Use and Care Manual

ahl-647 Revision Date 7.12.23
8
D. Insulation Blankets
Insulation blankets for external use on electric water heaters are not
necessary with this water heater. An insulation blanket is meant to
reduce the standby heat loss encountered with storage tank heaters.
This water heater meets or exceeds National Appliance Energy
Conservation Act standards with respect to insulation and energy
factor requirements, thus making an insulation blanket unnecessary.
The manufacturer’s warranty does not cover any damages or defects
caused by the installation, attachment, or use of any type of energy
saving or other unapproved devices (other than those authorized
by the manufacturer) into, onto, or in conjunction with the water
heater. The use of unauthorized energy saving devices may shorten
the life of the water heater and endanger life and property. The
manufacturer disclaims any responsibility for any losses or injuries
resulting from the use of such unauthorized devices.
If local codes require external application of insulation blanket
kits, the manufacturer’s instructions included with the kit must be
carefully followed.
In addition, pay careful attention to the following so as not to
restrict the proper function and operation of the water heater:
• Do not cover the operating or warning labels attached to
the water heater or attempt to locate them on the exterior
of the insulation blanket.
• Do not apply insulation to the top of the water heater. This
could interfere with the safe operation of the electrical
junction box.
• Do not cover the jacket access panel(s) to the thermostat(s)
and heating element(s) or T&P valve.
• Inspect the insulation blanket frequently.
Failure to follow these instructions could result in property
damage, severe personal injury, or death.
E. Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
For protection against excessive pressures and temperatures in this
water heater, install temperature and pressure protective equipment
as required by local codes, but not less than a combination T&P
valve meeting the requirements for Relief Valves and Automatic Gas
Shuto Devices for Hot Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22B / CSA 4.4-
M99 by a nationally recognized testing laboratory that maintains
periodic inspection of production listed equipment and materials.
This valve must be marked with a maximum set pressure not to
exceed the marked maximum working pressure of the water heater.
Install the T&P valve into the opening provided and marked for this
purpose on the water heater. The T&P valve must be plumbed down
so discharge can exit at least 6” above the structural oor. The relief
line cannot be in contact with any live electrical parts.
A. Plumbing
It is mandatory that all plumbing be done in accordance with federal,
local, and state plumbing codes and practices. Failure to properly
install the water heater WILL VOID the warranty. It is also necessary
to use both thread tape and pipe dope on all mechanical plumbing
connections.
Install unions on the hot and cold water connections to easily
disconnect the water heater for servicing.
Part 3 - Piping
1. Install a shut-o valve on the inlet connection on the top of the
heater. Connect the cold water supply line to the shut-o valve. Refer
to piping Applications, this manual.
2. Connect the hot water line to the connection marked “HOT” on the
top of the water heater.
Failure of electric elements due to lime scale build-up on the heating
surface, low pH, or other imbalance IS NOT covered by the warranty.
B. Thermal Expansion
A check valve may be installed in the cold water inlet line as a separate
backow preventer, or may be part of a pressure reducing valve, water
meter, or water softener. An “open water system” refers to a system
without a check valve. A “closed water system” refers to a system with
a check valve installed in the cold water inlet line.
As water is heated, it expands in volume and increases pressure within
the water system. This action is referred to as “thermal expansion”. In
an open water system, expanding water which exceeds the capacity
of the system ows back into the city main where pressure is easily
dissipated.
A closed water system prevents expanding water from owing back
to the city main. The resulting thermal expansion can rapidly increase
pressure in the water heater and system piping. This rapid pressure
increase can exceed the setting of the pressure relief valve, causing it to
operate during each heating cycle, resulting in discharge from the T&P.
This rapid and repeated expansion and contraction of components
in the system can cause premature failure of system components,
including the relief valve and possibly the water heater. Replacing the
relief valve will not correct thermal expansion.
A potable hot water expansion tank is required to oset thermal
expansion. Expansion tanks are designed with an air cushion built in
that compresses as system pressure increases, thereby relieving the
overpressure condition and eliminating repeated operation of the
relief valve. This expansion tank should be installed in the cold water
line between the water heater and check valve, and must be sized for
the entire water volume of the hot water system.
C. Condensation
Condensation can form on the water heater when it is rst lled with
water, and may also occur with a heavy water draw and very cold inlet
water temperature. This condition is not unusual and will disappear
as the water becomes heated. However, if the condensation should
continue, examine the piping and ttings for possible leaks.
See piping Applications.
Other methods of controlling thermal expansion are available.
Check with the local water utility to determine if a check
valve exists in the cold water inlet line. Contact your installing
contractor, water supplier, or plumbing inspector for additional
information regarding thermal expansion.
Dielectric unions or galvanized steel ttings must not be used in a
system with this water heater. Doing so WILL VOID the warranty. It
is recommended to use only copper, brass, or stainless steel ttings.
Teon thread sealant must be used on all connections.
Do not apply heat to the Hot or Cold water heater connections. If
sweat connections are used, sweat tubing to the adapter before
tting adapter to the water connections on the heater. Any heat
applied to the water heater connections will permanently damage
the dip tube and/or heat traps. Damages due to improper installation
practices ARE NOT covered by warranty.
Do not disturb the factory seal on the water heater connections! Use
two wrenches when tightening or loosening the piping, valve, or
adapters at the water heater. One to secure the water heater tting,
the other to tighten or loosen connections to the water heater. DO
NOT over-tighten!