Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions Electric Domestic Water Heater This water heater must be installed and serviced by a qualified person. Please leave this guide with the householder.
PATENTS This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs in the name of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd. TRADEMARKS ® Registered trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd. TM Trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd. Note: Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy in preparation of this publication. No liability can be accepted for any consequences, which may arise as a result of its application.
CONTENTS HOUSEHOLDER - We recommend you read pages 4 to 19. The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest About Your Water Heater ............................................................4 Maintenance Requirements ......................................................10 Water Supplies ...........................................................................13 Save A Service Call ...................................................................17 Installation ................
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER WATER HEATER APPLICATION This water heater is designed for use in a single family domestic dwelling for the purpose of heating potable water. Its use in an application other than this may shorten its life. MAINS PRESSURE The water heater is designed to operate at mains pressure by connecting directly to the mains water supply. If the mains supply pressure in your area exceeds that shown on page 22, a pressure limiting valve must be fitted.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER HOTTER WATER INCREASES THE RISK OF SCALD INJURY This water heater can deliver water at temperatures which can cause scalding. Check the water temperature before use, such as when entering a shower or filling a bath or basin, to ensure it is suitable for the application and will not cause scald injury.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER SAFETY This water heater is supplied with a thermostat, an over-temperature cut-out and a combination temperature pressure relief valve. These devices must not be tampered with or removed. The water heater must not be operated unless each of these devices is fitted and is in working order. The operation of the over-temperature cut-out on the thermostat indicates a possibly dangerous situation.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER SINGLE ELEMENT MODEL This type of water heater has one heating unit with its own thermostat, located at the base of the water heater. Continuous electricity supply This type of connection is suited to where the storage capacity is less than the normal daily usage. Off-Peak electricity supply This type of connection will only allow heating to occur during set hours. A volume of water sufficient for the day’s total use is heated and stored.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER TO TURN OFF THE WATER HEATER If you plan to be away from home for only a few nights, we suggest you leave the water heater switched on. If it is necessary to turn off the water heater: Switch off the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the water heater. Close the cold water isolation valve at the inlet to the water heater. TO TURN ON THE WATER HEATER Open the cold water isolation valve fully on the cold water line to the water heater.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER DOES THE WATER CHEMISTRY AFFECT THE WATER HEATER? The water heater is suitable for most public water supplies, however some water chemistries may have detrimental effects on the water heater, its components and fittings. Refer to “Water Supplies” on page 13. If you are in a known harsh water area or you are not sure of your water chemistry, have your water checked against the conditions described on pages 13 to 16.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS MAJOR SERVICE EVERY FIVE YEARS Warning: Servicing of a water heater must only be carried out by qualified personnel. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent. Note: The five (5) year service and routine replacement of any components, such as the anode and relief valve(s), are not included in the Rheem warranty. A charge will be made for this work. Only genuine replacement parts should be used on this water heater.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS MINOR MAINTENANCE EVERY SIX MONTHS Minor maintenance can be performed by the dwelling occupant. The minor maintenance includes: Operate the easing lever on the temperature pressure relief valve. It is very important you raise and lower the lever gently. Refer to “Temperature Pressure Relief Valve” on page 12. Warning: Exercise care to avoid any splashing of water, as water discharged from the drain line will be hot.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS TEMPERATURE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE This valve is near the top of the water heater and is essential for its safe operation. It is possible for the valve to release a little water through the drain line during each heating period. This occurs as the water is heated and expands by approximately 1/50 of its volume. Continuous leakage of water from the valve and its drain line may indicate a problem with the water heater (refer to “Temperature Pressure Relief Valve Running” on page 18).
WATER SUPPLIES This water heater must be installed in accordance with this advice to be covered by the Rheem warranty. This water heater is manufactured to suit the water conditions of most public reticulated water supplies. However, there are some known water chemistries which can have detrimental effects on the water heater and its operation and / or life expectancy. If you are unsure of your water chemistry, you may be able to obtain information from your local water supply authority.
WATER SUPPLIES 0 40 0 (60) 150 (215) 400 (570) 600 (860) TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS) mg/L (CONDUCTIVITY - μS/cm) 2500 (3570) Green Black Blue Warranty applies to a vitreous-enamel-lined water heater cylinder if the correct coloured anode is used for the TDS of the water Blue Above 2500 mg/L, no warranty applies to a vitreous-enamel-lined water heater cylinder ANODE SELECTION ANODE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT The anode installed in your water heater will slowly dissipate whilst protecting the cyli
WATER SUPPLIES SATURATION INDEX The saturation index is used as a measure of the water’s corrosive or scaling properties. The saturation index figures stated are calculated using a water temperature of 80°C. In a corrosive water supply, the water can attack copper parts and cause them to fail. Where the saturation index is less than –1.0, the water is very corrosive and the Rheem warranty does not apply to a copper sheathed heating unit.
WATER SUPPLIES CHANGE OF WATER SUPPLY The changing or alternating from one water supply to another can have a detrimental effect on the operation and / or life expectation of a water heater cylinder, a temperature pressure relief valve and a heating unit. Where there is a changeover from one water supply to another, e.g.
SAVE A SERVICE CALL Check the items below before making a service call. You will be charged for attending to any condition or fault that is not related to the manufacture or failure of a part. NOT ENOUGH HOT WATER (OR NO HOT WATER) Is the electricity switched on? Inspect the isolating switch marked “HOT WATER” or “WATER HEATER” at the switchboard and the isolating switch (if one is installed) near the water heater and ensure they are turned on.
SAVE A SERVICE CALL TEMPERATURE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE RUNNING Normal Operation It is normal and desirable that this valve allows a small quantity of water to escape during the heating cycle. However, if it discharges more than a bucket full of water in 24 hours, there may be another problem. Continuous dribble Try gently raising the easing lever on the relief valve for a few seconds (refer to “Temperature Pressure Relief Valve” on page 12).
SAVE A SERVICE CALL HIGHER THAN EXPECTED ELECTRICITY BILLS Should you at any time, feel your electricity bill is higher than expected, we suggest you check the following points: Is the relief valve running excessively? Refer to “Temperature Pressure Relief Valve Running” on page 18. Is one outlet (especially the shower) using more hot water than you think? Refer to “Not Enough Hot Water” on page 17.
INSTALLATION THIS WATER HEATER IS NOT SUITABLE FOR POOL HEATING INSTALLATION STANDARDS The water heater must be installed: by a qualified person, and in accordance with the installation instructions, and in compliance with Standards AS/NZS 3500.4, AS/NZS 3000 and all local codes and regulatory authority requirements. In New Zealand the installation must also conform to the New Zealand Building Code. All packaging materials must be removed from the water heater prior to its installation.
INSTALLATION You must be able to read the information on the rating plate. If possible leave headroom of one water heater height so the anode can be inspected or replaced. Remember you may have to take the entire water heater out later for servicing. The water heater is to be installed at ground or floor level and must stand vertically upright on a stable base as acceptable to local authorities.
INSTALLATION MAINS WATER SUPPLY Where the mains water supply pressure exceeds that shown in the table below, an approved pressure limiting valve is required and should be fitted as shown in the cold water connection diagram on page 29. Model 250 to 400 Temp press relief valve setting 1000 kPa Expansion control valve setting* 850 kPa Max.
INSTALLATION HOT WATER DELIVERY This water heater can deliver water at temperatures which can cause scalding. It is necessary and we recommend that a temperature limiting device be fitted between a Rheem 49 series water heater and the hot water outlets in any ablution area such as a bathroom or ensuite, to reduce the risk of scalding. The installing plumber may have a legal obligation to ensure the installation of this water heater meets the delivery water temperature requirements of AS/NZS 3500.
INSTALLATION CIRCULATED HOT WATER FLOW AND RETURN SYSTEM If a Rheem electric water heater is to be installed as part of a circulated hot water flow and return system, it must be able to provide a hot water outlet temperature of at least 60°C. Note: The thermostat must always be set to at least 60°C. Refer to the Circulated Hot Water Flow and Return – Continuous Electric Water Heater diagram on page 24.
INSTALLATION Off-Peak or Time Controlled Electricity Supply A single or twin element electric water heater connected to an Off-Peak electricity supply should not be installed as part of a circulated hot water flow and return system in a building. The benefits of the Off-Peak electricity supply will be significantly reduced.
INSTALLATION ANODE The vitreous enamel lined cylinder of the water heater is only covered by the Rheem warranty when the total dissolved solids (TDS) content in the water is less than 2500 mg/L and when the correct colour coded anode is used. If an incorrect colour coded anode is used in the water heater, any resultant faults will not be covered by the Rheem warranty. In addition, the use of an incorrect colour coded anode may shorten the life of the water heater cylinder.
INSTALLATION TYPICAL INSTALLATION – OUTDOOR LOCATION TYPICAL INSTALLATION – INDOOR LOCATION 27
INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS AND TECHNICAL DATA – RHEEM 49 SERIES 250 TO 400 Single Element Twin Element DH DH 491250 492250 491315 492315 491400 492400 Hot Water Delivery Litres 250 315 400 Boost Capacity Litres 50 50 90 A mm 1395 1640 1840 B mm 640 640 690 C mm 680 680 730 D mm 1117 1317 1479 E mm 73 113 121 Dimensions F mm 103 103 105 G mm 988 1228 1323 H deg 32 32 30 J deg 88 88 83 M TPR Valve Setting Approx.
CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING All plumbing work must be carried out by a qualified person and in accordance with the Standard AS/NZS 3500.4 and all local codes and regulatory authority requirements. In New Zealand the installation must also conform to the New Zealand Building Code.
CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING LEFT AND RIGHT HAND SIDE WATER CONNECTIONS The cold and hot water supplies can be connected to either side of a water heater with both left and right hand side connections. A kit is supplied with the water heater to plug off the unused cold water and hot water fittings.
CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING PIPE SIZES To achieve true mains pressure operation, the cold water line to the water heater should be the same size or bigger than the hot water line from the water heater. The pipe sizing for hot water supply systems should be carried out by persons competent to do so, choosing the most suitable pipe size for each individual application. Reference to the technical specifications of the water heater and local regulatory authority requirements must be made.
CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE Local regulations may make it mandatory to install an expansion control valve (ECV) in the cold water line to the water heater. In other areas, an ECV is required if the saturation index is greater than +0.4 (refer to “Water Supplies” on page 13). The expansion control valve must always be installed after the non-return valve and be the last valve installed prior to the water heater (refer to the cold water connection diagram on page 29).
CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING If a drain line discharges into a tundish, the drain line from the tundish must be not less than DN20. The drain line from a tundish must meet the same requirements as for a drain line from a relief valve. Warning: As the function of the temperature pressure relief valve on this water heater is to discharge high temperature water under certain conditions, it is strongly recommended the pipe work downstream of the relief valve be capable of carrying water exceeding 93°C.
CONNECTIONS – ELECTRICAL The power supply to the water heater must not be switched on until the water heater is filled with water and a satisfactory megger reading is obtained. All electrical work and permanent wiring must be carried out by a qualified person and in accordance with the Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000 and all local codes and regulatory authority requirements.
CONNECTIONS – ELECTRICAL WIRING DIAGRAM TWIN ELEMENT ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS NON-SIMULTANEOUS OPERATION OFF-PEAK CONNECTION Top thermostat – fixed setting Bottom thermostat – tradesperson adjustable 60°C. min 60°C, max 70°C. Electrical Circuit for Twin Element Models – Robertshaw “ST” Thermostats The active from the continuous supply must be connected to the top heating unit circuit and the active from the Off-Peak or time controlled supply must be connected to the bottom heating unit circuit.
COMMISSIONING TO FILL AND TURN ON THE WATER HEATER The power supply to the water heater must not be switched on until the water heater is filled with water and a satisfactory megger reading is obtained. Open all of the hot water taps in the house (don’t forget the shower). Open the cold water isolation valve fully on the cold water line to the water heater. Air will be forced out of the taps. Close each tap as water flows freely from it. Check the pipe work for leaks.
DRAINING THE WATER HEATER Warning: Exercise care, as water discharged from the water heater may be of a very high temperature. To drain the water heater: Turn off the water heater (refer to “To Turn Off The Water Heater” on page 36). Close all hot water taps. Operate the relief valve release lever - do not let the lever snap back or you will damage the valve seat. Operating the lever will release the pressure in the water heater.
RHEEM ELECTRIC DOMESTIC MAINS PRESSURE WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS 491, 492 SERIES 1. THE RHEEM WARRANTY – GENERAL 1.1 This warranty is given by Rheem Australia Pty Limited ABN 21 098 823 511 of 1 Alan Street, Rydalmere New South Wales. 1.2 Rheem offer a trained and qualified national service network who will repair or replace components at the address of the water heater subject to the terms of the Rheem warranty.
RHEEM ELECTRIC DOMESTIC MAINS PRESSURE WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY c) Installation not in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions or with relevant statutory and local requirements in the State or Territory in which the water heater is installed. d) Connection at any time to a water supply that does not comply with the water supply guidelines as outlined in the Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions.
RHEEM ELECTRIC DOMESTIC MAINS PRESSURE WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS 491, 492 SERIES 4. ENTITLEMENT TO MAKE A CLAIM UNDER THIS WARRANTY 4.1 To be entitled to make a claim under this warranty you need to: a) Be the owner of the water heater or have consent of the owner to act on their behalf. b) Contact Rheem Service without undue delay after detection of the defect and, in any event, within the applicable warranty period. 4.
