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If there is a particular risk of scalding
(for example, the elderly, children, or
people with disabilities) or if there
is a local/provincial law requiring a
certain water temperature at the hot
water tap, then these precautions are
particularly important.
According to a national standard
American Society of Santiary Engineering
(ASSE 1070) and most local plumbing
codes, the water heater's thermostat
should not be used as the sole means to
regulate water temperature and avoid
scalds.
Properly adjusted Thermostatic Mixing
Valves installed, allow you to set the
tank temperature to a higher setting
without increasing risk of scalds. A
higher temperature setting allows the
tank to provide much more hot water
and can help provide proper water
temperatures for appliances such as
dishwashers and washing machines.
Higher tank temperatures (140°F, 60°C)
also kill bacteria that cause a condition
known as "smelly water" and can
reduce the levels of bacteria that cause
water-borne diseases.
Water Contamination Risk
Do not use chemicals that could
contaminate the potable water supply.
Do not use piping that has been
treated with chromates, boiler seal, or
other chemicals.
Fire Risk
To reduce the risk of a
fire that could destroy
property and seriously
injure or kill people:
• Do not store things that can burn
easily such as paper or clothes next to
the water heater.
• Be sure the junction box cover and
the access door covers are in place.
These covers keep debris from
entering and potentially being ignited,
and help keep any internal fires from
spreading.
• Keep the water heater from becoming
wet. Immediately shut the water
heater off and have it inspected by a
qualified person if you find that the
wiring, thermostat(s) or surrounding
insulation have been exposed
to water in any way (leaks from
plumbing or leaks from the water
heater itself can damage property
and could cause a fire risk). If the
water heater is subjected to flood
conditions or the thermostat(s) have
been submerged in water, the entire
water heater must be replaced.
• Make electrical connections properly,
according to the instructions on page
18. Use 10 gauge solid copper wire.
Use a UL listed or CSA approved strain
relief. Connect ground wire to green
ground screw.
Explosion Risk
High temperatures and
pressures in the water
heater tank can cause an
explosion resulting in property damage,
serious injury or death. A new
Temperature and Pressure (T&P) Relief
Valve is included with your water heater
to reduce risk of explosion by
discharging hot water. Additional
temperature and pressure protective
equipment may be required by local
codes.
A nationally recognized testing
laboratory maintains periodic
inspection of the valve production
process and certifies that it meets the
requirements for Relief Valves for Hot
Commercial Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 5
Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22/
CSA 4.4. The T&P Relief Valve's relief
pressure must not exceed the working
pressure rating of the water heater as
stated on the rating plate.
Maintain the T&P Relief Valve properly.
Follow the maintenance instructions
provided by the manufacturer of the
T&P Relief Valve (label attached to T&P
Relief Valve) and the procedure that
starts on page 27.
An explosion could occur if the T&P
Relief Valve or discharge pipe is
blocked. Do not cap or plug the T&P
Relief Valve or discharge pipe.
Fire and Explosion Risk if Hot Water is
Not Used for Two Weeks or More
CAUTION! Hydrogen gas builds up
in a hot water system when it is not
used for a long period (two weeks or
more). Hydrogen gas is extremely
flammable. If the hot water system has
not been used for two weeks or more,
open a hot water faucet for several
minutes at the kitchen sink before
using any electrical appliances
connected to the hot water system.
Do not smoke or have an open flame
or other ignition source near the
faucet while it is open.
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