Installation Instructions and Use & Care Guide Residential Electric Water Heater Read this manual and the labels on the water heater before you install, operate, or service it. If you have difficulty following the directions, or aren’t sure you can safely and properly do any of this work yourself: • Call your local plumbing supplies store to have this water heater installed. Professional Installation is available for this product and the work is guaranteed.
COMPLETED INSTALLATION (TYPICAL) Water shut off Cold water line Hot water line Expansion tank Electrical junction box Electronic Thermostat and Upper Element access T&P relief valve T&P discharge pipe Lower Element and Thermostat access Drain pan discharge pipe Drain valve Drain pan Drain
Read and follow all safety messages and instructions in this manual. This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential 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 instructions, 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 precautions below, all labels on the water heater, and the safety messages and instructions throughout this manual.
According to a national standard American Society of Santiary 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 Thermostatic Mixing Valves installed at each point-of-use allow you to set the tank temperature to a higher setting without increasing risk of scalds.
GETTING STARTED Review all of the instructions before you begin work. If you aren’t sure that you can safely and properly do this work yourself, call your local hardware store to arrange for Professional Installation (you may also call a qualified person of your choice, such as a licensed plumber or electrician, to have the work done). Improper installation can damage the water heater, your home and other property, and can present risks of serious injury or death.
INSTALLATION ✓ Water pressure increase caused by thermal expansion Step 1: ✓ Verify that your home is equipped and up-to-date for proper operation Installing a new water heater is the perfect time 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 The location is not prone to physical damage by vehicles, flooding, or other risks. Before installing your water heater, ensure that: The water heater will be: • Installed indoors close to the center of the plumbing system. • In a suitable drain pan piped to an adequate floor drain or external to the building (See page 8, figure 6).
INSTALLATION tank to drain, contact a qualified person.) 7 Turn the cold water supply valve OFF. 8 Open the drain valve on the water heater. Disconnect the water pipes. Many water pipes are connected by a threaded union which can be disconnected with wrenches. If you must cut the water pipes, cut the pipes close to the water heater’s inlet and outlet connections, leaving the water pipes as long as possible. If necessary, you can make them shorter later when you install the new water heater.
DO NOT CONNECT ELECTRICAL WIRING UNTIL YOU ARE INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. NOTICE: Connecting 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) will cause the upper heating element to burn out. • The discharge pipe must withstand 250°F (121°C) without distortion. Use only copper or CPVC pipe. Do not use any other type of pipe, such as PVC, iron, flexible plastic 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 compatible with potable water. Use only full-flow ball or gate valves. Other types of valves may cause excessive restriction to the water flow.
NOTICE: Most water heater models contain energy saving heat traps in the inlet and outlet connections to avoid the circulation of hot water within the pipes. Do not remove the heat traps. 2 Connect the hot water supply using 3/4 inch NPT to the fitting marked “H” (HOT). Follow the same connection guidelines as for the cold water supply. Turn the cold water supply back on. 3 4 A Pressure Reducing Valve is required if your home’s water pressure is above 80 psi.
INSTALLATION Step 9: Make electrical connections 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 connecting electrical power to avoid “Dry Firing.” Dry Firing may result in the upper element burning out. This is a common installation mistake.
WARNING! Be sure panels are secured to reduce the risk of fire and electric shock. Replace the junction box cover and secure with the screws provided. WARNING! Be sure cover is secured to reduce the risk of fire and electric shock. 2 With the installation steps completed, you may adjust the water heater’s temperature setting if desired. Set the thermostat(s) to desired temperature. The thermostat(s) on this water heater have been factory set to approximately 120°F to reduce the risk of scald injury.
INSTALLATION Step 11: Operation 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 25. Vacation To save energy, lower the temperature setting on the thermostat(s) if you plan to be gone for an extended time.
INSTALLATION IMPORTANT: The Grid Communication Adaptor must be removed before attempting to access the thermostat. NOTE: for the Electronic Thermostat (ET) changes to remain in effect the Grid Communication Adaptor must not be reconnected, also read the “Risks During Operation” under the “Important Safety Information” section. If the instructions are not clear, contact a qualified service technician.
Smart Grid Technology INSTALLATION The electric Smart Grid will enable significant improvements in electric power reliability and quality through reduction of peak power demand, while providing consumers the knowledge and ability to manage their energy consumption and utility costs. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), since 1982 the growth in peak electricity demand has exceeded power transmission growth.
DIAGNOSTIC CODE CHART Setpoint Knob Diagnostic LED Light The Electronic Thermostat (ET) is designed so that it may control the water heater without the Grid Communication Adaptor being operated, see page 17. If the instructions are not clear, contact a qualified service technician. (ET) DIAGNOSTIC LED WARNING! Electrical Shock Hazard Do not remove the plastic guard from over wiring. Do not touch electrical wiring. Failure to do so can result in death or electrical shock.
(ET) DIAGNOSTIC LED 9, 10, 11 or 12 FLASHES (Red) INDICATES Electronic Thermostat (ET) error CORRECTIVE ACTION* 1. 2. 3. 4. Turn off electrical power. Check wiring at Electronic Thermostat (ET) for damage. Turn on electrical power at breaker. If this code flashes condition continues, replace the Electronic Thermostat (ET). *These instructions are brief and intended as guidance for a qualified person.
TROUBLESHOOTING WARNING! Working near an energized circuit can result in severe injury or death from electrical shock. • Locate the electrical junction box on top of the water heater and remove the cover. WARNING! When you are finished, be sure all covers are secured to reduce the risk of fire and electric shock. • Identify the two power wires. The power wires are usually black/black or black/red—the green or copper wire is the ground wire.
5 Check/Reset Energy Cut Off (ECO) Button. THERMINALS “1” and “3” Energy Cut Off (ECO) button TROUBLESHOOTING The Energy Cut Off (ECO) shuts off power to the water heater’s elements if the temperature of the water in the tank gets too hot. If the ECO has tripped, you’ll have no hot water. A tripped ECO can usually be reset, but you should have a qualified person investigate the cause of the overheating and repair the problem.
TROUBLESHOOTING Temperature Too High If the water temperature is too hot: • I nstall or adjust the Thermostatic Mixing Valves for each point-of-use (see manufacturer’s instructions), or •A djust the thermostat(s) on the water heater (see Step 10 in the installation section of this manual). A nonfunctioning thermostat or a shorted heating element can cause extremely hot water.
MAINTENANCE Routine Maintenance Routine maintenance will help your water heater last longer and work more efficiently. If you can’t perform these routine maintenance tasks yourself, contact a qualified person. Water Heater Maintenance After 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 time to time you may need to replace a heating element or a thermostat.
MAINTENANCE flush the tank. Replace the anode rod if it is substantially worn out or depleted. Thereafter, inspect the anode rod annually or more frequently if needed. If you use a water softener, 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 your local hardware stores or have a qualified person replace it. (Anode rods are a consumable item and are not covered under warranty).
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 or lower access panel on the water heater, and then fold back the insulation and remove the plastic element/thermostat cover.
MAINTENANCE 11 Replace the cover on the electrical junction box. 12 Restore power to the water heater. It may take two hours for the tank to heat up. T&P Relief Valve Maintenance Remove the upper or lower access panel on the water heater and carefully fold back the insulation and plastic element/ thermostat cover. 3 4 Make sure the replacement thermostat matches the original thermostat. 5 Mark the wires with tape so you’ll know how to put them back on.
NOTES NOTES 28 • Residential Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide
NOTES NOTES Residential Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 29
DIAGRAMS Thermostat Wiring Diagram FUSED DISCONNECT OR CIRCUIT BREAKER ON JUNCTION BOX COVER BLACK RED L1 BLACK - 4 WIRES RED GREEN BLACK SMART GRID WIRE HARNESS L3 ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT (ET) L4 T2 BLUE YELLOW UPPER ELEMENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR BLACK - 2 WIRES T4 BRANCH CIRCUIT SIZING GUIDE 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 Illustration 14 15 10 9 11 16 13 4 3 2 8 1 3 12 6 7 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: PARTS DESCRIPTION ITEM No. 1 ACCESS DOOR 2 UPPER ELEMENT 3 ELEMENT GASKET 4 ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT (ET) 5 ACCESS DOOR 6 LOWER ELEMENT 1.
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