Operating Instructions; Safety Controls; Water Temperature - Rheem HB Series Use & 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.
!
DANGER: There is a
hot water scald potential if
the thermostat is set too
high. Households with small
children, disabled, or
elderly persons may require
a 120°F or lower thermostat
setting to prevent contact
with HOT water.
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
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.
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.
Water Temperature Setting
The temperature of the water in the
water heater can be regulated by
selecting the desired temperature on
control display.
Safety and energy conservation
are factors to be considered when
selecting the water temperature setting
of the water heater. The lower the
temperature setting, the greater the
savings in energy and operating costs.
To comply with safety regulations the
temperature is factory set 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
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:
(Refer to Illustration on page 21):
Turn off the power to the water
heater.
Remove the top jacket access
panel and insulation.
Press the red RESET button.
Replace the insulation, jacket
access panel and plastic housing
before turning on the power to
the water heater.
the warnings outlined in this manual
and on the label on the water heater.
This label is located on the front of the
water heater.
Mixing valves for reducing point
of use water temperature by mixing
hot and cold water in branch water
lines are available. Contact a licensed
plumber or the local plumbing
authority for further information.
The chart on the page 3 may be used
as a guide in determining the proper
water temperature for your home.