Use and Care Manual

10
▪ E. WATER CHEMISTRY
▪ F. FREEZE PROTECTION
▪ G. SCALDING
The water must be potable, free of corrosive chemicals, sand, dirt, and other contaminates. It is up to the installer to ensure the water does not
contain corrosive chemicals or elements that can damage the heat exchanger. Potable water is dened as drinkable water supplied from utility or
well water in compliance with EPA secondary maximum contaminant levels (40 CFR Part 143.3) as shown in the table below. If the water contains
contaminants higher than outlined by the EPA, water treatment is recommended and additional, more frequent maintenance may be required.
If you suspect that your water is contaminated in any way, discontinue use of the appliance and contact an authorized technician or licensed
professional.
CAUTION
CAUTION
Chemical imbalance of the water supply may affect efciency and cause severe damage to the appliance and associated equipment. Water quality
must be professionally analyzed to determine whether it is necessary to treat the water. Various solutions are available to adjust water quality.
Adverse water quality will affect the reliability of the system. In addition, operating temperatures above 135°F will accelerate the build-up of lime
scale and possibly shorten appliance service life. Failure of an appliance due to lime scale build-up, low pH, or other chemical imbalance IS NOT
covered by the warranty.
Consider appliance piping and installation when determining appliance location.
Contaminant Maximum Allowable Level Contaminant Maximum Allowable Level
Total Hardness
(Residential Use - Below 140°F
water temperature)
200 mg/l
(12 grains/gallon)
Manganese 0.05 mg/l or PPM
Total Hardness
(Commercial Use - 140°F and above
water temperature)
120 mg/l
(7 grains/gallon)
pH 6.5-8.5
Aluminum 0.05 to 0.2 mg/l or PPM Sulfate 205 mg/l or PPM
Chloride 100 mg/l or PPM Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 500 mg/l or PPM
Copper 1 mg/l or PPM Zinc 5 mg/l or PPM
Iron 0.3 mg/l or PPM Dissolved Carbon Dioxide (CO
2
) 15 mg/l or PPM
Table 2 – Water Chemistry Specications
Table 3 – Time and Temperature Relationship in Scalds
APPROXIMATE TIME / TEMPERATURE RELATIONSHIPS IN SCALDS
120°F More than 5 minutes
125°F 1 ½ to 2 minutes
130°F About 30 seconds
135°F About 10 seconds
140°F Less than 5 seconds
145°F Less than 3 seconds
150°F About 1 ½ seconds
155°F About 1 second
NOTE: Damages resulting from incorrect installation or from use of products not approved by Rheem ARE
NOT covered by warranty.
This heater can deliver scalding water. Be careful whenever using hot water to avoid scalding injury. Certain appliances, such as dishwashers and automatic
clothes washers may require increased water temperature. By setting the thermostat on this heater to obtain the increased water temperature required by
these appliances, you may create the potential for scald injury.
To protect against injury, you should install a mixing valve in the water system. This valve will reduce point of discharge temperature by mixing cold and hot
water in branch supply lines. Such valves are available from your local plumbing supplier.
Table 3 details the relationship of water temperature and time with regard to scald injury and may be used as a guide in determining the safest water
temperature for your applications.
Water Temperature over 125°F can cause
severe burns instantly or death from scalds.
Children, disabled and elderly are at highest risk of
being scalded.
See instruction manual before setting the DHW
temperature at the Combi Boiler.
Feel water before bathing or showering.
Temperature limiting valves are available, see
manual.
WARNING
▪ H. HIGH ELEVATION INSTALLATIONS
The water heater is certied for installations up to 2000 ft. (610 m) above sea level. The input rating of this water heater is based on sea level
operation. At higher elevations, the actual input rate may be lower than the value listed on the rating label due to the derating of Natural Gas and
LP Gas.
For installations above 2000 ft. (610 m) elevation, contact a qualied service technician to make the proper altitude adjustments.
To adjust parameters for high elevation, see INSTALLER MODE, this manual.