Operation; Safety Precautions - Rheem Single and Double Element Models Use & Care Manual

A. Do turn off power to water heater if it has been subjected to over
heating, fire, flood or physical damage.
B. Do Not turn on water heater unless it is filled with water.
C. Do Not turn on water heater if cold water supply shut-off valve is
closed.
D. If there is any difficulty in understanding or following the OPERATION or
MAINTENANCE instructions, it is recommended that a qualified person
or serviceman perform the work.
1. WATER TEMPERATURE SETTING — The temperature of the water in
the water heater can be regulated by setting the temperature dial of the
adjustable surface mounted thermostats located behind the front center
panel. To comply with safety regulations the thermostats are factory set at
120° F. or less where local codes require.
Reset Button
Thermostat Protective
Cover
CAUTION!! — Hotter water increases the risk of SCALDING!
This illustration shows shows the temperature adjustment dial used for setting
the water temperature. Refer to Section 1 - Water Temperature Setting, above,
for more details and safety instructions regarding water temperature setting.
Figure 4 — Thermostat and Protective Cover.
Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when
selecting the water temperature setting of the water heater's thermostats.
The lower the temperature setting the greater the savings in energy and
operating costs.
DANGER
!
There is a Hot Water SCALD Potential if the thermostat is set
too high.
NOTE: Households with small children or invalids may require a 120° F.
or lower thermostat setting to prevent contact with "HOT" water.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Thermostat Dial
Pointer
150°F 90°F
(32°C)
(66°C)
125°F (52°C)
TURN OFF
POWER
BEFORE
SERVICING

Operation

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). HYDRO-
GEN 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 kitch-
en sink before using any electrical appliance connected to
the hot water system. If hydrogen is present, there will prob-
ably 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.
TIME / TEMPERATURE RELATIONSHIPS IN SCALDS
Temperature
120° F
125° F
130° F
135° F
140° F
145° F
150° F
155° F
DANGER
!
Make certain power to water heater is OFF before removing
front center panel or top panel FOR ANY REASON.
If adjustment is necessary, turn off power to water heater, remove front
center panel and insulation exposing thermostats. The thermostat
protective covers should not be removed. Set thermostats dial pointers,
with a small screwdriver, to desired temperature. (Refer to Fig. 4.) Replace
insulation and front center panel. Turn on power to water heater.
2. 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.
WARNING
!
The cause of the High Temperature Condition must be inves-
tigated by qualified service personnel and corrective action
taken before placing the water heater in service again.
To reset Temperature Limiting Control, turn off power to water heater,
remove front center panel and insulation. The thermostat protective
cover SHOULD NOT be removed. (Refer to Fig. 4.) Press red "RESET"
6
Time to Produce Serious Burn
More than 5 minutes
1 1 / to 2 minutes
2
About 30 seconds
About 10 seconds
Less than 5 seconds
Less than 3 seconds
About 1 / seconds
1
2
About 1 second
Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute