STIEBEL ELTRON SHC 4 User manual

SHC 2.5 & SHC 4
WATER HEATERS
INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
General information………………....
..
4
Technical description………………… 4
General recommendations……….…
.
5
Mounting the unit…………………..…
.
5
Plumbing connections…………..…… 5
Electrical Connections………………
..
6
Maintenance Instructions………….… 8
De-scaling the heating element…..… 9
Replacing the heating element…….
..
9
Changing the anode rod…………..… 1
0
Safety shut-off……………..…………
.
1
0
STIEBEL ELTRON
17 West Street
West Hatfield, Massachusetts 01088
800) 582-8423 [phone]
fax: [phone]
[email protected]
www.stiebel-eltron-usa.com

2
!
PLEASE RETAIN THESE INSTRUCTIONS IN A SAFE LOCATION FOR
FUTURE REFERENCE.
WARNING
Im
proper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or maintenance can cause
d
eath, serious injury or property damage. Refer to this manual. For assistanc
e
o
r additional information, consult a qualified installer.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
D
o not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors or liquids in the vicinity
o
f this or any other appliance.
T
he warranty on this water heater is in effect only when the water heater is
in
stalled and operated in accordance with these instructions. The manufacture
r
o
f this water heater will not be liable for any damage resulting from failure to
c
omply with these instructions. Properly installed it will give you years of troub
le
fr
ee service.
IMPORTANT
R
ead instructions carefully before installing your water heater. Proper
in
stallation will provide safe and efficient service and avoid needless expenses
n
ot covered under the warranty.
WARNING
T
his water heater must be installed strictly in accordance with the instructions
e
nclosed and local electric and building codes. It is also possible that
c
onnections to the water heater itself may develop leaks. IT IS THEREFORE
IM
PERATIVE that the water heater be installed so that any water is directed to
a
n adequate drain in such a way that water damage to the building, furniture,
c
arpeting or other property cannot occur. Neither the manufacturer nor the
d
istributor CAN BE HELD RESPONSIBLE for damage caused by water from
th
e water heater, temperature pressure relief valve, or related fittings where
a
dequate provision to drain such water has not been provided.
H
ydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system served by this heater th
at
h
as not been used for long time (generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas
is
e
xtremely flammable,
T
o reduce the risk of injury under these conditions, it is recommended that the
h
ot water faucet be opened for several minutes before using any electrical
a
ppliance connected to the hot water system. If hydrogen is present, there will
p
robably be an unusual sound such as air escaping through the pipe as the
w
ater begins to flow. There should be no smoking or open flame near the fauc
et
a
t the time it is open.

3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should be followed
to reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock or personal injury including:
1. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE WATER HEATER.
2. This water heater must be grounded. Connect to properly grounded outlet only!
See chapter called “ELECTRICAL CONNECTION”.
3. Install or locate this water heater only in accordance with the installation instructions.
4. Use this water heater for its intended use only as described in this manual.
5. Do no use an extension cord 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. Do not locate the water heater where water lines could be subject to freezing
temperatures.
9. It is recommended to have a floor drain nearby to permit easy draining of the unit if
necessary.
10.Install the water heater so that in the event of a leak, the resulting flow of water will
not cause damage to the area around the water heater. Under no condition is the
manufacturer liable for any water damage in connection with this water heater.
11.When installing the water heater, ensure that clearance around the unit is provided,
for ease of maintenance and service.
12.Only qualified, licensed service personnel should service this water heater. Contact
the nearest authorized licensed personnel for inspection, repair or adjustment.
The manufacturer or distributor is not responsible for damages caused by improper
installation, or by non-observance of the instructions in this manual.
A QUALIFIED, LICENSED TECHNICIAN MUST ALWAYS INSTALL THE WATER
HEATER AND CONDUCT ALL SUBSEQUENT SERVICE WORK AND/OR
MAINTENANCE.
CAUTION
NEVER USE THE WATER HEATER UNLESS IT IS COMPLETELY FULL OF WATER, TO
PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE TANK AND THE HEATING ELEMENT. WATER MUST
FLOW FROM THE HOT WATER FAUCET BEFORE TURNING ON THE POWER TO THE
HEATER.

4
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
These SHC water heaters can be used in
most point-of-use applications. They are
designed to supply hot water for all hand
wash and kitchen sinks in a residential,
commercial or industrial environment.
These water heaters can replace
traditional hot water systems which
consist of a central hot water heater with
hot water piping going to several draw-off
points.
The SHC water heaters are lightweight
and compact and manufactured for easy
installation. The units are designed to be
mounted on the wall.
2. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
There are two SHC models available, a
2.5 gallon model and a 4 gallon model.
The pressure vessel of the water heater is
welded glass-lined steel and is equipped
with a sacrificial anode rod. The thermal
insulation is polystyrene.
The water heater is equipped with both a
thermostat and high limit temperature
switch.
A temperature/pressure relief valve is
supplied with the unit.
These units are designed to operate
under normal street water pressure.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model SHC 2.5 SHC 4
Phase 1 1
Voltage
V
110 - 120 110 - 120
Wattage W 1200 1200
Amperage
A
11 11
Nominal water volume Gal /
L
2.65 / 10 3.96 / 15
Weight empty Lbs / k
g
19.84 / 9 22 / 10
Height Inch / cm 18.19 / 46.2 18.19 / 46.2
Width Inch / cm 11.42 / 29 12.28 / 31.2
Depth Inch / cm 11.42 / 29 12.28 /31.2
Maximum operating pressure PSI / Ba
r
150 / 10 150 /10
Maximum adjustable
temperature ºF / º
C
171º / 77º 171º / 77º
Recovery time Mi
n
45 60
Water connections 1/2” NPT 1/2” NPT
PLEASE RETAIN THESE INSTRUCTIONS IN A SAFE LOCATION FOR
FUTURE REFERENCE.

5
3. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The installation must be carried out by
licensed professionals. All state and local
codes must be adhered to.
The manufacturer will not be liable for any
damages because of failure to comply
with these installation instructions or
because of improper installation
performed by an unqualified installer.
Choose a location that allows easy
access for maintenance or servicing. The
water heater should be installed at least 8
– 9” from the ceiling or any adjacent walls.
Figure 1
1. Cold water inlet
2. Hot water outlet
3. Pressure/temperature relief valve
4. Discharge pipe
4. MOUNTING THE UNIT
1. Drill two (2) 1/4 inch holes in the
wall where the water heater will be
mounted
2. Install plastic wall anchors
3. Fasten wall mounting bracket to
the wall
4. Hook water heater to the mounting
bracket
5. Pull downwards on the water
heater to properly seat it on the
bracket
5. PLUMBING CONNECTIONS
Connect the cold water pipe to the cold
water connection on the unit (blue).
Connect the hot water pipe to the hot
water connection on the unit (red, see fig.
1.)
Connect the water pipes to the heater.
IMPORTANT: If water pipes are of copper
or bronze, use dielectric connections to
prevent heater corrosion.
Failure to provide dielectric insulation may
result in premature tank or nipple failure
and may void your warranty.
Ensure that the water heater is installed in
a level position.
Install a shut off on the cold-water side of
the water heater. This is for emergency
shut-off. It must be kept open when the
water heater is operating.
When using copper piping, solder a piece
of tubing to a threaded fitting (union)
before screwing the adapter to the tank.
DO NOT APPLY HEAT DIRECTLY TO
INLET OR OUTLET CONNECTIONS.

6
Install a discharge pipe from the relief
valve terminating at a sink or drain.
DO NOT CAP OR THREAD THE END OF
THE DISCHARGE PIPE, IT MUST BE
UNOBSTRUCTED AND FULL SIZE
CAUTION! To reduce the risk of
excessive pressure and temperature in
the water heater, a combination
temperature/pressure (P & T) relief valve
has been provided and must be installed.
The P & T valve is certified by a nationally
recognized test laboratory that maintains
periodic inspection of the listed
equipment, and meets the requirements
for relief valves and automatic shut-off
devices for hot water supply systems
ANSI 121.22-1979.
The P & T valve is marked with a
maximum pressure, which does not
exceed the maximum working pressure of
the water heater (150 PSI).
Install the P & T valve into the threaded
opening and orient the tubing so that
discharge will exit within 6” above or at
any distance below the structural floor,
and cannot contact any live electrical part.
THE DISCHARGE PIPE
1. Must not be smaller in size than the
outlet pipe size of the valve, or
have reducing couplings
2. Must not be plugged or blocked
3. Must be of material suitable for hot
water
4. Must not be over fifteen feet (15’) in
length
5. Must not have more than two
elbows
6. Must terminate at an adequate
drain
7. Must not have a valve between the
relief valve and the tank
FILLING THE WATER HEATER
To fill the water heater:
1. Open the hot water faucet
2. Open the cold water supply valve
3. When water runs out of the faucet,
the tank is filled
4. Close the hot water faucet
5. Check entire system for leaks
CAUTION: NEVER PLUG THE WATER
HEATERS CORD INTO AN ELECTRICAL
OUTLET UNLESS IT IS FILLED WITH
WATER. OTHERWISE, THE UNIT WILL
SELF DESTRUCT.
6. ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
To be certain that all the air is out of the
system, open the hot water faucet on your
fixtures until constant water flows from
them. Otherwise, damage to the element
may occur.
Connect the water heater to a
GROUNDED OUTLET.
The unit is fitted with a power cord to
connect the water heater to a receptacle.
State and local codes must be adhered to.
Install the correct breaker at the circuit
breaker panel.
The water heater was manufactured and
wired in accordance with the UL
requirements.
A temperature high limit with manual reset
has been factory installed to interrupt the
power supply in the event of a thermostat
failure.
This water heater is designed for 110 –
120 V.

7
DO NOT use this water heater with any
other voltage. Failure to use the correct
voltage may result in personal injury or
property damage.
The heater is supplied with an electrical
cable with a plug. If the cable is damaged
or length not sufficient, it must be
replaced by a licensed electrician.
ELECTRICAL DIAGRAM (SHC 2.5 & 4)
Cut-Off Thermostat Indicator
Lamp
The water heater is equipped with an
adjustable thermostat that automatically
controls water temperature. The indicator
lamp remains lit only when the water is
being heated.
The temperature is adjusted by turning
the knob clockwise (to the right) to
increase the temperature and counter-
clockwise (to the left) to decrease the
temperature.
The water heater thermostat can be set to
guard against freezing. This position
keeps the internal temperature above the
freezing point.
Freeze Protection Setting For SHC 2.5
Freeze Protection Setting For SHC 4
It is highly recommended to set the
thermostat to position “E”. Position “E” on
the thermostat represents approximately
125º F.
7. MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Do not attempt to repair the water heater.
Call your licensed plumber or electrician
for service.
Unplug the unit whenever the water
supply is turned off.
Before calling for service, make sure that:
1. The heater is properly filled
2. The electrical supply has not been
interrupted.

8
WARNING! Before servicing or cleaning
the water heater, disconnect the water
heater from the electrical outlet.
Approximately once per year, it is
advisable to descale the heating element
and to check the condition of the
magnesium anode, replacing it if the
diameter is less than .39” (10 mm). (See
changing the anode rod).
WARNING! The temperature/pressure
relief valve must be manually operated at
least once per year. Caution should be
taken to ensure that:
1. No one is near the
temperature/pressure relief valve
discharge pipe.
2. The water discharged will not cause
any bodily injury or property damage. The
water may be extremely hot.
If after manually operating it, the valve
fails to completely reset and continues to
release water, immediately close the cold
water inlet to the heater. Replace the
temperature/pressure valve with a new
one.
Failure to install and maintain a properly
functioning and properly listed
temperature/pressure relief valve will
release the manufacturer and distributor
of this water heater from any claim which
might result from excessive temperature
or pressure.
Draining the water heater
Some service work requires draining the
water heater. This should be done in the
following manner:
1. Unplug the water heater.
2. Open the hot water faucet to let the
hot water out. Let it continue to
flow until cold water runs from the
faucet.
3. Turn off the cold water supply to
the heater.
4. Close the hot water faucet
5. Disconnect the heater from both
the hot and cold water pipes.
6. Carefully detach the water heater
from the wall.
7. Tilt the water heater to drain out
the remaining water.
Removing the cover (SHC 2.5)
1. Remove the temperature control
knob from the front of the unit.
2. Remove the screw from the bottom
of the cover.
3. Remove the cover by lifting the
back and pulling forward. Cover
should come right off.
Removing the cover (SHC 4)
1. Remove the temperature control
knob from the front of the unit.
2. Remove the screw from the bottom
of the cover.
3. Remove the five screws from the
bottom of the cover.
4. Remove cover by lifting front and
pulling forward. Cover should
come right off.
Removing the heating element
1. Unplug and drain the water heater
(see draining instructions).
2. Remove the cover.
3. Remove all the line wires from the
heating element.
4. Remove the fitting on top of the
heating element pipe.
5. Using a suitable wrench, unscrew
the 2nd nut.
6. Remove the heating element.

9
7. DE-SCALING THE HEATING
ELEMENT
Scale deposit can affect the heating
capacity of the heating element. Scale
can even cause the element to burn out.
The element can be descaled either
chemically or manually.
1. Remove the heating element. (See
above).
2. To de-scale chemically, soak the
heating element in white vinegar or
other descaling solution then rinse
well.
3. To de-scale manually, use a non-
metallic (soft) tool; brush the crust
off the element. Make sure you do
not damage the surface of the
heating element.
4. Reinstall the heating element
5. Refill the tank before turning on the
power to the water heater.
9. REPLACING THE HEATING
ELEMENT
1. Unplug and drain the water heater
(see draining instructions).
2. Remove the cover (see removing
cover instructions).
3. Remove the heating element (see
removing heating element
instructions).
4. Install a new element and new
gasket. Make sure that both the
gasket and heating element are
positioned correctly.
5. Remount all the line wires from the
heating element to their original
location.
10. CHANGING THE ANODE ROD
A magnesium anode is used to extend the
life of the tank. Permanent removal of this
anode for any reason will void the
warranty.
Depending on conditions, the magnesium
anode rod may need to be changed every
year or so. Galvanic and electrolytic
corrosion can destroy a tank with a spent
anode rod. Rusty water is usually an
indicator of a spent anode rod.
1. Unplug and drain the water heater
(see draining instructions)
2. Remove cover (see removing
cover instructions)
3. Remove heating element (see
removing the heating element
instructions)
4. Remove the anode rod from the
dismounted heating element holder
by unscrewing the female screw
5. Fit a new anode rod into the
heating element holder
6. Refit all the wires and the heating
element
7. Refill the water heater with water
and check for leaks before
connecting the power
11. SAFETY SHUT-OFF
Resetting high temperature shut off
system
NOTICE: Do not attempt to reset the high
limit switch without first cooling down the
water inside the water heater.
WARNING! Never lock the sliding reset
plunger.
1. Unplug the water heater
2. Remove the cover (see removing
the cover instructions)
3. Press in red button with an
appropriate tool. (See diagrams
below)

10
4. Replace the cover of the heater
and tighten
5. Replace the thermostat control
knob
SHC 2.5
SHC 4
During heating, the water volume and
water pressure increases in the tank.
It is possible for water to leak from the
safety valve, this is normal.