Rheem RSID50 User manual

#239 Rev /093 7
WARNING
Improper installation, adjustment, alteration,
service or maintenance can cause serious
injury or property damage. Refer to this
manual. For assistance or additional
information, consult a qualified installer or
service agency.
CAUTION
The recommended temperature for normal
residential use is 120°F. The dial on the
aquastat does not always reflect the out-
coming water temperature, which could
occasionally exceed 120°F. The variation in
out-coming temperature could be based on
factors including but not limited to usage
patterns and type of installation. Test your
water at the tap nearest to the water heater.
WARNING
Hotter water increases the risk of scald injury.
Before adjusting the water temperature setting,
read this instruction manual. Temperatures at
which injury occurs vary with the person’s age
and the length of exposure.
The slower reaction time of children, elderly,
and physically or mentally challenged persons
increases the scalding hazard to them. It is
recommended that lower water temperatures
be used where these exposure hazards exist.
Such households may require a temperature
setting less than 120°F to prevent accidental
contact with hot water.
To lower water temperature use point-of-use
temperature limiting devices.
WARNING
Water heater blankets are not recommended
and will void the warranty.
THIS MANUAL HAS BEEN PREPARED
TO ACQUAINT YOU WITH THE INSTALLATION,
OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF
YOUR WATER HEATER AND TO PROVIDE
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
INSTALLER RESPONSIBILITIES
Please read all instructions thoroughly before
installing or placing the heater into service.
This unit must be installed by licensed or
authorized installers, or technical personnel
that service water heating equipment. The
heater must be installed in accordance with all
local codes and ordinances.
These instructions are a guide for the
correct installation of the water heater. The
manufacturer will not be liable for damages
caused by failure to comply with the installation
and operating instructions outlined on the
following pages.
CAUTION
The recommended water temperature setting
for normal residential use is 120°F/49°C.
HANDLING
Before uncrating, check for shipping damage.
Report any damage to your carrier. Note damage
on bill of lading or delivery receipt and file a
claim.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS
OR ALL APPLICABLE BUILDING CODES AND
REGULATIONS VOIDS THE WARRANTY
ON THIS WATER HEATER.
Read all instructions thoroughly before
attempting installation or operation of your
water heater. Keep these instructions for future
reference.
Local plumbing and electrical codes must
be followed in the installation of this water
heater. In the absence of a local code use the
UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE and the NFPA
Code. Local codes may supersede instructions
in this installation manual.
These instructions are a guide for the
correct installation of the water heater.
The manufacturer will not be liable for
damages caused by failure to comply with
the installation and operating instructions
outlined on the following pages.
Warranty, Registration Card and Parts List are included.
Homeowner: Please remember to return the Registration Card!
To the Consumer:
Please read these and all component
instructions and keep for future reference.
To the Installer:
Please attach these instructions
next to the water heater.
Solar Indirect Water Heater
Instruction Manual
65
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions to reduce the
risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons should be followed, including:
1. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS WATER HEATER.
2. This water heater must be grounded. Connect only to properly
grounded outlet. See “GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS” found on page 13.
3. Install or locate this water heater only in accordance with the provided
installation instructions.
4. Use this water heater only for its intended use as described in this
manual.
5. Do not use an extension cord set with this water heater. If no receptacle
is available adjacent to the water heater, contact a qualified electrician
to have one properly installed.
6. As with any appliance, close supervision is necessary when used by
children.
7. Do not operate this water heater if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is
not working properly, or if it has been damaged or dropped.
8. This water heater should be serviced only by qualified service
personnel. Contact nearest authorized service facility for examination,
repair, or adjustment.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Page 2
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Page 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section I: Specifications ............................................. 4
Section II: General Information ....................................... 5
Section III: Pre-Installation ...........................................8
Section IV: Installation ..............................................9
Section V: Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Section VI: Maintenance ........................................... 15
Section VII: Troubleshooting......................................... 16
Section VIII: Parts List .............................................. 17
Section IX: Warranty ............................................... 23

22 n/aRSID50
RSID80 24´´
´´
64´´ 57 1⁄8´´ 57 1⁄8´´ 31 1⁄2´´
31 1⁄2´´
19 1⁄4´´ 6 1⁄2´´
6 1⁄2´´
5´´
RSID120 28´´ 65´´ 57 3⁄4´´ 57 3⁄4´´ 33 3⁄4´´ 16 1⁄4´´ 8 3⁄4´´ 6 1⁄2´´
Model
A
C
B
E
D
G
F
H
48 1⁄4´´ 16 3⁄4´´
39 3⁄4´´
39 3⁄4´´
Page 4
SECTION I: SPECIFICATIONS
Foam insulation standard. Pressures, all: Test pressure = 300 PSI; Working pressure = 150 PSI
Electrical rating (where applicable): 4.5KW, 240V
WARNING: Installation should be in accordance with all national and/or local codes.
CAUTION: The recommended water temperature setting for normal residential use is 120°F. Rheem recommends a tempering valve or anti-scald valve
be installed and used according to the manufacturer’s directions to prevent scalding.
ANODE
HOT OUT
(1" NPT)
D C
F
E
B
COLD IN
(1" NPT)
A
TO SOLAR
(1" NPT)
G
Bottom Sensor
Immersion Well
Electric
Heating
Assembly
FROM SOLAR
(1" NPT)
3/4 NPT Port
ANODE
H
Figure 1: RSID50, RSID80, RSID120
Table 1: Dimensions
HOT OUT
W/ ANODE
(3/4" NPT)
COLD IN
(3/4" NPT)
ANODE
RSID80, RSID120 TOP
RSID50 TOP
RSID80,
RSID120
only

Page 5
SECTION I: SPECIFICATIONS (cont.)
NOTES:
* Based on 5 GPM flow rate.
SECTION II: GENERAL INFORMATION
SOLAR WATER HEATER FUNCTION
The solar water heater is designed with an internal coil and backup electric heating element.
In lieu of an electric heating element, some models incorporate a second internal coil for
backup heating. Furthermore, 2 Coil models are designed with a second internal coil and an
electric heating element. A heating medium is passed through the solar panels and internal
coil as long as there is an adequate temperature difference between the heating medium and
stored water in the tank. The internal coil is located as close to the bottom as possible to
facilitate the transfer of heat even at lower solar panel temperatures.
During periods of water flow through the water heater, hot water is drawn from the top of
the heater and cold water is delivered to the bottom of the tank (by a diptube or bottom
inlet). If the hot water demand should exceed the solar heat output or there is an insufficient
temperature difference between the heating medium and stored water, the heating element
thermostat will activate the electrical heating element for backup heat. When an additional
internal coil is used for backup heating, an aquastat should be used for flow control in the
backup heating loop. An aquastat immersion well is supplied on 2 Coil and 2 Coil models.
Solar heat output from the internal coil will vary depending on outside conditions and the
temperature of the stored water.
WATER TREATMENT/FILTRATION
In areas where poor water conditions are suspected (i.e. lime, iron, and other minerals), it
RSID50 45 2.30/ - 11.78/ - 0.50/- 36 1.1
RSID80 75 2.76/ - 14.14/ - 0.60/- 40 0.8
RSID120 110 2.76/ - 14.14/ - 0.60/- 50 1.2
Model
Actual Tank
Volume (gal)
Coil Volume
Solar/Boiler (gal)
Coil Surface Area
Solar/Boiler (ft
2
)
Coil Friction Loss*
Solar/Boiler (ft.w.c.)
Electric Heating
First Hour Rating (gal)
Standby Loss
Rating (°F/hr)
is essential that the water be tested and appropriate action taken to prevent damage to the
indirect heater and ensure the quality of the water.
Table 2: Capacity & Performance

Page 6
SECTION II: GENERAL INFORMATION (cont.)
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
A solar controller (not provided) shall be used in conjunction with the solar water heater to
run all solar components in the heating system. The solar controller will be connected to
two thermistors that monitor lower and upper tank temperature. In some cases, only one
thermistor (near the bottom of the tank) will be used. The proper temperature setting for
domestic hot water use is 120°F/49°C.
The solar water heater is equipped with a backup electrical heating element and adjustable
thermostat. The thermostat is located behind the access cover on the side of the water heater.
If the solar system cannot satisfy the user demand, the electric element will energize and heat
the water until the thermostat is satisfied. An ECO (electrical cut-off) is included as part of
the temperature control and is designed to cut off power to the heating element in the event
the water in the tank reaches 180°F. The ECO is a safety feature on the water heater and
cannot be adjusted. In the event that the ECO opens, the control must be manually reset with
the stored water temperature below 180°F.
The thermostat is factory set at 120°F. See Table 6 for thermostat letter and temperature
relationships. If hotter water is required a tempering device or anti-scald device must be
installed at the domestic hot water outlet of the heater or at the point of use. Table 3 details
the approximate relationship of water temperature and time with regard to scald injury. It
is important for the user to understand the necessity of tempering or anti-scald devices when
using hotter water in domestic water heating systems.
CAUTION: Hot water in excess of 120°F can cause scalding!
Rheem recommends a tempering valve or anti-scald valve be installed and used according
to the manufacturer’s directions to prevent scalding. Many state and local codes now require
installation of these devices. The tempering valve or anti-scald valve will ensure potable
water temperatures at the desired set point with a higher degree of accuracy.
APPROXIMATE
TEMPERATURE/TIME
RELATIONSHIPS TO
SCALDING
120°F More than 5 minutes
125°F 1 1⁄2 to 2 minutes
130°F About 30 seconds
135°F About 10 seconds
140°F Less than 5 seconds
145°F Less than 3 seconds
150°F About 1 1⁄2 seconds
155°F About 1 second
Table 3: Scald Temperature/Time Relationships
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Page 7
SECTION II: GENERAL INFORMATION (cont.)
ANODE RODS
The anode rod is used as a sacrificial element within the volume of the storage tank. The
purpose of the magnesium anode rod is to protect the inside of the tank against corrosion.
Anode rods should be inspected twice in the first year and at least yearly once a time interval
for inspection has been developed. Water conditions can influence the consumption rate of
the anode rods. Please see the Maintenance section of this manual for instructions on how to
change the anode rods in your water heater.
Hydrogen gas is produced in a hot water system served by the heater that has not
been used for a long period of time (2 weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely
flammable. To reduce the risk of injury under these conditions, it is recommended
that the hot water faucet be opened for several minutes at the kitchen sink before
using any electrical appliance connected to the hot water system. When hydrogen
is present, there will probably be an unusual sound such as air escaping through the
pipe as the water begins to flow. There should be no smoking or open flame near the
faucet at the time it is open.
TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE (T&P)
CAUTION
To reduce the risk of excessive pressures and temperatures in this water heater, install
temperature and pressure protective equipment required by local codes and no less
than a combination temperature and pressure relief valve certified by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed
equipment or materials, as meeting the requirements for Relief Valves and Automatic
Gas Shutoff Devices for Hot Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22. This valve must be
marked with a maximum set pressure not to exceed the marked maximum working
pressure of the water heater. Install the valve in an opening provided and marked for
this purpose in the water heater, and orient it or provide tubing so that any discharge
from the valve exits only within 6 inches above, or at any distance below, the
structural floor, and does not contact any live electrical part. The discharge opening
must not be blocked or reduced in size under any circumstances.
The T&P valve is factory installed. A discharge drain tube must be installed (responsibility
of the installer) and shall terminate plain, not threaded, 6 inches above the floor drain.
The drain tube material must be approved for temperatures of 120°F or greater and a
pressure of 150 PSI or greater.
BACKFLOW PREVENTER (CLOSED LOOP SYSTEM)
Some local municipal codes and ordinances require the use of these devices on potable
(domestic) water lines. Where backflow preventers are required, it will be necessary to install
a thermal expansion tank (designed for used with potable water) in order to prevent
pressure build up in the indirect heater and associated piping, which could cause the T&P
valve to discharge. Follow the expansion tank manufacturer’s recommendations when
selecting a tank for your hot water system.
Note: Working pressure of the water heater is 150 PSI. Do not exceed 150 PSI.
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CAUTION
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Page 8
SECTION III: PRE-INSTALLATION
LOCATION
CAUTION
This water heater must be located in an area where leakage of the tank, water line
connections, or the temperature and pressure relief valve will not result in damage to
the area adjacent to the water heater or to lower floors of the structure. When such
location cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan must be installed under the water
heater. The drain pan depth must be suitable for draining and collecting water. The
drain pan can be purchased from your plumbing professional. The drain pan must
be piped to an adequate drain and all drain piping must be at least 0.75” in diameter
and pitched for proper drainage.
CAUTION
DO NOT store or use gasoline or other flammable, combustible, or corrosive vapors
and/or liquids in the vicinity of the water heater or any other appliance.
IF YOU SMELL GAS:
s $/ ./4 TRY TO LIGHT ANY APPLIANCE
s $/ ./4 TOUCH ANY ELECTRIC SWITCH DO NOT USE ANY TELEPHONE IN YOUR BUILDING
s )MMEDIATELY CALL YOUR GAS SUPPLIER FROM A TELEPHONE IN ANOTHER BUILDING &OLLOW YOUR
gas supplier’s instructions.
s )F YOU CANNOT REACH YOUR GAS SUPPLIER CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
DO NOT OPERATE THE APPLIANCE UNTIL THE LEAKAGE IS CORRECTED!
CAUTION
Do not drop water heater or lay heater down on its side. Move the water heater into
position by sliding or using an appropriately sized hand truck.
The solar indirect water heater must be installed indoors. Locate the water heater as close as
practical to the solar heating system and leave sufficient clearances for servicing the heater.
The entire solar heating system should be located as close as possible to points of hot water
use for the fastest delivery of hot water. This water heater may be installed on combustible
flooring. DO NOT install this water heater on carpeting.
See Tables 4 and 5 for combustible and service clearances.
Top Sides Front Rear
0´´ 0´´ 0´´ 0´´
Top Sides (non-piping) Side (T&P Relief Valve) Front Rear
12´´ 4´´ 6´´ 16´´ 0´´
Table 4: Clearance from Combustible Materials
Table 5: Recommended Service Clearances
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Page 9
SECTION IV: INSTALLATION
WATER CONNECTIONS
CAUTION
This water heater incorporates fittings that contain a nonmetallic lining. DO NOT apply
heat to these fittings when making sweat connections to the heater. Sweat tubing to
an adapter before securing adapter to any fittings on water heaters.
ALL PIPING SHOULD CONFORM TO LOCAL CODES AND ORDINANCES. It is highly
recommended that unions and shut-off valves are installed at the potable water and heat
exchanger connections to allow for isolation and/or movement during service. Installing a
union on the potable outlet is of particular importance to facilitate replacement of the hot
outlet/anode nipple. In addition, all piping should be adequately insulated with an approved
material to minimize heat loss.
POTABLE WATER CONNECTIONS
THE WATER HEATER MUST BE FILLED WITH WATER BEFORE CONNECTING
ELECTRIC POWER.
1) Close the main water supply valve before continuing with the installation. After the
main water supply is shut-off, relieve the water line pressure by opening a faucet. Once the
pressure has been relieved, close the faucet. The “Cold” and “Hot” potable water connections
are labeled on the water heater. Install a union and shut-off valve at both potable water
connections. All piping should be 3/4” diameter new copper or larger. A tempering valve
or anti-scald valve should be installed at the potable water outlet and used according to the
manufacturer’s specifications to prevent scalding.
2) If a backflow preventer is required in the cold water supply, a properly sized expansion
tank must be installed to control thermal expansion. Do not operate the water heater in
a closed system without installing a thermal expansion tank. Follow the expansion tank
manufacturer’s recommendations when selecting a tank for your system.
3) Following installation of the water lines, open the main water supply valve and fill the
water heater. Open several hot water faucets to relieve air from the system. After water is
flowing through the faucets and the system is void of air, close the faucets and check for
water leaks in the system.
SOLAR CONNECTIONS
CAUTION
Temperature of the primary heat source medium (from solar collector or boiler) shall
not exceed 200°F.
The outlet of the solar collector should be connected to the water heater at the “FROM SOLAR”
fitting. The fitting labeled “TO SOLAR” should be connected to the solar return piping. It
is recommended to install a union and shut-off valve at each solar connection. All pipe and
fittings between the solar system and water heater should be 3/4” diameter or larger.
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Page 10
SECTION IV: INSTALLATION (cont.)
A piping diagram for a typical solar domestic water heating system based on an indirect
water heater with electric heating backup is shown in Figure 3.
cold water
hot water
solar collector array
anti-scald valve
expansion tank
ll/purge valves
air separator
circulator w/
isolation anges
solar
controller
electric
heating
element
solar indirect water heater w/
electric heating element
pressure
relief
valve
air vent w/ shut
ovalve
Figure 3: Single tank system with electric backup
PIPING DIAGRAMS