Operating The Water Heater; Safety Controls - Rheem GE Series Use And Care Manual

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 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 at the time it is open.
WARNING: If the water
heater has been subjected
to flood, fire, or physical
damage, turn off power and
water to the water heater.
Do not operate the water
heater again until it has
been thoroughly checked by
qualified service personnel.
12
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.

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.
CAUTION: The cause of the
high temperature condition must
be investigated by qualified service
technician and corrective action
must be taken before placing the
water heater in service again.
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.
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.