Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions Electric Domestic Water Heater This water heater must be installed and serviced by an authorised person. Please leave this guide with the householder.
Notice to Victorian Customers from the Victorian Plumbing Industry Commission. This water heater must be installed by a licensed person as required by the Victorian Building Act 1993. Only a licensed person will give you a Compliance Certificate, showing that the work complies with all the relevant Standards. Only a licensed person will have insurance protecting their workmanship for 6 years. Make sure you use a licensed person to install this water heater and ask for your Compliance Certificate.
CONTENTS HOUSEHOLDER - We recommend you read pages 4 to 17. The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest About Your Water Heater ............................................................ 4 Regular Care ................................................................................ 9 Water Supplies ........................................................................... 11 Save A Service Call ...................................................................
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER MODEL TYPE The Rheem® water heater you have chosen will be either a Rheemglas®, Optima™ or RheemPlus™ model. The Optima model has a temperature adjusting knob on the lower front of the water heater. Rheemglas and Optima models are available with either a single heating unit or with twin heating units and the RheemPlus models are available with a single heating unit only (refer to “Single Element Model” on page 7 and “Twin Element Model” on page 7).
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 A RheemPlus water heater is temperature limited to 50°C at the hot water outlet. Increasing the thermostat setting will not increase the outlet temperature but will provide more hot water capacity. WARNING This water heater is only intended to be operated by persons who have the experience or the knowledge and the capabilities to do so. This water heater is not intended to be operated by persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities i.e. the infirm, or by children.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER SINGLE ELEMENT MODEL This type of water heater has one heating unit with its own thermostat. The heating unit is 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. Unplug the power supply cord from the power outlet (power supply cord model only). Close the cold water isolation valve at the inlet to the water heater.
REGULAR CARE 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 16).
REGULAR CARE 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 every twelve months. This can be performed by measuring the water temperature from a hot tap with a thermometer. If the water is being delivered at a temperature exceeding 50°C, phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
WATER SUPPLIES This water heater must be installed in accordance with this advice to be covered by the 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 TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS & CONDUCTIVITY (vitreous enamel lined water heater cylinder) no warranty applies warranty applies to a vitreous enamel lined water heater cylinder if the correct coloured anode is used for the TDS / conductivity level of water 0 40 150 600 Black Green 0 60 400 215 570 TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS) - mg/L 2500 Blue 860 CONDUCTIVITY - µS/cm to a vitreous enamel lined water heater cylinder Blue 3570 ANODE SELECTION ANODE INSPECTION The anode installed
WATER SUPPLIES SATURATION INDEX The saturation index is used as a measure of the water‟s corrosive or scaling properties. 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 warranty does not apply to a copper sheathed heating unit. A corrosion resistant heating unit must be used for warranty to apply to the 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 page 27) 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 The installation must comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4, AS/NZS 3000 and all local codes and regulatory authority requirements. In New Zealand, the installation must conform with the New Zealand Building Code. All packaging materials must be removed from the water heater prior to its installation. This includes the removal of the cardboard base of the carton from the underside of the water heater.
INSTALLATION Remember all local authorities have regulations about putting water heaters into roof spaces. SAFE TRAY It is a requirement of AS/NZS 3500.4 that for a new installation, a water heater be installed in a safe tray where in the event of a leak, property may otherwise be damaged. Construction, installation and draining of a safe tray must comply with the abovementioned Standard.
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 Rheemglas or Optima 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 A RheemPlus water heater will not deliver temperatures exceeding 50°C, in accordance with AS 3498. There is no statutory requirement to fit a temperature limiting device if this water heater is installed in other than an early childhood centre, school, nursing home or a facility for young, aged, sick or disabled people. 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.
INSTALLATION Circulated Hot Water Flow and Return Continuous Electric Water Heater Off-Peak or Time Controlled Electricity Supply A single or twin element electric water heater connected to an Off-Peak LEGEND should not be installed as part of a circulated hot water flow electricity supply and return system in a building. The benefits of the Off-Peak electricity supply will be significantly reduced.
INSTALLATION REDUCING HEAT LOSSES The cold water line to and the hot water line from the water heater must be insulated in accordance with the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4. The insulation must be weatherproof and UV resistant if exposed. ANODE The vitreous enamel lined cylinder of the water heater is only covered by 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 installed.
INSTALLATION PUSH THROUGH (FREE OUTLET) INSTALLATION It can be advantageous to plumb the water heater as a Push Through water heater in some cases. These installations can supply a single point only and normally use a 25 litre or 50 litre electric water heater. The temperature pressure relief valve supplied with this heater must be fitted to the water heater.
INSTALLATION TYPICAL INSTALLATION – OUTDOOR LOCATION OUTDOOR LOCATIONS TYPICAL INSTALLATION – INDOOR LOCATION OUTDOOR LOCATIONS INDOOR LOCATIONS INDOOR LOCATIONS 25
INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS AND TECHNICAL DATA Rheemglas and Optima Rheemglas Single Element Rheemglas Twin Element Optima Single Element Optima Twin Element RheemPlus Single Element RheemPlus 111 025 191 050 111 080 111 125 111 160 111 250 111 315 162 160 162 250 162 315 411 250 411 315 462 250 462 315 121 125 121 160 121 250 121 315 111 400 162 400 411 400 462 400 - Hot Water Delivery Litres 18 50 80 125 160 250 315 Boost Capacity Litres - - - - 45 50 50 90 A mm 390 695 940 1340
CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING CONNECTION SIZES Rheemglas, Optima RheemPlus Hot water connection: RP ¾/20 G¾B Cold water connection: RP ¾/20 G¾B Relief valve connection: RP ½/15 RP ½/15 All plumbing work must be carried out by a qualified person and in accordance with the Plumbing Standard AS/NZS 3500.4 and local authority requirements. WATER INLET AND OUTLET All pipe work must be cleared of foreign matter before connection and purged before attempting to operate the water heater.
CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING LEFT AND RIGHT HAND SIDE WATER CONNECTIONS The cold water supply, hot water supply and temperature pressure relief valve can be connected to either side of a water heater with both left and right hand side water connections. A kit is supplied with the water heater to plug off the unused cold, hot and temperature pressure relief valve fittings.
CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING The valve must be insulated with closed cell polymer insulation or similar (minimum thickness 9 mm) and the insulation installed so as not to impede the operation of the valve. The insulation must be weatherproof and UV resistant if exposed. Where an insulation collar is supplied with the temperature pressure relief valve, this must be placed over the body of the valve, prior to fitting the valve to the water heater (refer to the diagram on page 29).
CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING RELIEF VALVE DRAIN DN15 copper drain lines must be fitted to the temperature pressure relief valve and expansion control valve (if one is installed) to carry the discharge clear of the water heater. Connect the drain lines to the valves using disconnection unions.
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 local 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.
CONNECTIONS – ELECTRICAL WIRING DIAGRAM TWIN ELEMENT ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS NON-SIMULTANEOUS OPERATION OFF-PEAK CONNECTION 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.
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 Turn the adjusting knob on the temperature limiting valve counter-clockwise (down away from the water heater), using a 6 mm Allen key. Turning the adjusting knob counter clockwise (down away from the water heater) increases the outlet water temperature, turning it clockwise (up towards the water heater) decreases the outlet water temperature. Repeat the water temperature measurement from the same hot tap.
DRAINING THE WATER HEATER To drain the water heater: Turn off the water heater (refer to “To Turn Off The Water Heater” on page 34). 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. Undo the union at the cold water inlet to the water heater and attach a hose to the water heater side of the union. Let the other end of the hose go to a drain.
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RHEEM ELECTRIC DOMESTIC MAINS PRESSURE WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY WARRANTY CONDITIONS 1. This warranty is applicable only to water heaters manufactured from 1st July 2010. 2. The water heater must be installed in accordance with the water heater installation instructions, supplied with the water heater, and in accordance with all relevant statutory and local requirements of the State in which the water heater is installed. 3.
RHEEM ELECTRIC DOMESTIC MAINS PRESSURE WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY WARRANTY Rheem will repair or replace, at Rheem’s sole discretion and subject to the warranty conditions and exclusions, any component or the water heater if it fails within the warranty period below.
