Installation Guide

Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 5
at the hot water tap, then these precau-
 ons are par cularly important.
According to a na onal standard
American Society of San ary Engineer-
ing (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 al-
low you to set the tank temperature to
a higher se ng without increasing risk
of scalds. A higher temperature se ng
allows the tank to provide much more
hot water and can help provide proper
water temperatures for appliances such
as dishwashers and washing machines.
Higher tank temperatures (140°F)
also kill bacteria that cause a condi-
 on known as “smelly water” and can
reduce the levels of bacteria that cause
water-borne diseases.
Water Contamina on Risk
Do not use chemicals that could con-
taminate the potable water supply. Do
not use piping that has been treated
with chromates, boiler seal, or other
chemicals.
Fire Risk
To reduce the risk of a
fire that could destroy
your home and serious-
ly injure or kill people:
• D o not store things that can burn
easily such as paper or clothes next
to the water heater.
• Be sure the junction box cover and
the access door covers are in place.
These covers keep debris from enter-
ing and potentially being ignited,
and help keep any internal fires from
spreading.
• Keep the water heater from becom-
ing wet. Immediately shut the water
heater off and have it inspected by a
qualified person if you find that the
wiring, thermostat(s) or surround-
ing insulation have been exposed to
water in any way (e.g., leaks from
plumbing, leaks from the water heat-
er itself can damage property and
could cause a fire risk). If the water
heater is subjected to flood condi-
tions or the thermostat(s) have been
submerged in water, the entire water
heater must be replaced.
• Make electrical connections properly,
according to the instructions on page
14. Use 10 gauge solid copper wire.
Use a UL listed or CSA approved
strain relief. Connect ground wire to
green ground screw.
Explosion Risk
High temperatures and
pressures in the water
heater tank can cause an
explosion resul ng in property
damage, serious injury or death. A
new Temperature and Pressure (T&P)
Relief Valve is included with your water
heater to reduce risk of explosion by
discharging hot water. Addi onal
temperature and pressure protec ve
equipment may be required by local
codes.
A na onally recognized tes ng labora-
tory maintains periodic inspec on of
the valve produc on process and cer -
fi es that it meets the requirements
for Relief Valves for Hot Water Supply
Systems, ANSI Z21.22. The T&P Relief
Valve’s relief pressure must not exceed
the working pressure ra ng of the wa-
ter heater as stated on the ra ng plate.
Maintain the T&P Relief Valve properly.
Follow the maintenance instructions
provided by the manufacturer of the
T&P Relief Valve (label attached to T&P
Relief Valve). If no label is attached
to the T&P Relief Valve, follow the
instructions in the T&P Relief Valve
Maintenance section of this manual.
An explosion could occur if the T&P
Relief Valve or discharge pipe is
blocked. Do not cap or plug the T&P
Relief Valve or discharge pipe.
Fire and Explosion Risk if Hot Water is
Not Used for Two Weeks or More
C AUTION! Hydrogen gas builds up in
a hot water system when it is not used
for a long period (two weeks or more).
Hydrogen gas is extremely fl ammable.
If the hot water system has not been
used for two weeks or more, open a
hot water faucet for several minutes at
the kitchen sink before using any elec-
trical appliances connected to the hot
water system. Do not smoke or have
an open fl ame or other igni on source
near the faucet while it is open.
SAFETY