Rheem XE50T12EC55U1 Residential Electric Water Heater
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
WATER TEMPERATURE SETTING
Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the water temperature setting of a water heater’s thermostat. Water temperatures above 125°F can cause severe burns or death from scalding. Be sure to read and follow the warnings outlined on the label pictured below. This label is also located on the water heater near the thermostat access panel.
Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds
The chart shown above may be used as a guide in determining the proper water temperature for your home.
DANGER: Households with small children, disabled, or elderly persons may require a 120°F or lower thermostat setting to prevent contact with “HOT” water.
The temperature of the water in the heater is regulated by the electronic control and surface-mounted temperature sensors. To comply with safety regulations, the electronic control was programmed with a 120°F set point at the factory.
DO NOT attempt to set the temperature by removing the electronic control or lower access panel. See the electronic control operation section of this manual.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Have the installer show you the location of the circuit breaker and how to shut it off if necessary. Turn off the circuit breaker if the water heater has been subjected to overheating, fire, flood, physical damage, or if the ECO fails to shut off.
- Read this manual entirely before installing or operating the water heater.
- Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this Use and Care Manual.
- Be sure your appliance is properly installed in accordance with local codes and the provided installation instructions.
- DO NOT attempt to repair or replace any part of your water heater unless it is specifically recommended in this manual. All other servicing should be referred to a qualified technician.
Installing the water heater.
The location chosen for the water heater must take into consideration the following:
Local Installation Regulations
This water heater must be installed in accordance with these instructions, local codes, utility codes, utility company requirements, or, in the absence of local codes, the latest edition of the National Electrical Code. It is available from some local libraries or can be purchased from the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269, as a booklet, ANSI/NFPA 70.
NOTICE: DO NOT install the water heater in attics where the temperature may exceed 150°F.
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 upper electronic control and the lower 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.
CAUTION: The water heater should not be located in an area where leakage of the tank or connections will result in damage to the area adjacent to it or to lower floors of the structure. Where such areas cannot be avoided, it is recommended that a suitable catch pan, adequately drained, be installed under the water heater.
This water heater is supplied with a water detection system. It is recommended that the water heater be placed in a suitable catch pan and the water sensor rope be placed inside the catch pan. See the water sensor section for further information.
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.
Water Supply Connections
Refer to the illustration below for the suggested typical installation. 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.
NOTICE: DO NOT apply heat to the HOT or COLD water connections. If sweat connections are used, sweat tubing to the adapter before fitting the adapter to the water connections on the heater. Any heat applied to the water supply fittings will permanently damage the dip tube and/or heat traps.
Typical Installation
A new combination temperature and pressure relief valve, complying with the Standard for Relief Valves and Automatic Gas Shut-Off Devices for Hot Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22, is supplied and must be installed in the opening provided and marked for the purpose on the water heater. No valve of any type should be installed between the relief valve and the tank. Local codes shall govern the installation of relief valves.
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.
To Fill the Water Heater
Make certain the drain valve is completely closed.
Open the shut-off valve in the cold water supply line. Open each hot water faucet slowly to allow the air to vent from the water heater and piping.
A steady flow of water from the hot water faucet(s) indicates a full water heater.
Electrical Connections
A separate branch circuit with copper conductors, an overcurrent protective device, and suitable disconnecting means must be provided by a qualified electrician.
All wiring must conform to local codes or the latest edition of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.
The water heater is completely wired to the junction box inside the jacket at the top front of the water heater. An opening for a 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.
Single Phase Wiring
Branch Circuit Sizing and Wire Size Guide
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.
The manufacturer disclaims any responsibility for such loss or injury resulting from the use of such unauthorized devices.
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 the 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.
Hot and Cold Pipe Insulation Installation
- For increased energy efficiency, some water heaters have been supplied with two 24” sections of pipe insulation.
- Please install the insulation, according to the illustrations above, that best meets your requirements.
Relief Valve Insulation Installation
CAUTION: Ensure the T&P Valve opening is not obstructed by the insulation.
- 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.
Heat Trap
For increased energy efficiency, some water heaters have been supplied with factory-installed internal or external heat traps in the hot outlet and cold water inlet openings.
NOTICE: DO NOT apply heat to the HOT or COLD water connections. If sweat connections are used, sweat tubing to adapter before fitting the adapter to the water connections on the heater. Any heat applied to the water supply fittings will permanently damage the dip tube and/or heat traps.
Water Sensor
In order to detect the presence of unwanted water, this water heater is supplied with a built-in water sensing circuit. The water sensor rope is shipped in the warranty bag for field installation.
Remove the water sensor rope from the bag and attach it to the connector located near the lower access panel. Place the rope in the recommended catch pan and secure it to the pan bottom with the provided self-adhesive clips.
When water is detected, the electronic control will turn off the heating elements, flash the display backlight, and turn on an audible alarm.
Operating the water heater
CAUTION: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system served by this water heater that has not been used for a long period of time (generally two weeks or more). HYDROGEN GAS IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE!! To dissipate such gas and to reduce the risk of injury, it is recommended that the hot water faucet be opened for several minutes at the kitchen sink before using any electrical appliance connected to the hot water system. If hydrogen is present, there will be an unusual sound, such as air escaping through the pipe as the water begins to flow. Do not smoke or use an open flame near the faucet when it is open.
Safety Precautions
- Do turn off the power to the water heater if it has been subjected to overheating, fire, flood, or physical damage.
- DO NOT turn on the water heater unless it is filled with water.
- DO NOT turn on the water heater if the 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 temperature sensor and temperature limiting control (ECO) that is located above the upper 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 electronic control and insulation. The thermostat protective cover should not be removed.
- Press the red RESET button.
- Replace the insulation and electronic control before turning on the power to the water heater.
Water Temperature
Water Temperature Set Point
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 electronic control is factory programmed 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 above the lower access panel.
Mixing valves are recommended for reducing the point-of-use water temperature by mixing hot and cold water in branch water lines. It is recommended that a mixing valve complying with the Standard for Temperature Actuated Mixing Valves for Hot Water Distribution Systems, ASSE 1017, be installed. See page 4 for more details and contact a licensed plumber or the local plumbing authority for further information.
The electronic control allows the water temperature to be set from 110°F to 150°F. The Performance Platinum residential electric water heater has three modes of operation.
They are:
Vacation mode:
Sets the temperature setting to a predetermined lower thermostat setting. The water heater remains in this mode until manually changed to Energy Saver or Performance mode.
Energy Saver:
In this mode, the set point is limited to 130°F. If there is no demand cycle for the upper or lower element, the set
point is decreased periodically while still keeping usable hot water in the tank. This helps conserve energy while providing usable hot water. The set point reverts to the previous user setting if the water temperature drops too low.
Error Codes for Electronic Control
Care and cleaning of the water heater
Draining the Water Heater
In order to drain the water heater, turn off the cold water supply. Open a hot water faucet or lift the handle on the relief valve to admit air to the tank.
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve on the water heater and direct the stream of water to a drain. Open the valve.
Routine Preventative Maintenance
Properly maintained, your water heater will provide years of dependable, trouble-free 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 contractor 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 settling basin for solids suspended in the water. It is therefore not uncommon for hard water deposits to accumulate at 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 the anode rod.
Before You Call For Service…
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