Installa on Instruc ons and Use & Care Guide Residential Electric Water Heater DO NOT RETURN THIS UNIT TO THE STORE Read this manual and the labels on the water heater before you install, operate, or service it. If you have difficulty following the direc ons, or aren’t sure you can safely and properly do any of this work yourself: ENERGY SMART STANDARD VACATION GRID ENABLED F °F/°C • Call our Technical Assistance Hotline at 1-877-817-6750 or visit h p:// www.AOSmithAtLowes.com.
COMPLETED INSTALLATION TYPICAL Water shut off Cold water line Hot water line Expansion tank Smart Port Adapter for home automa on or smart grid connec vity Energy Smart® Module, Electronic Thermostat and Upper Element Electrical junc on box T&P relief valve T&P discharge pipe Lower Element and Thermistor access Drain pan discharge pipe Drain valve Drain pan Leak Detec on Sensor Drain
Read and follow all safety messages and instruc ons in this manual. This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to poten al physical injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible property damage, serious injury or death. Do not remove any permanent instruc ons, labels, or the data plate from either the outside of the water heater or on the inside of the access panels. Keep this manual near the water heater.
SAFETY IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION T o reduce the risk of property damage, serious injury or death, read and follow the precau ons below, all labels on the water heater, and the safety messages and instruc ons throughout this manual.
According to a na onal standard American Society of San ary Engineering (ASSE 1070) and most local plumbing codes, the water heater’s thermostat should not be used as the sole means to regulate water temperature and avoid scalds. Properly adjusted Thermosta c Mixing Valves installed at each point-of-use allow you to set the tank temperature to a higher se ng without increasing risk of scalds.
GETTING STARTED Check with your local and state authori es for any local or state codes that apply to your area. In the absence of local and state codes, follow Na onal Fire Protec on Associa on (NFPA-70) and the current edi ons of the Na onal Electric Code (NEC) and the Internaonal Plumbing Code (IPC). The instruc ons in this manual comply with na onal codes, but the installer is responsible for complying with local codes.
INSTALLATION ✓ Follow these steps for proper installa on: Water pressure increase caused by thermal expansion ✓ Verify that your home is equipped and up-to-date for proper opera on Installing a new water heater is the perfect me to examine your home’s plumbing system and make sure the system is up to current code standards. There have likely been plumbing code changes since the old water heater was installed.
INSTALLATION INSTALLATION BACKGROUND: Water expands when heated, and the increased volume of water must have a place to go, or thermal expansion will cause large increases in water pressure (despite the use of a Pressure Reducing Valve on the home’s main water supply line). The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 requires the use of backflow preventers and check valves to restrict water from your home reentering the public water system.
5 Verify that the loca on is appropriate Vehicle Stop 1 2 The loca on has adequate space (clearances) for periodic servicing. 3 The floor can support the weight of a full water heater. Your area is not prone to earthquakes. If it is, use special straps as required by local building codes. 4 NOTICE: The state of California requires bracing, anchoring, or strapping the water heater to avoid its moving during an earthquake. Contact local u li es for code requirements in your area, visit h p://www.dsa.
INSTALLATION 7 Turn the cold water supply valve OFF. 8 Open the drain valve on the water heater. wrenches. If you must cut the water pipes, cut the pipes close to the water heater’s inlet and outlet connec ons, leaving the water pipes as long as possible. If necessary, you can make them shorter later when you install the new water heater. 12 Remove the old water heater. WARNING! Use two or more people to remove or install water heater. Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.
DO NOT CONNECT ELECTRICAL WIRING UNTIL YOU ARE INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. NOTICE: Connec ng electrical power to the tank before it is completely full of water (water must run FULL STREAM from a hot water tap for a full three minutes) may cause the upper hea ng element to burn out. • The discharge pipe must withstand 250°F (121°C) without distor on. Use only copper or CPVC pipe. Do not use any other type of pipe, such as PVC, iron, flexible plas c pipe, or any type of hose.
INSTALLATION Step 6: Install shutoff and tempering valves If one is not already installed, install a manual shutoff valve in the cold water line that supplies the water heater. Install the shutoff valve near the water heater so that it is readily accessible. Only use valves that are compa ble with potable water. Use only full-flow ball or gate valves. Other types of valves may cause excessive restric on to the water flow.
NOTICE: Most water heater models contain energy saving heat traps in the inlet and outlet connec ons to avoid the circula on of hot water within the pipes during standby. Do not remove the heat traps. Connect the hot water supply using 3/4 inch NPT to the fi ng marked “H” (HOT). Follow the same connec on guidelines as for the cold water supply. 2 Turn the cold water supply back on. 3 Full-flow ball valve Figure 15 - A Pressure Reducing Valve is required if your home’s water pressure is above 80 psi.
INSTALLATION Step 9: Make electrical connec ons INSTALLATION WARNING! Working on an energized circuit can result in severe injury or death from electrical shock. NOTICE: The tank must be completely empty of air and full of water before connec ng electrical power to avoid “Dry Firing.” Dry Firing may result in the upper element burning out. This is a common installa on mistake.
Step 10: Installing the Leak Detec on Sensor The LDS does not provide protec on against a water leak, it only provides no fica on that water is present in the loca on of the sensor. When a leak is detected the Energy Smart Module will display an error code accompanied by a flashing light and audible signal. If the presence of water is indicated disconnect power to the water heater, turn off the incoming water off and address the source of the leak before returning the unit to service.
INSTALLATION Step 12: Opera on INSTALLATION The water heater is now ready for normal operation. To keep your water heater working safely and efficiently and extend its life, perform maintenance according to the schedule on page 27. Turn the electric power on at the circuit breaker panel, or fuse box. Power to the water heater will allow the water heater to run a system diagnostic. This typically takes eight minutes. Once complete proceed to the next step.
Adjusting the Energy Smart® Module/Operational Modes Water Temperature Adjustment IMPORTANT: Before attempting to adjust the thermostat, read the “Important Safety Information” section on page 4. If the instructions are not clear, contact a qualified service technician. The water temperature can be adjusted from 80° F to 150° F. Use the Up and Down Buttons desired temperature.
INSTALLATION The Electronic Thermostat IMPORTANT: The Energy Smart® Module (ESM) must be removed before a emp ng to access the thermostat. NOTE: For the Electronic Thermostat (ET) changes to remain in effect the Energy Smart® Module (ESM) must not be reconnected, also read the “Water Temperature Regula on” under the “Opera ng Your Water Heater” sec on. If the instruc ons are not clear, contact a qualified service technician. WARNING! Electrical Shock Hazard Do not remove the plas c guard from over wiring.
The electric Smart Grid will enable significant improvements in electric power reliability and quality through reduc on of peak power demand, while providing consumers the knowledge and ability to manage their energy consump on and u lity costs. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), since 1982 the growth in peak electricity demand has exceeded power transmission growth.
DIAGNOSTIC CODE CHART ENERGY SMART® MODULE (ESM) IMPORTANT: Before attempting to adjust the thermostat, read the “Important Safety Information” section page 4. The Electronic Thermostat (ET) is designed so that it may control the water heater without the Energy Smart® Module (ESM) being operated, see page 17. Error Code Alert Icon ALERT If the instructions are not clear, contact a qualified person. LED Figure 26 - ESM Diagnostic Coding (ESM) ERROR CODE No Error Code Displayed INDICATES 1. 2. 3. 4.
E07 INDICATES CORRECTIVE ACTION* Lower thermistor sensor failure. 1. Turn off electrical power at the breaker. 2. Disconnect and reconnect electrical connections at Electronic Thermostat (ET). 3. Check for resistance values of either open or short circuit. If either of these conditions are present, replace lower thermistor sensor. 4. Check for resistance values of either open or short circuit. If either of these conditions are NOT present, replace ET. 5. Turn on electrical power at breaker.
DIAGNOSTIC CODE CHART IMPORTANT: Before attempting to adjust the thermostat, read the “Important Safety Information” section page 4. ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT (ET) Setpoint Knob Diagnostic LED Light The Electronic Thermostat (ET) is designed so that it may control the water heater without the Energy Smart® Module (ESM) being operated, see page 17. If the instructions are not clear, contact a qualified person.
(ET) DIAGNOSTIC LED INDICATES CORRECTIVE ACTION* 7 FLASHES (Red) Lower thermistor sensor failure. 1. Turn off electrical power at the breaker. 2. Disconnect and reconnect electrical connections at Electronic Thermostat (ET). 3. Check for resistance values of either open or short circuit. If either of these conditions are present, replace lower thermistor sensor. 4. Check for resistance values of either open or short circuit. If either of these conditions are NOT present, replace ET. 5.
TROUBLESHOOTING WARNING! Working near an energized circuit can result in severe injury or death from electrical shock. WARNING! When you are finished, be sure all covers are secured to reduce the risk of fire and electric shock. No Hot Water The most likely reasons for an electric water heater to produce NO hot water are: • No electric power—a common problem with new installa ons • Burned out upper element • Tripped Energy Cut Off (red bu on on electronic thermostat) • Iden fy the two power wires.
• Temperature set too low at ESM • Water heater’s capacity too small (or usage too high) • Reversed plumbing connec ons or melted dip tube (usually found soon a er new installa on) • Plumbing leak • Low supply voltage Thermosta c Mixing Valves. If the hot water is simply not warm enough, make sure the faucet you are checking doesn’t have a defec ve Thermosta c Mixing Valve. Many shower controls now have built-in mixing valves.
TROUBLESHOOTING discharge pipe may be due to the tank overhea ng. WARNING! Do not cap or plug the T&P relief valve or discharge pipe, and do not operate the water heater without a func oning T&P Relief Valve - this could cause an explosion. Water pressure too high. High water pressure can cause the T&P Relief Valve to drip. Install a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) on the main cold water supply line. Adjust the PRV to between 50 and 60 psi. TROUBLESHOOTING Thermal Expansion Tank.
MAINTENANCE Rou ne maintenance will help your water heater last longer and work more efficiently. If you can’t perform these rou ne maintenance tasks yourself, contact a qualified person. Water Heater Maintenance A er the first six months, drain and flush the water heater and inspect the anode rod. Depending on the hardness of your water, repeat this process at least annually, or more frequently if needed. From me to me you may need to replace a hea ng element or the electronic thermostat.
MAINTENANCE months of opera on when you drain and flush the tank. Replace the anode rod if it is substan ally worn out or depleted. Therea er, inspect the anode rod annually or more frequently if needed. If you use a water so ener, your anode rod will deplete faster than normal. Inspect the anode rod more frequently, replacing the anode rod as needed. Obtain new anode rods from local plumbing supplies stores or have a qualified person replace it.
Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and place the other end of the hose in a drain or outside (or use buckets). Turn OFF the cold water valve that supplies the water heater. Open the drain valve on the water heater. Opening a hot water faucet will help the tank drain faster. 4 Remove the upper ESM or lower access panel on the water heater, and then fold back the insula on and remove the plas c element/thermostat cover. 5 Refill the tank by opening the cold water supply valve.
MAINTENANCE 11 Replace the cover on the electrical junc on box. 12 Restore power to the water heater. It may take two hours for the tank to heat up. T&P Relief Valve Maintenance Figure 42 - Non-Contact Circuit Tester Remove the upper access panel/ESM on the water heater and carefully fold back the insula on and plas c element/ thermostat cover. 3 4 The replacement electronic thermostat should match the original electronic thermostat.
DIAGRAMS Thermostat Wiring Diagram FUSED DISCONNECT OR CIRCUIT BREAKER ON JUNCTION BOX COVER SMART GRID WIRE HARNESS RED GREEN BLACK RED BLACK L1 BRANCH CIRCUIT SIZING GUIDE L3 Based on N.E.C. NFPA NO. 70 - 1999 Copper Wire Size Recommend AWG Based on Over Current WATT N.E.C.
REPAIR PARTS Repair Part Illustra on 14 10 9 11 13 4 3 2 8 1 3 12 6 7 5 15 Repair Parts Repair parts may be ordered through your plumber, local distributor, home improvement center, or by calling Technical Assistance Hotline which is listed on the water heater’s warranty sheet. When ordering repair parts, always give the following information: 1. Model, serial and product number 2. Item number 3. Parts description REPAIR PARTS Repair Parts List Legend PARTS DESCRIPTION ITEM No.
