Whirlpool W10123243 Product information sheet

Residential Electric
Water Heater
Installation
Instructions and
Use & Care Guide
To obtain technical, warranty or service assistance during or
after the installation of this water heater, call toll free
1-877-817-6750
When calling for assistance, please have the following
information ready:
1. Model number
2. 7 Digit product number
3. Serial number
4. Date of installation
5. Place of Purchase
Table of Contents Page
Water Heater Safety ...............................................................................
2
Installing Your Water Heater .................................................................
3-8
Unpacking Instructions ...............................................................
3
Location Requirements ............................................................... 4
Electrical Requirements .............................................................. 5
Water System Piping ................................................................... 6
Installation Checklist ................................................................... 8
Operating Your Water Heater ............................................................. 9-11
Water Temperature Regulation ...................................................
9
Adjusting the Thermostat/High Limit Control ............................
t0
Operational Conditions .............................................................
11
Maintenance of Your Water Heater .................................................. 12-13
Trouble Shooting Chart .................................................... ~ .................... 13
Repair Parts Illustration ......................................................................... 14
Thermostat Wiring Chart and Diagram .................................................. 15
6510413
W10123243
Janua~ 2007

WATER HEATER SAFETY
Your safety and the safety of others are very important.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all
safety messages.
~
This is the safety alert symbol.
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" or
"WARNING." These words mean:
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t
immediately follow instructions.
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t
follow instructions.
All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you
what can happen if the instructions are not followed.
Important Safety Instructions
CAUTION: Hydrogen gas is produced in a hot water system served by this heater that has not been used for a long
period of time (2 weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable. To reduce the risk of injury under these
conditions, it is recommended that the hot water faucet be opened for several minutes at the kitchen sink before
using any electrical appliance connected to the hot water system. When hydrogen is present, there will probably be
an unusual sound such as air escaping through the pipe as the water begins to flow. There should be no smoking or
open flame near the faucet at the time it is open.
The California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act requires the Governor of California to publish a list of
substances known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm, and requires
businesses to warn of potential exposure to such substances.
WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
This appliance can cause low-level exposure to some of the substances included in the Act.
2

OPERATING YOUR WATER HEATER
Before Using Water Temperature Regulation
1. Make sure the water heater has been properly
installed. See "Installing Your Water Heater" section.
2.
Completely fill the tank with water. (See Figure 2)
3. After the water heater tank is completely filled with
water, connect electrical power to the water heater.
4. Read the "Water Temperature Regulation" section of
this manual. If the instructions are not clear, contact a
qualified person.
5. Adjust the thermostat to the desired temperature
setting as described under "Adjusting the Thermostat/
High Limit Control" section.
IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to operate this water heater
if the thermostat(s), or surrounding insulation has been
exposed to water in any way. Immediately call a qualified
person to inspect the water heater and replace any
thermostat or insulation that has been exposed to water.
Do not attempt to repair these parts. Water heaters
subjected to flood conditions or any time the thermostat(s)
have been submerged in water require replacement of the
entire water heater.
Safety Shut-off
This water heater is designed to automatically shut-off
in the event that the water temperature exceeds 170°F
or 77°C. A high limit control switch is used to shut off the
power to the elements if the water temperature exceeds
170°F or 77°C. The high limit control switch can be
reset by firmly pushing in the red reset button located on
the thermostat. Follow the instructions under "Adjusting
the Thermostat/High Limit Control", section to properly
reset the high limit control. If the high limit control switch
continues to shut-off the water heater contact a qualified
person for service.
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.
Feel water before bathing or showering.
Temperature limiting valves are available.
The thermostat is adjusted to a temperature setting
of 120°F or lower when it is shipped from the factory.
Water temperature can be regulated by adjusting the
thermostat to the preferred setting as shown in "Adjusting
the Thermostat/High Limit Control." The preferred starting
point is 120°F. There is a hot water scald potential if the
thermostat is set too high.
IMPORTANT: Adjusting the thermostat past 120°F on the
thermostat will increase the risk of scald injury in the times
shown below.
Water
Time for 1st
Time for
Permanent Burns
Temperature °F Degree Burn
(Less Severe Bums)
2nd & 3rd Degree
(Most Severe Bums)
110 (normal shower temp.)
116 (pain threshold)
116 35 minutes 45 minutes
122 1 minute 5 minutes
131 5 seconds
25 seconds
140 2 seconds 5 seconds
149 1 second 2 seconds
154 instantaneous 1 seconds
(U.S. Government Memorandum, C.P.S.C., Peter L Armstrong, Sept. 15,1978)
NOTE: During low demand periods when hot water is not
being used, a lower thermostat setting will reduce energy
losses and may satisfy your normal hot water needs. If hot
water use is expected to be more than normal, a higher
thermostat setting may be required to meet the increased
demand.
When leaving your home for extended periods (vacations,
etc.) turn the thermostat to its lowest setting. This will
maintain the water at low temperatures with minimum
energy losses and prevent the tank from freezing during
cold weather.

Adjusting the Thermostat/High Limit Control
This water heater is equipped with one or more adjustable temperature regulating thermostats and a manual reset high
limit control. The following procedures must be performed when changing the temperature of the stored water or resetting
the high limit control. Upper and lower thermostats must be adjusted to the same temperature.
IMPORTANT: Before attempting to adjust the thermostat, make sure you read the section of "Water Temperature
Regulation" section. If the instructions are not clear, contact a qualified person.
1. Disconnect the electric power.
2. Remove the access cover(s) and fold up the insulation from the thermostat(s). Do not remove the plastic cover.
3. Using a screwdriver to adjust the thermostat pointer, set the thermostat(s) to the desired water temperature.
Be sure the RED reset button (High Limit Control) is pushed in. If needed, push in firmly to reset.
4. Fold the insulation down, making sure the thermostat(s) are well covered. Replace the access cover(s).
5. Reconnect power.
FInure 10 Insulation Thermostat/High Limit Control
T~rmostat
(Shown Folded)
IIII
~"’ Red ~...~ .~ ~
- B..on
Access
Insulation
(Shown Folded)
~
hermostat
150~ l’~ Pointer
Double
Element
Heater
Thermostat
Setting
Door
Single
Element
Heater
Insulation
..(Shown Folded)
Access
Cover
10

Operational Conditions
Anode RodNVater Odor
Each water heater contains at least one anode rod, which
will slowly deplete while protecting the glass-lined tank
from corrosion and prolonging the life of the water heater.
Once the anode is depleted, the tank will start to corrode,
eventually developing a leak. Certain water conditions will
cause a reaction between this rod and the water. The most
common complaint associated with the anode rod is a "rotten
egg smell" produced from the presence of hydrogen sulfide
gas dissolved in the water.
IMPORTANT: Do not remove this rod permanently as it will
void any warranties. The parts list includes a special anode
that can be ordered if water odor or discoloration occurs.
NOTE: This rod may reduce but not eliminate water odor
problems. The water supply system may require special
filtration equipment from a water conditioning company to
successfully eliminate all water odor problems.
Artificially softened water is exceedingly corrosive because
the process substitutes sodium ions for magnesium and
calcium ions. The use of a water softener may decrease the
life of the water heater tank.
The anode rod should be removed from the water heater
tank every 3 years for inspection. The following are typical
(but not all) signs of a depleted anode rod:
¯
The majority of the rods diameter is less than 318".
¯
Significant sections of the support wire (approx. 1/3 or
more of the anode rod’s length) are visible.
If the anode rod show signs of either or both it should be
replaced.
NOTE: Whether reinstalling or
replacing the anode rod, check for
any leaks and immediately correct if
found.
In replacing the anode:
1. Turn off power to the water
heater.
2. Shut off the water supply and
open a nearby hot water faucet
to depressurize the water tank.
3. Drain approximately 5 gallons
of water from tank (Refer to the
"Draining and Flushing" section
for proper procedures). Close
drain valve.
4. Remove old anode rod.
5.
Use Teflon
®
tape or approved
pipe sealant on threads and
install new anode rod.
Figure 11:
Anode iodiepletion
Exposed
*--Support
Wire
Anode
Exposed II
Support~l
Wire u
6.
Turn on water supply and open nearby hot water faucet
to purge air from water system. Check for any leaks and
immediately correct any if found.
7. Restart the water heater as directed under the
"Operating Your Water Heater" section. See the "Repair
Parts Illustration" section for anode rod location.
~I-EFLON is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company.
Water Heater Sounds
During the normal operation of the water heater, sounds or
noises may be heard. These noises are common and may
result from the following:
1. Normal expansion and contraction of metal parts
during periods of heat-up and cool-down.
2. Sediment buildup in the tank bottom will create
varying amounts of noise and may cause premature
tank failure. Drain and flush the tank as directed under
the "Draining and Flushing" section.
Stacking
Stacking occurs when a series of short draws of hot water
(3 gallons or less) are taken from the water heater tank.
This causes increased cycling of the heater elements and
can result in increased water temperatures at the hot water
outlet. An anti-scald device is recommended in the hot
water supply line to reduce the risk of scald injury.
11

MAINTENANCE OF YOUR WATER HEATER
Temperature and Pressure
Relief Valve
Explosion Hazard
If the temperature and pressure relief valve
is dripping or leaking, have a qualified
person replace it.
Examples of a qualified person include:
licensed plumbers, authorized gas company
personnel, and authorized service
personnel.
Do not plug valve.
Do not remove valve.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in death or explosion.
Manually operate the temperature and pressure relief valve
at least once a year to make sure it is working properly.
To prevent water
damage, the valve
must be properly
connected to a
discharge line which
terminates at an
adequate drain.
Standing clear of the
outlet (discharged
water may be
hot), slowly lift and
release the lever
handle on the
Figure 12
Temperature and Pressure
Relief Valve
Manual Relief
Discharge line to drain
temperature and pressure relief valve to allow the valve to
operate freely and return to its closed position. If the valve
fails to completely reset and continues to release water,
immediately disconnect the electrical power, close the cold
water inlet valve and call a qualified person.
Draining and Flushing
The water heater should be drained if being shut down
during freezing temperatures. It is recommended that the
tank be drained, and flushed every 6 months to remove
sediment which may buildup during operation. To drain the
tank perform the following steps:
1. Disconnect the electrical power to the water heater.
2.
Open a hot water faucet until water is no longer hot.
3.
Close the cold water inlet valve and open a hot water
faucet.
4. Connect a hose to the drain valve and terminate it to an
adequate drain.
5. Open the water heater drain valve and the nearest
hot water faucet. Allow all the water to drain from the
tank. Flush the tank with water as needed to remove
sediment.
6. Close the drain valve and completely refill the water
heater tank.
7. Reconnect electrical power to the water heater.
If the water heater is going to be shut down for an extended
period, the drain valve should be left open.
Heating Element Replacement
Electric Shock Hazard
Disconnect power before
servicing.
Replace all parts and panels
before operating.
Failure to do so can result in
death or electrical shock.
Replacement heating elements must be of the same style
and voltage/wattage rating as the ones presently in the
water heater. This information can be found on the flange
or terminal block of the element or on the water heater data
plate.
1. Disconnect the electrical power to the water heater.
2.
Drain the water heater as directed in the "Draining
and Flushing" section.
3. Remove the access cover(s). Fold up the insulation
from the heater element(s). Remove the plastic
thermostat cover from the thermostat(s) making sure to
disengage the attachment point from the thermostat.
4. Disconnect the electrical wires from the heating
element(s) by loosening the screws (Figure 13).
Remove the screw-in element(s) by turning the
element(s) counterclockwise with a 1-1/2 inch socket
wrench. Remove the existing gasket(s).
12

Figure 13 Figure 14
Element
Screw-in
Element
Holdir
Spud~
Gasket
/
5. Clean the area where the gasket(s)fits to the tank. If
you are replacing the bottom element, remove the
accumulated sediment on the bottom of the tank.
6.
Make sure the replacement element(s) has the correct
voltage and wattage r, ating by matching it to the rating
plate on the water heater. Position the new gasket(s)
on the element and insert it into the water heater
tank (Figure 14). Tighten the element by turning it
clockwise until secure.
7. Close the drain valve. Open the nearest hot water
faucet and allow the tank to fill completely with water.
12.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
To purge the lines of any excess air and sediment,
keep the hot water faucet open for 3 minutes after a
constant flow of water is obtained.
8. Check for leaks around the element(s).
9. Reconnect the electrical wires to the element and
securely tighten the screws. Replace the plastic
thermostat cover making sure the attachment points
are engaged on the thermostat.
10. Replace the access cover(s).
11. Make certain the tank is filled with water. Applying
electric current to heater elements not submerged in
water will destroy them.
Reconnect electrical power to the water heater.
PROBLEM
NO HOT WATER
INSUFFICIENT HOT WATER
POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)
No power to heater
2. High Temperature Limit Switch open
3. Non-Functioning upper thermostat
1.
Non-Functioning thermostats
2.
Non-Functioning lower element
CORRECTIVE ACTION
1. Turn on electrical switch. Checkfor blown fuses
or tripped breaker
2. Reset. Check for source of trouble and correct
3.
Replace thermostat
1.
Replace thermostats
2. Replace element
3. Improper calibration
4.
Thermostats set too low
5. Sediment or lime in tank
6. Heater too small for job
7. Wrong piping ce[~nections
8. Leaking faucets ....
9. Wasted hot water
10. Long runs of exposed pipe
3. Replace thermostats
4.
Set thermostats to desired temperature
5. Drain. Determine if water treatment is needed
6. Install adequate water heater
7. Correct piping
8. Repair faucets
9. Advise customer
10. Insulate piping
HIGH OPERATION COSTS
11. Hot water piping on outside wall
1. Improper Calibration
2. Thermostats set too high
3. Sediment or lime in tank
4. Heater too small for job
5. Wrong piping connections
6. Leaking faucets
7. Wasted hot water
8. Long runs of exposed piping
9. Hot water piping in exposed wall
Non-Functioning upper element
Non-Functioning lower element
11.
Insulat
e
" piping
1. Replace thermostats
2. Set thermostat to desired setting
3. Drain. Flush-Provide water treatment if needed
4. Install adequate heater
5. Correct piping
6. Repair faucets
7. Advise customer
8. Insulate piping
9. Insulate piping
SLOW HOT WATER 1. 1.
Replace element
RECOVERY 2. 2.
Replace element
DRIP FROM RELIEF VALVE 1. Excessive water pressure 1.
Use Pressure Reducing Valve and Pressure
Relief Valve
2.
Closed system
2.
See "Closed System/Thermal Expansion" section
THERMOSTAT DOES NOT 1.
Non-Functioning thermostats
1.
Replace thermostats
SHUT OFF
2. Improper calibration 2. Replace thermostats
WATER ODOR 1. Sulfides in the water 1. See "Anode Rod/Water Odor" section
13

REPAIR PART ILLUSTRATION
ALTERNATE
T&P
LOCATION
.._-@
REPAIR PARTS
Repair parts may be ordered through your plumber, local
distributor, home improvement center, or by calling
1-877-817-6750. When ordering repair parts always give
the following information:
1. Model, serial and product number
2. Item number
3. Parts description
REPAIR PARTS LIST
ITEM
PARTS DESCRIPTION
NO.
1 ACCESS DOORS
2 THERMOSTAT COVERS (UPPER & LOWER)
3 UPPER THERMOSTAT ¯
4 LOWER TH ERMOSTAT ¯
5
ELEMENT
6 ELEMENT GASKET
7 TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES ¯
8
HEAT TRAPS
9
DIP TUBE
10 HEAT TRAP/DIP TUBE COMBINATION
11
ANODE ROD ¯
12 HEATTRAP/ANODE ROD COMBINATION ¯
13
JUNCTION BOX COVER
14
DRAIN VALVE
LEGEND
¯ Special anode rod (See "Anode Rod/VVater Odor" section)
¯
Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve is required, but may not
be factory installed.
¯ Specify thermostat type when ordering
14

THERMOSTAT WIRING DIAGRAM
ELE~AL
GROUND GROtIND
GR~N9 GROUND
SCREW
BRANCH CIRCUIT SIZING GUIDE
WATT
LOAD
Based on N.E.C. NFPA NO, 70- 1999
Recommend Copper Wire Size
Over Current AWG Based on N.E.C.
Protection Rating Table 310 -16 (60°C)
120 208 240 120 208 240
V V V VVV
1500" 15 15 15 12 14 14
2000 20 15 15 10 14 14
2500 30 15 15
10
14 14
3000 30 20 15 8 12 12
3500 20
20
10 12
4000 25 20 10 10
4500 30 25 10 10
5000 30 " 30 10 10
5500 35 30 8 10
6000 35
30
8 8
9000 50 45 6 6
12000
70 60 3
4
* Wattages less than 1500 may be wired 14 gauge with 15 amp
protection
WHIRLPOOL is a registered trademark of Whirlpool, U.S.A. © 2007 Whirlpool Corporation. All rights reserved.
Manufactured under license by American Water Heater Company, Tennessee.
15