Rheem Stellar 50L Technical Document

This water heater must be installed and serviced by a qualified person.
Please leave this guide with the householder.
Owner’s Guide
and
Installation Instructions
Stainless Steel
Electric Domestic Water Heater

PATENTS
This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs
in the name of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd or Aquamax Australia Pty Limited.
TRADEMARKS
® Registered trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
TM Trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
Note: Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy in preparation of this
publication. No liability can be accepted for any consequences,
which may arise as a result of its application.

3
CONTENTS
HOUSEHOLDER - We recommend you read pages 4 to 19.
The other pages are intended for the installer
but may be of interest
About Your Water Heater............................................................4
Maintenance Requirements ......................................................10
Water Supplies...........................................................................13
Save A Service Call ...................................................................17
Installation..................................................................................20
Connections –Plumbing ..........................................................29
Connections –Electrical...........................................................33
Commissioning..........................................................................35
Draining The Water Heater .......................................................36
Warranty .....................................................................................38

4
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
WATER HEATER APPLICATION
This water heater is designed for use in a single family domestic dwelling for the
purpose of heating potable water. Its use in an application other than this may
shorten its life.
MODEL TYPE
The Rheem®water heater you have chosen is a Stellar™model with a stainless
steel cylinder. Stellar stainless steel models are available with either a single
heating unit or with twin heating units (refer to “Single Element Model” on page 7
and “Twin Element Model” on page 7). The water heaters can be installed indoor
or outdoor if it does not have a supply cord and plug, or indoor only if it is has a
supply cord and plug.
The water in the cylinder is heated by the electric immersion heating unit. A
thermostat controls the temperature. Automatic safety controls are fitted to the
water heater to provide safe and efficient operation.
The water heater has a brass plug on one side of the tank. The plug blocks off
an alternative cold water connection point and is not to be tampered with or
removed.
MAINS PRESSURE
The water heater is designed to operate
at mains pressure by connecting directly
to the mains water supply. If the mains
supply pressure in your area exceeds
that shown on page 22, a pressure
limiting valve must be fitted. The supply
pressure should be greater than 350 kPa
for true mains pressure operation to be
achieved.
HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?
The water heater features a
tradesperson adjustable thermostat,
which allows you to choose the most
suitable temperature for your hot water
needs. Refer to “Temperature
Adjustment” on page 6.
To meet the requirements of the National
Plumbing Standard the temperature of
the stored water must not be below 60°C.
maximum thermostat
setting 050 models
minimum thermostat
setting and minimum
recommended stored
water temperature.
top heating unit
thermostat setting on a
twin element model
(not adjustable)
maximum recommended
supply temperature to
bathrooms and ensuites
maximum thermostat
setting 080 to 315 models

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
5
HOTTER WATER INCREASES THE RISK OF SCALD INJURY
This water heater can deliver water at temperatures which can cause scalding.
Check the water temperature before use, such as when entering a shower or
filling a bath or basin, to ensure it is suitable for the application and will not cause
scald injury.
We recommend and it may also be required by regulations that an approved
temperature limiting device be fitted into the hot water pipe work to the bathroom
and ensuite when the water heater is installed. This will keep the water
temperature below 50°C at the bathroom and ensuite. The risk of scald injury will
be reduced and still allow hotter water to the kitchen and laundry.
WARNING
This water heater is only intended to be operated by persons who have the
experience or the knowledge and the capabilities to do so. This water heater is
not intended to be operated by persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental
capabilities i.e. the infirm, or by children. Children should be supervised to ensure
they do not interfere with the water heater.
This water heater uses 240 V AC power for the electrically operated components.
The removal of the front cover(s) will expose 240 V wiring. It must only be
removed by a qualified person.
SAFETY
This water heater is supplied with a thermostat, an over-temperature cut-out, and
a combination temperature pressure relief valve. These devices must not be
tampered with or removed. The water heater must not be operated unless each
of these devices is fitted and is in working order.
The operation of the over-temperature cut-out on the thermostat indicates a
possibly dangerous situation. If the over-temperature cut-out operates, it must
not be reset and the water heater must be serviced by a qualified person.
If the electrical conduit to the water heater is damaged, it must be replaced by a
qualified person in order to avoid a hazard. Phone Rheem Service or their
nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
Warning: For continued safety of this water heater it must be installed,
operated and maintained in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and Installation
Instructions.
The Rheem warranty may not cover faults if relief valves or other safety
devices are tampered with or if the installation is not in accordance with
these instructions.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
6
PRECAUTIONS
Where damage to property can occur in the event of the water heater leaking,
the water heater must be installed in a safe tray. Construction, installation and
draining of a safe tray must comply with AS/NZS 3500.4 and all local codes and
regulatory authority requirements.
The water heater must be maintained in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and
Installation Instructions. Refer to “Maintenance Requirements”on page 10.
If this water heater is to be used where an uninterrupted hot water supply is
necessary for your application or business you should ensure that you have back
up redundancy within the hot water system design. This should ensure the
continuity of hot water supply in the event that this water heater were to become
inoperable for any reason. We recommend you seek advice from your plumber
or specifier about your needs and building back up redundancy into your hot
water supply system.
THERMOSTAT
The thermostat automatically controls the electricity supply to the heating unit so
a constant temperature is maintained. The thermostat and its protective over-
temperature cut-out is mounted inside the front cover of the water heater. There
is no need to switch the water heater off when it is not in use, except when you
are on an extended holiday. The thermostat is fully automatic and power is only
used when heating is required.
TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT
This water heater features a tradesperson adjustable thermostat. This requires
a licensed tradesperson to make any temperature adjustments. The thermostat
(bottom thermostat on twin element models) has a maximum temperature setting
of 75°C (80°C for 050 models) and a minimum temperature setting of 60°C. The
top thermostat on a twin element model has a fixed setting of 60°C and cannot
be adjusted.
We advise you have your electrician adjust the thermostat to the lowest
temperature setting that meets your needs, especially if there are young children
or elderly people in your home. Refer to “Hotter Water Increases The Risk of
Scald Injury” on page 5.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
7
SINGLE ELEMENT MODEL
This type of water heater has one heating unit with its
own thermostat, located at the base of the water heater.
The heating unit can be connected to an Off-Peak
(overnight) or time controlled supply, Extended Off-Peak
(overnight and day) or Extended time controlled supply,
or a Continuous / Domestic electricity supply. The
thermostat is factory set to 65°C and is tradesperson
adjustable from 60°C to 75°C (80°C for 050 models).
Continuous electricity supply
This type of connection is suited to where the storage
capacity is less than the normal daily usage.
Off-Peak electricity supply
This type of connection will only allow heating to occur
during set hours. A volume of water sufficient for the
day’s total use is heated and stored. This type of
heating will be more economical due to reduced tariffs
by the electricity authority.
TWIN ELEMENT MODEL
This type of water heater has two heating units, each with its own thermostat.
One heating unit is at the base of the water heater and the other near the top.
The lower thermostat is factory set to 70°C and is tradesperson adjustable from
60°C to 75°C. The top thermostat has a fixed setting of 60°C.
Bottom heating unit
During normal operation this heating unit supplies all
the hot water.
Top heating unit (Booster)
This heating unit only operates during periods of high
demand to provide an additional supply of heated
water.
Electrical connection
The two heating units are wired for non-simultaneous
operation, so that only one heating unit can operate
at a time. The bottom heating unit is usually
connected to an Off-Peak (overnight) or time
controlled supply and the top heating unit to a
Continuous / Domestic electricity supply. Some
electricity suppliers allow both heating units to be
metered at the Off-Peak or controlled tariff.
NOTE: Power must be available to the top heating unit circuit at all times
for this water heater to operate as designed.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
8
TO TURN OFF THE WATER HEATER
If you plan to be away from home for only a few nights, we suggest you leave
the water heater switched on.
If it is necessary to turn off the water heater:
Switch off the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the water heater.
Close the cold water isolation valve at the inlet to the water heater.
TO TURN ON THE WATER HEATER
Open the cold water isolation valve fully on the cold water line to the water
heater.
Switch on the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the water heater.
GOING ON HOLIDAY?
If you plan to be away from home for one or two nights, we suggest you leave
the water heater switched on. However, if you plan to stay away more than a few
nights, conserve energy by switching the water heater off at either the
switchboard or isolating switch (if one is installed).
Note: When the electrical supply is switched back on, the water heater will take
some time to reheat the water. Depending upon the power supply connection,
hot water may not be available until the next day.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?
Installation requirements are shown on pages 20 to 26. The water heater must
be installed:
by a qualified person, and
in accordance with the installation instructions, and
in compliance with Standards AS/NZS 3500.4, AS/NZS 3000 and all local
codes and regulatory authority requirements.
In New Zealand the installation must also conform to the New Zealand Building
Code.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
9
VICTORIAN CUSTOMERS
Notice to Victorian Customers from the Victorian Plumbing Industry Commission.
This water heater must be installed by a licensed person as required by the
Victorian Building Act 1993.
Only a licensed person will give you a Compliance Certificate, showing that the
work complies with all the relevant Standards. Only a licensed person will have
insurance protecting their workmanship for 6 years. Make sure you use a
licensed person to install this water heater and ask for your Compliance
Certificate.
DOES THE WATER CHEMISTRY AFFECT THE WATER HEATER?
The water heater is suitable for most public water supplies, however some water
chemistries may have detrimental effects on the water heater, its components
and fittings. Refer to “Water Supplies” on page 13.
If you are in a known harsh water area or you are not sure of your water
chemistry, have your water checked against the conditions described on
pages 13 to 16.
HOW LONG WILL THE WATER HEATER LAST?
The water heater is supported by a manufacturer’s warranty (refer to page 38).
There are a number of factors that will affect the length of service the water
heater will provide. These include but are not limited to the water chemistry, the
water pressure, the water temperature (inlet and outlet) and the water usage
pattern. Refer to “Precautions” on page 6.

10
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
MAJOR SERVICE EVERY FIVE YEARS
It is recommended a major service be conducted on the water heater every
five (5) years.
Warning: Servicing of a water heater must only be carried out by qualified
personnel. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent.
Note: The major service and routine replacement of any components, such as
the relief valve(s), are not included in the Rheem warranty. A charge will be made
for this work. Only genuine replacement parts should be used on this water
heater.
The major service includes the following actions:
Replace the temperature pressure relief valve.
Inspect and flush the expansion control valve (if fitted). If required, replace
the valve.
Check the electric heating unit for excessive calcium build up or corrosion
and replace if necessary.
Visually check the unit for any potential problems.
Inspect all connections.
Check the drain line from the safe tray (if one is installed) is not blocked.
Note: The water heater may need to be drained during this service. After the
completion of the service, the water heater will take some time to reheat the
water. Depending upon the power supply connection, hot water may not be
available until the next day.