Rheem Single Element User manual

Water Heaters
Electric
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 warranty.
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!
!
California Proposition 65 Warning:
This product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Single and Double Element Models,
15–105 Gallon
1298-001 (01/10)
Printed in USA
Use & Care Manual
With Installation Instructions for the Installer
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

Care and Cleaning
Draining ................ 16
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Extended Shut-Down . . . . . 16
Safety Information
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . 3, 4
Installation Instructions
Location ................. 5
Water Connections . . . . . . . . 8
Electrical Connections. . . . . 10
Wiring Diagram . . . . . . . . . 11
Operating Instructions
Safety Controls . . . . . . . . . . 14
Water Temperature . . . . . . . .14
Troubleshooting Tips
Before You Call
For Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Customer Service
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Replacement Parts . . . . . 19, 20
Element Replacement . . . . . 21
Warranty .................22
2
FOR YOUR RECORDS
Write the model, serial numbers, and installation details on the
back cover of the manual.
This information is located on the rating plate (silver label) on the
unit.
Staple sales slip or cancelled check here.
Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain
service under the warranty.
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
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
120°F (49°C) More than 5 minutes
125°F (51°C) 1½ 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 1½ seconds
155°F (68°C) 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.
!
DANGER: Households with small children, disabled,
or elderly persons may require a 120°F (49°C) 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.
To comply with safety regulations the thermostat(s)
were set at 120°F before the water heater was
shipped from the factory. Canadian models are set
to 140°F (60°C).
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
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
3
R
E
S
E
T
R
E
S
E
T
TURN OFF
POWER
BEFORE
SERVICING
90°F150°F
125°F
(66°C)
(52°C)
(32°C)
Reset button
Thermostat
protective
cover
Thermostat dial
pointer
DANGER!
WATER TEMPERATURE SETTING
Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the water
temperature setting of water heater’s thermostat. Water temperatures above 125°F (51°C)
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.
FOR INSTALLATIONS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
California Law requires that residential water heaters must be braced, anchored or
strapped to resist falling or horizontal displacement due to earthquake motions. For
residential 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 95811 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, consult the local building jurisdiction for acceptable
bracing procedures.
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 (Emergency Cut Off) on the thermostat 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.
● All replacement parts used on this
product must be manufacturer authorized
components.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Installing the water heater.
5
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
codes, utility codes, utility company
requirements or, in the absence of local
codes, the latest edition of the National
Electrical Code. It is available from some
local libraries or can be purchased from
the National Fire Protection Association,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as
booklet ANSI/NFPA 70.
If the water heater is to be installed in a
restaurant, or other location where NSF
International listing is required, it must
be weather sealed to the floor, a raised
base, or on a shelf so that seepage cannot
accumulate under it; or elevated to provide
at least (6) inches of clearance from the
floor.
In order to meet NSF International
requirements for Standard 5, the base
of the water heater must be sealed to
the floor to prevent seepage underneath.
Apply a 3/8" bead of RTV Silicone
completely around the floor edge of the
base of the tank.
Location
Locate the water heater in a clean dry area
as near as practical to the area of greatest
heated water demand. Long un-insulated
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 or near any other
appliances where high temperatures are
present, such as wood burning stoves,
boilers, or furnaces. High temperatures
can warp or otherwise damage the non-
metallic construction of this water heater.
Make certain the floor underneath
the water heater is strong enough to
sufficiently support the weight of the
water heater once it is filled with water.
Unit
Capacity
(Gallons)
Unit
Capacity
(Imperial Gallons)
Dimensions (Inches)
Height 1Diameter
Shipping
Weight
(lbs)
Approximate
Full Weight
(lbs)
15 13 35 5/8 21 5/8 58 183
20 17 34 1/2 23 1/2 61 228
30 25 53 21 5/8 75 325
40 33 65 1/2 21 5/8 90 424
50 42 66 3/4 23 1/2 100 517
50S 47 1/4 28 1/4 95 512
75 63 62 5/8 28 1/4 122 748
85 71 70 1/4 28 1/4 134 843
105 88 70 3/4 30 1/4 152 1,028
1 Height includes factory installed Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve.
NOTICE: DO NOT use
fittings on top of the unit as
handles or lift points.

Installing the water heater.
6
Thermal Expansion
Determine if a check valve exists in the inlet water
line. Check with your local water utility. 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 on page 9). 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.
Inspect Water Heater
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.

7
!
WARNING: The pressure
rating of the relief valve must
not exceed 150 PSI, (1034
KPA), 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, is supplied
and 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.
Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
The BTUH 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 BTUH).
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.
Vacuum Relief Valve
NOTICE: Do NOT remove
or tamper with the vacuum
relief valve for any reason.
Doing so will void the
manufacturer’s warranty.
The vacuum relief valve, which must be
used when installing the water heater, is
factory installed.
The cold water inlet has a vacuum relief
valve connected to it. Certain conditions
in the field may produce a vacuum or neg-
ative pressure condition inside the water
heater’s tank. This negative pressure can
cause the tank to fail. The vacuum relief
valve provides a means to eliminate the
negative pressure or vacuum by admitting
air into the tank to equalize the pressure.
It is not recommended to pull a vacuum on
the unit.
If a vacuum is pulled on the unit, refer
to the "To Fill the Water Heater" section
to ensure the unit is full of water before
operating.

8
Water Supply Connections
Refer to the illustration on right 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.
The cold water connection, hot water
connection, and the temperature
and pressure relief valve may be
temporarily disconnected from the unit
to ease installation by loosening the
union hex nuts connecting the fittings
to the water heater. The connection of
these parts to the unit use seal rings to
form a water tight connection. Re-use
the rubber seal rings that are provided
with the heater when re-installing
the components. Do NOT use pipe
sealant on this joint. Do NOT torque
the union hex nuts to over 35 ft-lbs
when reinstalling the components.
Failure to properly reconnect the
fittings provided with the water heater
will void the manufacturer’s warranty.
SOLDER WITH CARE!!! If
sweat connections are used, do NOT
apply heat directly to any component
directly connected to the water
heater. This includes the cold water
connection, hot water connection,
temperature and pressure relief valve
and the drain valve. Assemblies
should be built to a minimum length
of 12” before attaching to the water
heater to avoid damaging the unit.
!WARNING: Failure to follow the
instructions provided in this manual
may permanently damage the unit and
void the manufacturer’s warranty.
NOTICE: Do not
attempt to turn any
tting connected to the
water heater union hex
nuts that are tightened.
Doing so will damage
the water heater and
void the manufacturer’s
warranty.
NOTICE: Auxiliary
catch pan MUST
conform to local codes.
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.
Under no circumstance will the
manufacturer be held liable for any
water damage in connection with
this water heater.
Catch pan kits are available from
the store where the water heater
was purchased, or any water heater
distributor.
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B
A
To open drain, this line should be at least 3/4″ ID and
pitched for proper drainage.
B = Max 2″
A = Diameter of
water heater
plus 2″ min.
Drain Pan
To Fill the Water Heater
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.
!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.
NOTICE: Water heater
must be centered in
drain pan.
Installing the water heater.

9
Typical Installation
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Temperature & Pressure
Relief Valve
Union
(The addition of a union at
this point will help in the
replacement of the T & P Relief
Valve should the need arise.)
Drain Pipe -(3/4" minimum)
Drain Valve
Support the relief valve drain pipe
using metal strapping or wire
fastened to the structure overhead
Seal Ring
(Inside nut)
Hex Union Nut
(Relief Valve)
No threads permitted
on end of Drain Pipe.
6” Maximum distance from
drain pipe to suitable open
drain.
Cold Inlet Shut Off
Thermal Expansion
Tank (if required)
See thermal
expansion section
on page 6.
Heat Trap 6"
Minimum
Pre-solder 12" minimum
stub pipes before installing
to unit.
Hot Water Outlet
Top of Water Heater Junction
Box
Drain Pan

10
Installing the water heater.
Electrical Connections
A separate branch circuit with copper
conductors, over current protective device
and suitable disconnecting means must be
provided by a qualified electrician.
All wiring must conform to local codes
or latest edition of National Electrical
Code ANSI/NFPA 70.
Canadian models must conform to local
codes or latest edition of Canadian
Electrical Code.
The water heater is completely wired to
the junction box inside jacket at the top
front of the water heater. An opening for
1/2″ or 3/4″ electrical fitting is provided
for field 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 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.
Main Fuse or
Circuit Breaker Panel
Grounding
Conductor
(Bare or Green)
Non - Metallic Sheathed Cable with
separate grounding conductor.
GREEN
BLACK
Wire Nut
Wire Nut
Top of Water Heater Junction Box RED
BLACK
RED
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.
!