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 This booklet contains important information about your new water heater, including terms of the Rheem warranty. We recommend you read pages 8 to 24, and the terms of the Rheem warranty on pages 4 to 7. The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest. Warranty .......................................................................................4 About Your Water Heater ............................................................8 Maintenance Requirements ......
RHEEM ELECTRIC DOMESTIC MAINS PRESSURE WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS 421, 491, 492 SERIES 080-400 MODELS 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 ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS 421, 491, 492 SERIES 080-400 MODELS 2.
RHEEM ELECTRIC DOMESTIC MAINS PRESSURE WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS 421, 491, 492 SERIES 080-400 MODELS 2.
RHEEM ELECTRIC DOMESTIC MAINS PRESSURE WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS 421, 491, 492 SERIES 080-400 MODELS 4. ENTITLEMENT TO MAKE A CLAIM UNDER THIS WARRANTY 4.1 4.2 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.
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. MODEL TYPE The Rheemglas® 49 series or RheemPlusTM 421 series water heater you have chosen is suitable for either indoor or outdoor installation.
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. In addition, a RheemPlus water heater has a temperature limiting 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 PRECAUTIONS Where damage to property can occur in the event of the water heater leaking, the water heater must be installed in a safe tray. Construction, installation and draining of a safe tray must comply with AS/NZS 3500.4 and all local codes and regulatory authority requirements. The water heater must be maintained in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER HOW DO I KNOW IF THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY? Installation requirements are shown on pages 25 to 32. 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. VICTORIAN CUSTOMERS Notice to Victorian Customers from the Victorian Plumbing Industry Commission.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS MAJOR SERVICE EVERY SIX YEARS It is recommended a major service be conducted on the water heater every six (6) 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 major 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.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS MINOR MAINTENANCE EVERY SIX MONTHS It is recommended minor maintenance be performed every six (6) 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 16.
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 23).
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS TEMPERATURE LIMITING VALVE A RheemPlus water heater is fitted with a temperature limiting valve at the hot water outlet. The valve is set to deliver water not exceeding 50°C. The valve should be checked for performance at least every twelve (12) months. This can be performed by measuring the water temperature from the hot tap nearest to the water heater with a thermometer.
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 40 (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 vitreousenamel-lined water heater cylinder ANODE SELECTION ANODE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT The anode installed in your water heater will slowly dissipate whilst protecting the cylinder.
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 Water heater size Do you have the correct size water heater for your requirements? The sizing guide in the Rheem sales literature and on the Rheem website (www.rheem.com.au) suggests average sizes that may be needed. WATER TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH A RheemPlus water heater is fitted with a temperature limiting valve set to deliver water not exceeding 50°C.
SAVE A SERVICE CALL EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE RUNNING If an expansion control valve is fitted in the cold water line to the water heater (refer to the cold water connection diagram on page 36) it may discharge a small quantity of water instead of the temperature pressure relief valve on the water heater. The benefit is that energy is conserved as the discharged water is cooler.
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. 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 TANK WATER SUPPLY If the water heater is supplied with water from a tank supply and a pressure pump system is not installed, then the bottom of the supply tank must be at least 1 m above the highest point of the hot water plumbing system, including the water heater. Care must be taken to avoid air locks. The cold water line to the water heater should be adequately sized and fitted with a full flow gate valve or ball valve.
INSTALLATION A RheemPlus water heater will not deliver temperatures exceeding 50°C, in accordance with AS 3498. There is no need to fit a temperature limiting device to satisfy the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4, if a RheemPlus water heater is installed in an application where 50°C is the maximum permissible hot water temperature at the outlet of a sanitary fixture used primarily for personal hygiene purposes.
INSTALLATION CIRCULATED HOT WATER FLOW AND RETURN SYSTEM A RheemPlus water heater cannot be installed as part of a circulated hot water flow and return system in a building. 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.
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. If a circulated flow and return system is required, it is necessary to install a secondary water heater supplied from the Off-Peak electric water heater.
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 32
INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS AND TECHNICAL DATA – RHEEMGLAS 49 SERIES 080 TO 160 Note: 491, 492160 models have the TPR valve fitting on the left hand side only. Rheemglas Single Element Rheemglas Twin Element Hot Water Delivery Boost Capacity Dimensions Approx.
INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS AND TECHNICAL DATA – RHEEMGLAS 49 SERIES 250 TO 400 Rheemglas Single Element Rheemglas 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 1396 1640 1840 B mm 640 640 690 C mm 680 680 730 D mm 1109 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.
INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS AND TECHNICAL DATA – RHEEMPLUS 421 SERIES 125 TO 315 RheemPlus Single Element Hot Water Delivery Dimensions 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. CONNECTION SIZES Hot water connection: Rheemglas 49 series Rp 3/4 RheemPlus 421 series G 3/4 B Cold water connection: Rp 3/4 G 3/4 B Relief valve connection: Rp 1/2 Rp 1/2 WATER INLET AND OUTLET Rheemglas 49 series 080 to 400 models have dual handed cold and hot water connections.
CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING LEFT AND RIGHT HAND SIDE WATER CONNECTIONS The cold and hot water supplies (49 series 080 to 400 models) and temperature pressure relief valve (49 series 080 and 125 models) can be connected to either side of a water heater. A kit is supplied with the water heater to plug off the unused cold water and hot water fittings, and where applicable the unused temperature pressure relief valve fitting.
CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING PIPE SIZES This water heater is intended to be permanently connected to the water mains and not connected by a hose-set. A braided flexible hose or semi-flexible connector may be used for connection to the water heater, where permitted by AS/NZS 3500.4. 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.
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 18). 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 36).
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 For reasons of safety and economy, we advise the thermostat be set at the lowest temperature that will provide sufficient hot water. Dishwasher running costs can be adversely affected if the thermostat is set below 65°C. Discuss the thermostat setting requirements with the householder. WIRING DIAGRAM TWIN ELEMENT ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS NON-SIMULTANEOUS OPERATION OFF-PEAK CONNECTION Top thermostat – fixed setting Bottom thermostat – tradesperson adjustable 60°C.
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.
COMMISSIONING OUTLET TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION ADJUSTMENT – RHEEMPLUS The maximum outlet temperature of a RheemPlus water heater may be adjusted to compensate for temperature losses in the pipe work between the water heater outlet and sanitary fixtures. Warning: After adjustment of the temperature limiting valve, the water temperature MUST NOT exceed 50°C from the first tap in the hot water pipe work after the water heater used for personal hygiene purposes, such as in a bathroom or ensuite.
COMMISSIONING Using a thermometer, measure the temperature of the water from the tap, until the temperature stops increasing. If the water temperature is below 50°C the maximum outlet temperature of the water heater can be adjusted upwards. Turn the adjusting knob on the temperature limiting valve counter-clockwise (down away from the water heater), using a 6 mm Allen key.
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 43). 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.
This page is intentionally blank.
Revision Date: 2018 April 122265A 48
