Electrical Connections. Rheem Double Element, Water Heater

Installing the water heater.

Conduit connector

Ground screw

Junction box cover

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.

Wire connections

Water heater junction box.

!

CAUTION: The presence of water in the piping and water heater does not provide sufficient conduction for a ground.

Non-metallic piping, dielectric unions, flexible connectors etc. can cause the water heater to be electrically isolated.

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.

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NOTICE: This guide recommends minimum branch circuit sizing and wire size based on National Electric Code. Refer to wiring diagrams in this manual for field wiring connections.

Branch Circuit Sizing and Wire Size Guide

Single Phase

Wiring

Total Water Recommended Over Current Protection

Heater Wattage (fuse or circuit breaker amperage rating)

3,000

4,000

4,500

5,000

5,500

6,000

8,000

9,000

10,000

11,000

12,000

20

25

30

30

35

40

50

–

–

–

–

20

25

25

30

30

35

45

50

–

–

–

15

20

25

25

25

30

40

45

50

50

–

15

20

25

25

15

15

15

15

30

30

35

Copper Wire Size AWG Based on N.E.C. Table 310-16 (75°C)

12

10

10

10

8

8

8

–

–

–

–

10

8

8

8

12

10

10

10

–

–

–

10

10

8

8

14

12

10

10

8

8

–

14

12

10

10

14

14

14

14

10

10

8

3 Phase

Wiring

Total Water Recommended Over Current Protection

Heater Wattage (fuse or circuit breaker amperage rating)

3,000

4,000

4,500

5,000

5,500

6,000

8,000

9,000

10,000

11,000

12,000

20

25

30

30

35

35

45

50

–

–

–

20

25

25

30

30

30

40

45

50

50

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

15

15

20

25

15

15

15

15

25

25

30

Copper Wire Size AWG Based on N.E.C. Table 310-16 (75°C)

12

10

10

10

8

8

8

8

–

–

–

12

10

10

10

10

10

8

8

8

8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

14

14

12

10

14

14

14

14

10

10

10

!

WARNING: If local codes require external application of insulation blanket kits the manufacturer’s instructions included with the kit must be carefully followed.

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 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

Typical vertical piping arrangement

For increased energy efficiency, some water heaters have been supplied with two 24” sections of pipe insulation.

Typical horizontal piping arrangement

Please install the insulation, according to the illustrations above, that best meets your requirements.

9

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Installing the water heater.

Relief Valve Insulation Installation

!

CAUTION: Ensure the T&P Valve opening is not obstructed by the insulation.

Typical top connection arrangement

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.

Typical side connection arrangement

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 adapter to the water connections on heater. Any heat applied to the water supply fittings will permanently damage the dip tube and/or heat traps.

Installation Checklist

A. Water Heater Location

❑

Close to area of heated water demand.

❑

Indoors and protected from freezing

temperatures.

❑

Area free of flammable vapors.

❑

Provisions made to protect area from water

damage.

❑

Sufficient room to service heater.

B. Water Supply

❑

Water heater completely filled with water.

❑

Air purged from water heater and piping.

❑

Water connections tight and free of leaks.

C. Relief Valve

❑

Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

properly installed and discharge line run to

open drain.

❑

Discharge line protected from freezing.

D. Wiring

❑

Power Supply voltage agrees with water heater rating plate.

❑

Branch circuit wire and fusing or circuit breaker of proper size.

❑

Electrical connections tight and unit properly grounded.

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