10 --- ---
CAUTION: The presence of
water in the piping and water
heater does not provide
sufficient conduction for a
ground. Non-metallic piping,
dielectric unions, flexible
connectors etc. can cause the
water heater to be electrically
isolated.
Electrical Connections
A separate branch circuit with copper
conductors, overcurrent protective device
and suitable disconnecting means must be
provided by a qualified electrician.
All wiring must conform to local codes, or
the latest edition of the Canadian
Electrical Code. Refer to wiring diagrams
in the back of this manual for wiring
connections.
The voltage requirements and wattage
load for the water heater are specified
on the rating plate on the front of the
water heater.
The water heater is completely wired
to the junction bracket inside the top
access panel on front of the water heater.
An opening for 1.2 cm (1/2”)
or 1.9 cm (3/4”) electrical fitting is
provided for field wiring connections.
The branch circuit wiring should include
either:
Metallic conduit or metallic sheathed
cable approved for use as a
grounding conductor and installed
with fittings approved for the
purpose.
Non-metallic sheathed cable,
metallic conduit or metallic sheathed
cable not approved for use as a
ground conductor shall include a
separate conductor for grounding. It
should be attached to the ground
terminals of the water heater and the
electrical distribution box.
Water heater junction bracket.
Ground
screw
Wire connections
Junction
bracket
Conduit
connector
WARNING
WARNING
Wire connections
Junction
box cover
Conduit
connector
Water heater junction box (Alternate construction)
Ground
screw

For increased energy efficiency, some
water heaters have been supplied with
two 61cm (24”) sections of pipe
insulation.
Please install the insulation, according to
the illustrations above, that best meets
your requirements.
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Typical vertical piping arrangement
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Typical horizontal piping arrangement
Hot and Cold Pipe Insulation Installation
Insulation blankets, available to the
general public, for external use on electric
water heaters are not necessary. The
purpose of an insulation blanket is to
reduce the standby heat loss encountered
with storage tank heaters. This water
heater meets or exceeds CSA standards,
with respect to insulation and standby loss
requirements making an insulation blanket
unnecessary.
The manufacturer’s warranty does not
cover any damage or defect caused by
installation, attachment or use of
any type of energy saving or other
unapproved devices (other than those
authorized by the manufacturer) into, onto
or in conjunction with the water heater.
The use of unauthorized energy saving
devices may shorten the life of the water
heater and may endanger life and property.
The manufacturer disclaims any
responsibility for such loss or injury
resulting from the use of such
unauthorized devices.
CAUTION: If local codes require the
application of an external insulation
blanket to this water heater, pay careful
attention to the following so as not to
restrict the proper function and
operation of the water heater:
●Do not cover the operating or warning
labels attached to the water heater or
attempt to relocate them on the exterior
of insulation blanket.
zDo not apply insulation to the top of the
water heater. this could interfere with
the safe operation of the electrical
junction box.
zDo not cover the jacket access panel(s)
to the thermostat(s) and heating
element(s), or pressure and temperature
relief valve.
zInspect the insulation blanket frequently.
WARNING: If local
codes require external
application of insulation
blanket kits the
manufacturer’s instructions
included with the kit must
be carefully followed.
Insulation Blankets
9

10
Installing the water heater.
For increased energy efficiency, some
water heaters have been supplied with
a 6cm (2-3/8”) section of pipe insulation.
Please install the insulation, according to
the illustrations above, that best meets
your requirements.
Slip the insulation cover over the T&P
Valve through the center hole and align
the hole in the side with the opening of
the T&P Valve.
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Typical top connection arrangement Typical side connection arrangement
Relief Valve Insulation Installation
CAUTION: Ensure the
T&P Valve opening is not
obstructed by the insulation.
Heat Trap
For increased energy efficiency, some
water heaters have been supplied with
factory installed internal or external heat
traps in the hot outlet line and cold water
inlet openings.
NOTICE: Do not apply heat to the HOT or
COLD water connections. If sweat
connections are used, sweat tubing to
adapter before fitting adapter to the water
connections on heater. Any heat applied to
the water supply fittings will permanently
damage the dip tube and/or heat traps.