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Water Heaters

Electric Residential

Model:  HE Series, GE Series, PE Series, SE Series

The purpose of this manual is twofold: one, for the  contractor, to provide the installer
with 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 trouble shooting of the water heater. This
manual 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 that 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 “If You Need Service….”

Do not destroy this manual. Please read carefully and keep in a safe place for 
future reference.

Recognize this symbol as an indication of Important Safety Information!

California Proposition 65 Warning:

This product contains chemicals known to 

the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

!

!

Single and Double Element Models, 

Residential 20–120 Gallon

®

LISTED

786H

Part No. AP12168-7 (01/05)

Pub. No. 49-50009-5  11-03 JR 

Manufactured under trademark license by:

Rheem Manufacturing Company

P.O. Box 244020, Montgomery, AL 36124-4020

Printed in USA

Use & Care Manual

With Installation Instructions for the Installer

Summary of Contents for SE Series

Page 1: ...thin 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 If You Need Service Do not destroy this manual Please read carefully and keep in a safe place for future reference Recognize this symbol as an indication of ...

Page 2: ...ales slip or cancelled check here Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service under the warranty IMPORTANT Fill out and return the Consumer Product Registration Card that is in the back of this manual If you do need service you can relax knowing help is only a phone call away For service call 800 431 1549 IF YOU NEED SERVICE READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION Your safety and the safet...

Page 3: ...Operating Instructions in this manual for detailed instructions in how to adjust the thermostat s DANGER Hotter water increase the potential for Hot Water SCALDS D A N G E R HOT 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 temperature at water heater Feel w...

Page 4: ...from Office of the State Architect 400 P Street Sacramento CA 95814 or you may call 916 324 5315 or ask a water heater dealer However applicable local codes shall govern installation For residential water heaters of a capacity greater than 52 gallons consult the local building jurisdiction for acceptable bracing procedures READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS C...

Page 5: ...ls The water heater and water lines should be protected from freezing temperatures Do not install the water heater in outdoor unprotected areas 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 cat...

Page 6: ...ustration below 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 additional information regar...

Page 7: ...nd 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 WARNING The tank must be full of water before heater is turned on The water heater warranty does not cover damage or failure resulting from operation with an empty or partially empt...

Page 8: ... can cause the water heater to be electrically isolated 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 jac...

Page 9: ...se 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 device...

Page 10: ...e opening of the T P Valve R E L I E F V A L V E COLD HOT Typical top connection arrangement Typical side connection arrangement Relief Valve Insulation Installation CAUTION Ensure the T P Valve opening is not obstructed by the insulation Heat Trap For increased energy efficiency some water heaters have been supplied with factory installed heat traps in the hot outlet line and cold water inlet lin...

Page 11: ...led with water Air purged from water heater and piping Water connections tight and free of leaks Relief Valve Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve properly installed and discharge line run to open drain Discharge line protected from freezing Wiring Power supply voltage agrees with water heater rating plate Branch circuit wire and fusing or circuit breaker of proper size Electrical connections tig...

Page 12: ...ual 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 at the time it is open 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...

Page 13: ...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 op...

Page 14: ... shorten the life of the glass lined tank and will exclude warranty coverage Care and cleaning of the water heater Draining the Water Heater CAUTION Shut off power to the water heater before draining water DANGER Before manually operating the relief valve make certain no one will be exposed to the hot water released by the valve The water drained from the tank may be hot enough to present a scald ...

Page 15: ...own or a circuit Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker breaker tripped 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 Make sure all faucets are closed water faucets Electric service to your Con...

Page 16: ...ty DO NOT attempt repair of electrical wiring thermostat s heating elements or other operating controls Refer repairs to qualified service personnel Relief valve Junction box cover Upper thermostat on double element models only Thermostat bracket on double element models only Jacket access panel Heating element gasket Cavity insulation Thermostat bracket Drain valve shroud Drain valve Plate cover ...

Page 17: ...placed Replace the thermostat and or element as necessary Replace the insulation and jacket access panel s before turning on the power to the water heater N NO OT TI IC CE E T Th he e c ca av vi it ty y i in ns se er rt t c cr ro os ss sb ba ar r i is s n ne ec ce es ss sa ar ry y f fo or r t th he e m ma an nu uf fa ac ct tu ur ri in ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s o on nl ly y T Th he e r re em mo ov...

Page 18: ...OX 4 L2 RED 1 3 2 UPPER THERMOSTAT HIGH TEMP LIMIT ECO UPPER HEATING ELEMENT BLUE YELLOW BLACK L1 G BRANCH CIRCUIT TO ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION PANEL 240 V JUNCTION BOX 4 L2 RED 1 3 1 2 BLACK RED BLACK LOWER HEATING ELEMENT LOWER THERMOSTAT 1 2 4 Single Element Models Double Element Models Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety...

Page 19: ...19 Rheem Manufacturing Company Warranty Registration Department P O Box 34070 Louisville KY 40232 4070 Please place in envelope and mail to Cut here Cut here ...

Page 20: ... Mr Ms Mrs Miss Street Address City State Date Placed In Use Month Day Year Zip Code Apt Last Name Phone Number _ _ Complete and mail this Consumer Product Ownership Registration today After mailing the registration below store this document in a safe place It contains information you will need should you require service Read your Owner s Manual carefully It will help you operate your new applianc...

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