Rheem RTGH-95DVELN-3 User manual

Do not destroy this manual. Please read carefully
and keep in a safe place for future reference.
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ULTRA
Low NOx
Emissions
SCAQMD Rule 1146.2
WARNING:
If the information in these instructions is not
followed exactly, a fire or explosion may result,
causing death, personal injury, or property dam-
age.
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.
D
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®
SUPER HIGH EFFICIENCY CONDENSING
TANKLESS WATER HEATER
USE AND CARE MANUAL
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.
With Installation Instructions
for the Installer
Condensing Direct Vent
199,900 Btu/hr, 180,000 Btu/hr,
157,000 Btu/hr and 120,000 Btu/hr Models
AP21820 Rev 04

Important Safety Information
Safety Precautions��������������������������������������������������������������� 2 – 8
Product Information
Product Information �������������������������������������������������������������������� 8
Specifications ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 9, 10
Flow Rate vs Pressure Drop�������������������������������������������������������11
General Descriptions������������������������������������������������������������12, 13
Installation Instructions
Standards Compliance���������������������������������������������������������������15
Choosing a Location �������������������������������������������������������������15, 16
Product Inspection���������������������������������������������������������������������17
Water Heater Installation����������������������������������������������������17 – 19
Venting & High-Altitude Adjustments ���������������������������������20 – 36
Water Quality/Supply ���������������������������������������������������������37 – 41
Condensate �������������������������������������������������������������������������������41
Gas Supply ������������������������������������������������������������������������42 – 47
Electrical Wiring�������������������������������������������������������������������47, 48
Insulation Blankets and Installation Precautions�������������������������49
Installation Checklist������������������������������������������������������������������50
Safety
Using Your Water Heater
Activating the Water Heater �������������������������������������������������51, 52
Setting the Water Temperature �������������������������������������������53 – 56
WiFi Setup����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������56
Recirculation Pump Control �����������������������������������������������57 – 61
Water Saving Control Option������������������������������������������������62, 63
Caring for Your Water Heater
Water Heater Inspections���������������������������������������������������� 64, 65
Care and Cleaning ���������������������������������������������������������������66, 67
Preventive Maintenance������������������������������������������������������������ 68
Draining the Water Heater���������������������������������������������������69 – 71
Freeze Protection���������������������������������������������������������������������� 71
Vacation and Extended Shutdown ���������������������������������������������72
Troubleshooting Chart��������������������������������������������������������� 72, 73
Service Error Code Chart ���������������������������������������������������� 74, 75
Call for Assistance ���������������������������������������������������������������������75
Maintenance Notice�������������������������������������������������������������76, 77
Parts Replacement���������������������������������������������������������������������78
Warranty Information�����������������������������������������������������������79, 80
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.”
These words mean:
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNINGS:
• Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service,
or maintenance can cause death, personal injury, or
property damage. Follow the instructions in 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.
DANGER:
NOTICE:
!
CAUTION:
!
WARNING:
An imminently hazardous
situation that will result in
death or serious injury.
A potentially hazardous
situation that can result in
death or serious injury and/or
damage to property.
A potentially hazardous
situation that may result in
minor or moderate injury.
Attention is called to observe a
specified procedure or maintain
a specific condition.
!

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
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 the air supply piping properly
installed and terminated to the outdoors.
• 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 property damage.
See page 16 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, UL 1738-listed
Category III Stainless Steel, or InnoFlue® PP. No other
vent material is permitted. For Canada, installations
must follow ULC S636 for exhaust venting.
• 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 may 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 26 & 27
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 a proper drain.

4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Water Supply Safety
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
Temperature Conversion Chart °F/°C
100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116 118 120 125 130 140 °F
38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 48 49 52 54 60 °C
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
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 recommended 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
"Draining the Water Heater" can cause serious personal
injuries from scalding and/or damage the water heater.
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 up to 140°F (60°C) can
be achieved with the remote control. Only
qualified service personnel should perform this
adjustment. Only factory-authorized remote
control(s) should be used.

5
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNINGS:
• The installation of gas piping must comply with 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 CAN/CSA B149.1,
Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code.
• If inlet gas pressure is out of allowable range [4.0” w.c.
(1.0kPa) – 10.5” w.c. (2.6kPa)] for Natural Gas, or [8.0”
w.c. (2.0kPa) – 13.0” w.c. (3.2kPa)] for LP gas, a gas
pressure regulator must be installed to maintain the
allowable inlet gas pressure.
• 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 the repair of any 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 Liquefied Petroleum Safety
DANGERS:
• Never attempt to convert the water heater from natural
gas to LP or vice versa. The water heater must only
use the fuel type in accordance with the listing on the
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 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, solvents,
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, CAN/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 the repair of any
electrical wiring, gas piping, remote control, burners,
vent connectors, or other safety devices. Refer repairs
to qualified service personnel.
Safety
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

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, CAN/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, CAN/CSA C22.1, Part 1.
• 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 76 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" in this Use and Care Manual.
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?
Is the fuse in place or is the breaker turned on?
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
Specifications – Direct-Vent Models
Front View Top View
Bottom View
3.358 in
(85 mm)
5.500 in
(140 mm)
6.331 in
(161 mm)
23.661 in
(601 mm)
25.157 in
(639 mm)
1.555 in
(39 mm)
17.717 in
(450 mm)
5.740 in
(146 mm)
5.374 in
(136 mm)
6.034 in
(153 mm)
9.843 in
(250 mm)
4.793 in
(122 mm) 3.779 in
(96 mm) 3.248 in
(82 mm)
4.551 in
(116 mm)
2.442 in
(62 mm)
2.937 in (75 mm)
2.874 in (73 mm)
1.920 in (49 mm)

10
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Specifications
Product Information
The following product information can
be found from the rating label on this
water heater.
A. Model Number
B. Serial Number
C. Data Bar Code
D. Heater Type
E. Installation Type
F. Type of Gas
G. Max. Inlet Gas Pressure
H. Min. Inlet Gas Pressure
J. Recovery Rating
K. Max. BTU Input Rating
L. Min. BTU Input Rating
M. Manifold Gas Pressure
N. Certification Stamp
P. Alternate Approval Stamp
Q. Clearances
English Rating Label
English/French Rating Label
Back side of
the cover