Rheem Electric Mobile Home Manual

Rheem Single and Double Element Models Side or Top Water Connections Residential 20–52 Gallon

The purpose of this manual is twofold: one, to provide the installer with the basic directions and recommendations for the proper installation and adjustment of the water heater; and two, for the owner–operator, to explain the features, operation, safety precautions, maintenance and troubleshooting of the water heater. This manual also includes a parts list.

It is imperative that all persons who are expected to install, operate or adjust this water heater read the instructions carefully so they may understand how to perform these operations. If you do not understand these instructions or any terms within it, seek professional advice.

Any questions regarding the operation, maintenance, service or warranty of this water heater should be directed to the seller from whom it was purchased. If additional information is required, refer to the section on “If you need service.”

Installing the water heater.

Local Installation Regulations

The installation of this water heater must be in accordance with the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standard (Title 24, CFR; Part 3280) and the following instructions; and local codes governing the installation of water heaters
in manufactured homes (mobile homes). If additional wiring information is desired, the latest edition of the National Electrical Code is recommended. It is available from some local libraries or can be purchased
from the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as booklet ANSI/NFPA 70.

Location

Locate the water heater in a clean dry area as near as practical to the area of greatest heated water demand. Long uninsulated hot water lines can waste energy and water. Place the water heater in such a manner that the thermostat and element access panels can be removed to permit inspection and servicing such as removal of elements or checking controls. The water heater and water lines should be protected from freezing temperatures. Do not install the water heater in outdoor, unprotected areas. Make certain the floor underneath the water heater is strong enough to sufficiently support the weight of the water heater once it is filled with water.

Inspect Shipment

Inspect the water heater for possible damage. Check the markings on the rating plate of the water heater to be certain the power supply corresponds to the water heater requirements.

Determine if a check valve exists in the inlet water line. It may have been installed in the cold water line as a separate back flow preventer, or it may be part of a pressure reducing valve, water meter or water softerner. A check valve located in the cold water inlet line can cause what is referred to as a “closed water system”. A cold water inlet line with no check valve or back flow prevention device is referred to as an “open water system”. As water is heated, it expands in volume and creates an increase in the 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 water heater flows back into the city main where the pressure is easily dissipated. A “closed water system”, however, prevents the expanding water from flowing back into the main supply line, and the result of “thermal expansion” can create a rapid and dangerous pressure increase in the water heater and system piping. This rapid pressure increase can quickly reach
the safety setting of the relief valve, causing it to operate during each heating cycle. Thermal expansion, and the resulting rapid and repeated expansion and contraction of components in the water heater and piping system can cause premature failure of the relief valve, and possibly the heater itself. Replacing the relief valve will not correct the problem. The suggested method of controlling thermal expansion is to install an expansion tank in the cold water line between the water heater and the check valve. The expansion tank is designed with an air cushion built in that compresses as the system pressure increases, thereby relieving the over pressure condition and eliminating the repeated operation of the relief valve. Other methods of controlling thermal expansion are also available. Contact your installing contractor, water supplier or plumbing inspector for addition information regarding this subject.

Water Supply Connections

for suggested typical installations. The installation of unions or flexible copper connectors is recommended on the hot and cold water connections so that the water heater may be easily disconnected for servicing if necessary. The HOT and COLD water connections are clearly marked and are 3/4″ NPT on all models. Install a shut-off valve in the cold water line near the water heater.

Relief Valve

The BTUH rating of the relief valve must not be less than the input rating of the water heater as indicated on the rating label located on the front of the heater (1 watt=3.412 BTUH). Connect the outlet of the relief valve to a suitable open drain so that the discharge water cannot contact live electrical parts or persons and to eliminate potential water damage Piping used should be of a type approved for hot water distribution. The discharge line must be no smaller than the outlet of the valve and must pitch downward from the valve to allow complete drainage (by gravity) of the relief valve and discharge line. The end of the discharge line should not be threaded or concealed and should be protected from freezing. No valve of any type, restriction or reducer coupling should be installed in the discharge line.

Condensation

Condensation can form on the tank when it is first filled with water. Condensation might also occur with a heavy water draw and very cold inlet water temperature. This condition is not unusual, and will disappear after the water becomes heated. If, however, the condensation continues, examine the piping and fittings for possible leaks.

Electrical Connections

A separate branch circuit with copper conductors, overcurrent protective device and suitable disconnecting means must be provided by a qualified electrician. All wiring must conform to local codes or latest edition of National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70. The water heater is completely wired to the junction box inside jacket at the top front of the water heater. An opening for 1/2″ or 3/4″ electrical fitting is provided for field wiring connections. The voltage requirements and wattage load for the water heater are specified on the rating plate on the front of the water heater.

The branch circuit wiring should include either:

Metallic conduit or metallic sheathed cable approved for use as a grounding conductor and installed with fittings approved for the purpose.
Non-metallic sheathed cable, metallic conduit or metallic sheathed cable not approved for use as a ground conductor shall include a separate conductor for grounding. It should be attached to the ground terminals of the water heater and the electrical distribution box.

Insulation Blankets

Insulation blankets, available to the general public, for external use on electric water heaters are not necessary. The purpose of an insulation blanket is to reduce the standby heat loss encountered with storage tank heaters. This water heater meets or exceeds the National

Appliance Energy Conservation Act standards with respect to insulation and standby loss requirements making an insulation blanket unnecessary. The manufacturer’s warranty does not cover any damage or defect caused by 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 may endanger life and property.

CAUTION: If local codes require the application of an external insulation blanket to this water heater, 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 relocate them on the exterior of 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 pressure and temperature relief valve.
Inspect the insulation blanket frequently The manufacturer disclaims any responsibility for such loss or injury resulting from the use of such unauthorized devices.

Relief Valve Insulation Installation

For increased energy efficiency, some water heaters have been supplied with a 2-3/8” section of pipe insulation. Please install the insulation, according to the illustrations above, that best meets your requirements.

Slip the insulation cover over the T&P Valve through the center hole and align the hole in the side with the opening of the T&P Valve.

Operating the water heater

Safety Precautions

Do turn off power to water heater if it has been subjected to over heating, fire, flood, physical damage.
Do Not turn on water heater unless it is filled with water.
Do Not turn on water heater if cold water supply shut-off valve is closed.
If there is any difficulty in understanding or following the

Operating Instructions or the Care and Cleaning section, it is recommended that a qualified person or serviceman perform the work.

Safety Controls

The water heater is equipped with a combination thermostat and temperature limiting control (ECO) that is located above the heating element in contact with the tank surface. If for any reason the water temperature becomes excessively high, the temperature limiting control (ECO) breaks the power circuit to the heating element. Once the control opens, it must be reset manually.

To reset the temperature limiting control:

Turn off the power to the water heater.
Remove the jacket access panel(s) and insulation.
The thermostat protective cover should not be removed.
Press the red RESET button.
Replace the insulation and jacket access panel(s) before turning on the power to the water heater.

Water Temperature Setting

The temperature of the water in the water heater can be regulated by setting the temperature dial of the adjustable surface mounted thermostat(s) located behind the jacket access panel(s).

Dual element heaters have two thermostats.

Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the water temperature setting of the water heater’s thermostat(s). The lower the temperature setting, the greater the savings in energy and operating costs.

To comply with safety regulations the thermostat(s) are factory set at 120°F or less where local codes require. This is the recommended starting point.

Water temperatures above 125°F can cause severe burns or death from scalding. Be sure to read and follow the warnings outlined in this manual and on the label on the water heater. This label is located on the water heater near the thermostat access panel.

Mixing valves are available for reducing point of use water temperature by mixing hot and cold water in branch water lines. Contact a licensed plumber or the local plumbing authority for further information.

The chart below may be used as a guide in determining the proper water temperature for your home.

Care and cleaning of the water heater

Routine Preventative Maintenance

Properly maintained, your water heater will provide years of dependable troublefree service. It is suggested that a routine preventive maintenance program be established and followed by the user. It is further recommended that a periodic inspection of the operating controls, heating element and wiring should be made by service personnel qualified in electric appliance repair.

Most electrical appliances, even when new, make some sound when in operation. If the hissing or singing sound level increases excessively, the electric heating element may require cleaning. Contact a qualified installer or plumbing contract to inspect. At least once a year, lift and release the lever handle on the temperature pressure relief valve, located near the top of the water heater, to make certain the valve operates freely. Allow several gallons to flush through the discharge line to an open drain.

A water heater’s tank can act as a setting basin for solids suspended in the water.It is therefore not uncommon for hard water deposits to accumulate in the bottom of the tank. It is suggested that a few quarts of water be drained from the water heater’s tank every month to clean the tank of these deposits. Rapid closing of faucets or solenoid valves in automatic water using appliances can cause a banging noise heard in a water pipe. Strategically located risers in the water pipe system or water hammer arresting devices can be used to minimize the problem.

The anode rod should be removed from the water heater’s tank annually for inspection and replaced when more than 6″ of core wire is exposed at either end of the rod. Make sure the cold water supply is turned off before removing anode rod.

NOTICE: Do not remove the anode rod from the water heater’s tank, except for inspection and/or replacement, as operation with the anode rod removed will shorten the life of the glass lined tank and will exclude warranty coverage.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Causes	What To Do
Rumbling noise	Water conditions in your home caused a build up of scale or mineral deposits on the heating elements.	● Remove and clean the heating elements.
Relief valve	Pressure build up caused	● This is an unacceptable condition and must be
producing popping	by thermal expansion	corrected. Contact the water supplier or plumbing
noise or draining	in a closed system.	contractor on how to correct this. Do not plug the relief valve outlet.
Rattling noise	Internal heat trap	● This is normal for heat trap fittings when in operation
during periods of water usage	fittings in operation.	and does not indicate a need for service.
Not enough or	Water usage may have	● Wait for the water heater to recover after an abnormal
no hot water	exceeded the capacity of the water heater.	demand.
	A fuse is blown or a circuit breaker tripped.	● Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker.
	Electric supply may be off.	● Make sure electric supply to water heater and disconnect switch, if used, are in the ON position.
	The thermostat may	● See the Temperature regulation of the water heater
	be set set too low.	section of this manual.
	Leaking or open hot water faucets.	● Make sure all faucets are closed.
	Electric service to your home may be interrupted.	● Contact the local electric utility.
	Improper wiring.	● See the Installing the water heater section of this manual.
	Manual reset limit (ECO)	● See the Temperature regulation of the water heater section of this manual.
	Cold water inlet	● This is normal. The colder inlet water takes longer
	temperature may be colder during the winter months.	to heat.
Water is too hot	The thermostat	● See the Temperature regulation of the water heater
	is set too high.	section of this manual.

Readmore and Rheem Electric Mobile Home Manual PDF

Title	: Rheem Electric Mobile Home Manual PDF
Format	: PDF
Pages	: 20 Pages
Language	: English
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