Rheem RTGH-95DV User manual

94% CONDENSING
TANKLESS
WATER HEATER
AP15896-1(11/10) Printed in USA
*All models available for natural gas (N) or
propane gas (P) usage.
Do not destroy manual. Please
read carefully and keep in a
safe place for future reference.
CERTIFIED
R
Direct Vent
Models
Rheem/EcoSense
RTGH-95DV*
RTGH-84V*
ECOH200DV*
ECOH160DV*
Paloma/Wai Wela
PHH-32RDV*
PHH-25RDV*
Ruud
RUTGH-95DV*
RUTGH-84DV*
Richmond
RMTGH95DV*
RMTGH84DV*
Outdoor
Models
Rheem/EcoSense
RTGH-95X*
RTGH-84X*
ECOH200X*
ECOH160X*
Paloma/Wai Wela
PHH-32ROF*
PHH-25ROF*
Ruud
RUTGH-95X*
RUTGH-84X*
Richmond
RMTGH95X*
RMTGH84X*
WARNING:
If the information in these
instructions is not followed
exactly, a fire or explosion
may result, causing death,
personal injury, or property
damage.
For Your Safety!
• Do not store or use gasoline
or other flammable vapors
and liquids in the vicinity of
this or any other appliance.
To do so may result in an
explosion or fire.
• Installation and service
must be performed by a
qualified installer, service
agency, or the gas supplier.
What to Do If
You Smell Gas
• Do not try to light any
appliance.
• Do not touch any electrical
switch; do not use any
phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas
supplier from a neighbor’s
phone. Follow the gas
supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your
gas supplier, call the fire
department.
• Do not return to your home
until authorized by the gas
supplier or fire department.
D
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®
USE AND CARE MANUAL
With Installation Instructions
for the Installer
Water Heaters for Other Than
Recreational Vehicle Installation Only

Important Safety Information
Safety Precautions .................................................. 2–8
Product Information
Product Information .................................................... 8
Specifications ........................................................ 9, 10
General Descriptions ............................................11, 12
Using Your Water Heater
Setting the Water Temperature ............................ 13, 14
Caring for Your Water Heater
Water Heater Inspections .................................... 15, 16
Care and Cleaning ................................................17, 18
Preventive Maintenance ............................................ 19
Draining the Water Heater .....................................20–22
Freeze Protection ...................................................... 22
Vacation and Extended Shutdown ........................... 23
Troubleshooting Chart ......................................... 23, 24
Service Error Code Chart .................................... 25, 26
Safety
If You Need Service
Call for Assistance .................................................... 26
Installation Instructions
Standards Compliance ...............................................28
Choosing a Location ............................................ 28, 29
Product Inspection .................................................... 30
Water Heater Installation ...................................... 30–33
Venting .................................................................. 34–46
Water Supply ........................................................ 47–51
Condensate ................................................................51
Gas Supply ........................................................... 52–56
Electrical Wiring ....................................................56–60
Remote Control Installation .................................. 59, 60
Insulation Blankets .....................................................61
Installation Checklist ..................................................62
Lighting the Water Heater ....................................63, 64
Setting the Water Temperature .............................65–68
High-Altitude Adjustments ...................................67, 68
Parts Replacement ...........................................69, 70
2
CONTENTS
READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION
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.”
2
These words mean:
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
• This water heater is not suitable for use in
manufactured (mobile) homes!
• Improper installation, adjustment, alteration,
service, or maintenance can cause death,
personal injury, or property damage. Refer to
this manual.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE USING.
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 money.
Pay particular attention to the Safety Instructions.
Failure to follow these warnings could result in
death or serious bodily injury. 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 gas
utility.
WARNING:
California Proposition 65
This product contains chemicals known to the state
of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
WARNINGS:
DANGER: An imminently hazardous
situation that will result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE: Attention is called to observe a
specified procedure or maintain a specific condition.
CAUTION: A potentially hazardous
situation that may result in minor or moderate injury.
WARNING: A potentially hazardous
situation that can result in death or serious injury
and/or damage to property.

Safety
3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
DANGER
FLAMMABLES
Flammable Vapors
Water heater has a main
burner flame.
The main burner flame:
1. which can come on
at any time and
2. will ignite flammable
vapors.
Vapors:
1. cannot be seen,
2. are heavier than air,
3. go a long way on the
floor and
4. can be carried from
other rooms to the
main burner flame by
air currents.
Vapors from flammable
liquids will explode and
catch fire causing death or
severe burns.
Do not use or store flammable
products such as gasoline,
solvents or adhesives in the
same room or area near the
water heater.
Keep flammable products:
1. far away from heater,
2. in approved containers,
3. tightly closed and
4. out of children's reach.
Installation:
Do not install water heater
where flammable products will
be stored or used unless the
main burner flame is at least
18" above the floor. This will
reduce, but not eliminate, the
risk of vapors being ignited
by the main burner flame.
Read and follow water heater warnings and instructions. If
owners manual is missing, contact the retailer or manufacturer.
Water Heater Venting Safety
3
DANGER: Failure to install and properly
vent the water heater to the outdoors as outlined in
the “Venting” section of the Installation Instructions in
this manual will result in death from fire, explosion, or
asphyxiation from carbon monoxide. NEVER operate
this water heater unless it is properly vented and has
an adequate air supply for proper operation.
Be sure to inspect the vent terminal, the air intake,
and the vent system on the water heater for proper
installation at initial start-up and at least annually
thereafter. Refer to the “Care and Cleaning” section
of this manual for more information regarding vent
system inspection.
WARNINGS:
• Gasoline and other flammable liquids, materials,
and vapors (including paint thinners, solvents,
and adhesives) are extremely dangerous. DO NOT
handle, use, or store gasoline or other flammable or
combustible materials anywhere in the vicinity of a
water heater or any other appliance. Be sure to read
and follow the labels on the water heater, as well
as the warnings printed in this manual. Failure to
do so can result in death, bodily injury, or property
damage.
• Combustible construction refers to adjacent walls
and ceilings and should not be confused with
combustible or flammable products and materials.
Combustible materials, such as clothing, cleaning
materials, or flammable liquids, should never be
stored in the vicinity of this or any gas appliance.
Fire or explosion can occur causing death, personal
injury, and/or product damage. See page 29 for
clearances to combustible materials.
• Follow vent manufacturer’s instructions for venting
installation, including additional clearances from
combustibles, to avoid conditions that can lead to
death, personal injury, and/or property damage.
• Use tankless water heater manufacturer-approved
Schedule 40 PVC (foam core is not permitted at
any time), Schedule 80 PVC, CPVC, ABS, or UL
1738-listed Category III Stainless Steel. No other
vent material is permitted.
• Moisture in the flue gas will condense as it leaves
the vent terminal. In cold weather this condensate
can freeze on the exterior wall, under the eaves, and
on surrounding objects. Some discoloration to the
exterior of the building is to be expected. However,
improper location or installation can result in severe
damage to the structure or exterior finish of the
building.
• For multiple-unit installation, a minimum distance
between vent terminations must be maintained to
prevent recirculation of vent gases. See page 39 for
information on venting and clearances to multiple
terminations.
CAUTIONS:
• Ensure that the appliance vent is securely glued and
attached to the vent connection on the top of the
water heater. DO NOT USE SCREWS.
• Do not operate without the condensate drain
connected and routed to the proper drain.

4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Water Supply Safety
DANGERS:
• WATER TEMPERATURE
SETTINGS – Safety and energy
conservation are factors to be
considered when selecting the
water temperature setting of a
water heater’s remote control.
Water temperatures above 125°F
(52°C) can cause death or severe
burns from scalding. Be sure to
read and follow the warnings
outlined on the pictured label.
• There is a hot water scald potential
if the water temperature is set
too high. Households with small
children, the disabled, or elderly
persons may require a 120°F
(49°C) or lower temperature setting
to prevent contact with “HOT”
water.
• Before manually operating the relief
valve, make certain no one will be
exposed to the danger of the hot
water released by the valve. The
water may be hot enough to create
a scald hazard. The water should
be released into a suitable drain to
prevent injury or property damage.
• Failure to perform the recom-
DANGER
!
HOT
Water temperature over 125°F (52°C)
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
CAUTIONS:
• This water heater must only be used
with the following water supply system
conditions:
– With clean, potable water free of
corrosive chemicals, sand, dirt, or
other contaminants.
– With inlet water temperatures above
32°F (0°C), but not exceeding 120°F
(49°C).
– DO NOT reverse the hot and cold
water connections. The water heater
will not operate.
• Even when drained properly, a small
amount of water will remain in the water
heater. In cold weather conditions, this
water can freeze. If this happens, allow the
defrost protection on the heater at least
30 minutes to melt the frozen water or the
water heater may not work properly.
NOTICE: The factory setting
allows operating temperatures between
100°F (38°C) and 120°F (49°C).
Temperatures of 85°F (29°C) and up
to 140°F (60°C) can be achieved with
the MAIN (UMC-117) remote control.
Temperatures of 85°F (29°C) can be
achieved with the Bath (USC-117 or
USC2-117) remote control. Only qualified
service personnel should perform this
adjustment. Only factory-authorized
remote control(s) should be used.
• mended Routine Preventive Maintenance can harm
the proper operation of this water heater, which can
cause carbon monoxide dangers, excessive hot
water temperatures, and other potentially hazardous
conditions.
WARNINGS:
• IMPORTANT: 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 internal components of the water
heater.
• In case the pipe insulation is not rated for the
appropriate weather conditions, install electric
heat tracing or equivalent to prevent freezing of
the pipes. Do not insulate or block the drain valve
on the hot outlet fitting. If the pipes are allowed
to freeze, the water heater and the pipes may
malfunction or leak due to freezing water.
• Failure to drain the water heater as described on
page 20 can cause serious personal injuries from
scalding and/or damage the water heater.
Time/Temperature
Relationship in Scalds
120°F (49°C) More than 5 minutes
125°F (52°C) 1 1/2 to 2 minutes
130°F (54°C) About 30 seconds
135°F (57°C) About 10 seconds
140°F (60°C) Less than 5 seconds
145°F (63°C) Less than 3 seconds
150°F (66°C) About 1 1/2 seconds
155°F (68°C) About 1 second
Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute
Water Temperature Time to Produce
a Serious Burn
Temperature Conversion Chart °F/°C
85 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116 118 120 125 130 140 °F
29 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 48 49 52 54 60 °C
Safety

5
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNINGS:
• The installation of gas piping must conform to local
utility company requirements and/or in the absence
of local codes, use the latest edition of National Fuel
Gas Code (NFGC), ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, or CSA
B149.1, Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code.
• Install a gas pressure regulator in the gas supply
line. The regulator should not exceed the maximum
supply pressure. DO NOT use an industrial-type gas
regulator.
• Should overheating occur or the gas supply fail to
shut off, turn off the manual gas control valve to the
water heater.
CAUTIONS:
• Do not attempt repair of electrical wiring, gas piping,
remote control, burners, vent connectors, or other
safety devices. Refer repairs to qualified service
personnel.
• Turn off the manual gas shut-off valve if the water
heater has been subjected to overheating, fire,
flood, physical damage, or if the gas supply fails
to shut off.
• Do not turn on the water heater unless the water
and gas supplies are completely opened.
Natural Gas and Liqueed Petroleum Safety
DANGERS:
• Never attempt to convert the water heater from
natural gas to LP. The water heater should only
use the fuel type in accordance with listing on data
plate—natural gas for natural gas units and LP for
LP units. Any other fuel usage will result in death or
serious personal injury from fire and/or explosion.
This water heater is not certified for any other fuel
type.
• Both natural gas and propane (LP) have an odorant
added to aid in detecting a gas leak. Some people
may not physically be able to smell or recognize
this odorant. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with
the smell of natural gas or LP, ask the gas supplier.
Other conditions, such as “odorant fade,” which
causes the odorant to diminish in intensity, can also
hide or camouflage a gas leak.
• Water heaters using LP gas are different from
natural gas models. A natural gas water heater will
not function safely on LP and vice versa.
• LP water heaters should not be installed below
grade (for example, in a basement) if such
installation is prohibited by federal, state, and/or
local laws, rules, regulations, or customs.
• LP must be used with great caution. It is heavier
than air and will collect first in lower areas, making it
hard to detect at nose level.
• Before attempting to light the water heater, make
sure to look and smell for gas leaks. Use a soapy
solution to check all gas fittings and connections.
Bubbling at a connection indicates a leak that must
be corrected. When smelling to detect a gas leak,
be sure to also sniff near the floor.
• Gas detectors are recommended in LP and natural
gas applications and their installation should be
in accordance with the detector manufacturer’s
recommendations and/or local laws, rules,
regulations, or customs.
• Combustible materials, such as clothing, cleaning
materials, or flammable liquids, must not be placed
in the vicinity of the water heater.
• If a gas leak is present or suspected:
– Do not attempt to find the cause yourself.
– Never use an open flame to test for gas leaks. The
gas can ignite resulting in death, personal injury,
or property damage.
– Follow the steps listed under “What to Do If
You Smell Gas” found on the front cover of this
manual.
Safety

6
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Before operating this water heater, be sure to read
and follow the instructions on the label pictured
below and all other labels on the water heater,
as well as the warnings printed in this manual.
Failure to do so can result in unsafe operation
of the water heater, resulting in death, personal
injury, or property damage. Should you have any
problems reading or following the instructions in
this manual, STOP and get help from a qualified
service technician.
WARNING : If you do not follow these instructions exactly, a fire or explosion may result
causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
FOR YOUR SAFETY READ BEFORE OPERATING
1.STOP! Read the safety information above on this label.
2.Turn off all electric power to the appliance.
3.Do not attempt to light the burner by hand.
4.Turn the Gas Shutoff Valve located on the outside of the unit
clockwise to the "OFF" position.
5.Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any gas. If you then smell gas, STOP! Follow "B" in
the safety information above on this label. If you don't smell gas, go to the next step.
6.Turn the Gas Shutoff Valve located on the outside of the unit counterclockwise to
the "ON" position.
7.Turn on all electric power to the appliance.
8.If the appliance will not operate, follow the instructions "To Turn Off Gas To Appliance"
and call your service technician or gas supplier.
TO TURN OFF GAS TO APPLIANCE
1 . Turn off all electric power to the appliance if service is to be performed.
2 . Turn the Gas Shutoff Valve located on the outside of the unit clockwise to the "OFF" position.
GAS SHUTOFF
VALVE
OPEN CLOSE
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Safety

7
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Electrical Safety
DANGER: Shock Hazard – Make sure
the electrical power to the water heater is off to avoid
electric shock that will result in death or serious
personal injury.
WARNINGS:
• For your safety, the information in this manual must
be followed to minimize the risk of fire, explosion,
or electric shock that can result in death, personal
injury, and/or property damage.
• Field wiring connections and electrical grounding
must comply with local codes or, in the absence of
local codes, with the latest edition of the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, or in Canada,
Canadian Electrical Code, CSA C22.1, Part 1.
CAUTIONS:
• Label all wires prior to disconnecting for service.
Wiring errors can cause dangerous and improper
operation. Verify correct operation after servicing.
• For your safety, burner inspection and cleaning
should be performed only by qualified service
personnel.
• Make certain the power to the water heater is OFF
before removing the unit cover panel. Exposed
electrical components and moving parts can cause
personal injuries.
• For your safety, DO NOT attempt repair of electrical
wiring, gas piping, remote control, burners, vent
connectors, or other safety devices. Refer repairs to
qualified service personnel.
California law requires that water heaters must
be braced, anchored, or strapped to resist falling
or horizontal displacement due to earthquake
motions. For water heaters up to 52-gallon
capacity, a brochure with generic earthquake
bracing instructions can be obtained from: Office
of the State Architect, 1102 Q Street, Suite 5100,
Sacramento, CA 95814, or you may call
916-445-8100 or ask a water heater dealer.
However, applicable local codes shall govern
installation. For residential water heaters of a
capacity greater than 52 gallons or tankless-style,
consult the local building jurisdiction code for
acceptable bracing procedures.
FOR INSTALLATIONS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Safety

8
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
General Installation and Maintenance Safety
WARNINGS:
• This water heater must be installed in accordance
with these instructions, local codes, utility
company requirements and/or in the absence of
local codes, use the latest edition of the American
National Standard/National Fuel Gas Code
(NFGC), ANSI Z223.1 and National Fire Protection
Association, NFPA 54, or in Canada, CSA B149.1,
Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code, and
the latest edition of the National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 70, or in Canada, Canadian Electrical
Code, CSA C22.1, Part 1.
• If local codes require the application of external
insulation blanket kits, carefully follow the
manufacturer’s installation instructions included
with the kit. Only use blanket kits that are
approved for use with your water heater.
• For your safety, DO NOT attempt to disassemble
this water heater for any reason. Improper
adjustments, alterations, service, or maintenance
can cause death, personal injury, or property
damage.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
• Read this manual entirely before installing and/or
operating the water heater.
• Use this water heater only for its intended purpose
as described in this Use and Care Manual.
• Have the installer show you the location of the gas
shut-off valve and how to shut it off if necessary.
Turn off the manual shut-off valve if the water heater
has been subjected to overheating, fire, flood,
physical damage, or if the gas supply fails to
shut off.
• Be sure your water heater 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 service technician.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
For Your Records
Write down and save the following product
information along with the original sales slip and/or
cancelled check. The model and serial numbers
can be found on the top label on the right side of
the water heater.
MODEL NUMBER:
SERIAL NUMBER:
DATE OF INSTALLATION:
INSTALLING COMPANY/PHONE NUMBER:
PLUMBING CONTRACTOR/PHONE NUMBER:
See page 26 for additional service information.
Read This Manual
Inside you will find many helpful hints on how to use and
maintain your water heater properly. A little preventive
care on your part can save you time and money over the
life of your water heater.
You’ll find many answers to common problems in the
Troubleshooting Chart on pages 23 and 24. Always refer
to this chart before calling for service. Referring to this
chart before calling may answer your question(s) and
eliminate the need for service.
Preoperating Checklist
Is the main gas valve to the water heater turned on?
Does the water heater have its own circuit breaker
or fuse?
Does the water heater’s electronic ignition light?
Is the water temperature set to a safe temperature?
Is the water heater connected to a floor drain?
Is the water heater properly vented to the outside?
Is the water heater installed in a safe location away
from flammable materials and/or freezing conditions?
Product Information Safety

9
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Product Information
303/8"
(772 mm)
275/8"
(702 mm)
33/8"
(86 mm)
51/2"
(140 mm)
61/4"
(159 mm)
177/8"
(454 mm)
185/8"
(473 mm)
93/4"
(248 mm)
21/4"
(59 mm)
51/2"
(140 mm)
61/8"
(156 mm)
21/8"
(54 mm)
37/8"
(98 mm)
27/8"
(73 mm)
41/8"
(105 mm)
91/2"
(241 mm)
11/2"
(38 mm)
Specications – Direct-Vent Models
17 7/8"
(454 mm)
18 5/8"
(473 mm)
27 5/8"
(702 mm)
93/4"
(248 mm)
21/4"
(59 mm)
51/2"
(140 mm)
61/8"
(156 mm)
21/8"
(54 mm)
37/8"
(98 mm)
27/8"
(73 mm)
41/8"
(105 mm)
91/2"
(241 mm)
11/2"
(38 mm)
Specications – Outdoor Models

10
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Specications
MANUFACTURER 157k BTU MODELS 199.9k BTU MODELS
Rheem
EcoSense
Paloma/Wai Wela
Ruud
Richmond
RTGH-84DV* and RTGH-84X*
ECOH160DV* and ECOH160X*
PHH-25RDV* and PHH-25ROF*
RUTGH-84DV* and RUTGH-84X*
RMTGH84DV* and RMTGH84X*
RTGH-95DV* and RTGH-95X*
ECOH200DV* and ECOH200X*
PHH-32RDV* and PHH-32ROF*
RUTGH-95DV* and RUTGH-95X*
RMTGH95DV* and RMTGH95X*
Appliance Type Indoor (DV) & Outdoor (X) Indoor (DV) & Outdoor (X)
Electrical Rating 120V/60Hz 120V/60Hz
Type of Gas* NG LP NG LP
Inlet Gas Pressure
Max. (in. of w.c.) 10.5 13.0 10.5 13.0
Inlet Gas Pressure
Min. (in. of w.c.)
4.0 8.0 4.0 8.0
Manifold Pressure
(in. of w.c. at max. input)
2.5 Indoor
2.6 Outdoor 3.1 3.9 Indoor 4.2 Outdoor
4.6 Indoor
4.7 Outdoor
Maximum Water Supply Pressure (psi) 150 150
Maximum Input Rate (btu/hr) 157,000 199,900
Minimum Input Rate (btu/hr) 11,000 11,000
Recover Rating (gal/hr) 178 226
Shipping Weight (lbs) 81 81
Minimum Activation Flow Rate (gpm) 0.40 0.40
Extinction Flow Rate (gpm) 0.25 0.25
Hot Water Capacity (gpm @ 35°F rise) 8.5 9.5
Hot Water Capacity (77°F rise) 3.9 4.9
Default Temperature Setting (no controller) 120 120
Temperature Default Setting 100 100
Minimum Temperature Setting (°F) 85 85
Efficiency Rating (Energy Factor) 0.94 0.94
Electrical Consumption
Normal 100 W 100 W
Standby 3–5 W 3–5 W
Antifreeze Protection 200 W 200 W
Vent Size (Indoor Only) 2" or 3" 2" or 3"
Water Connections 3/4" NPT 3/4" NPT
Gas Connection 3/4" NPT 3/4" NPT
Water Supply Pressure 14-150 PSI 14-150 PSI
High Altitude (up to 10,000 ft.) Yes Yes
Multiple-Unit Installation Yes Yes
Safety Devices Overheat Film Wrap, Flame Rod, Water Temperature High-Limit
Switch, Flue Temperature High-Limit Switch
Accessories Remote Control, Service Valves, Vent Kits, Pipe Cover, EZ Link, MIC-6,
MIC-185, Recess Box**
*N or NG = natural gas and P or LP = liquefied petroleum
** = Outdoor Only
Product Information