Installation - Rheem ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS Installation Instructions & Owner's Manual

Please take careful notice of the advice given as Rheem New Zealand Limited will not be liable for any
loss or damage suffered as a result of the incorrect installation of the water heater, or any failure to
check the capability of the electrical supply and wiring to the water heater.
The water heater must be installed and serviced by a certified person or registered plumber and the
installation must comply with the New Zealand Building Code, Rheem Installation Instructions,
AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations and all local codes and regulatory authority requirements. Please
note also that no warranty costs will be payable where the water heater is located in a position that
does not comply with the Rheem water heater installation instructions or relevant statutory
requirements, causing the need for major dismantling or removal of cupboards, doors or walls, or use
of special equipment to bring the water heater to floor or ground level or to a serviceable position.

WATER HEATER LOCATION
Rheem electric water heaters with a galvanised outer casing are only suitable for indoor
installations, whereas water heaters with a factory painted casing are suitable for both indoor and
outdoor installations. Outdoor models must be installed on a hard, level base and feet must be
used between the bottom of the water heater and the base.
Clearance must be allowed for servicing and removal of the water heater and it must be accessible
without the use of a ladder or scaffold. Adequate clearance must be provided for: TPR valve
removal, element cover and element removal, and anode removal and replacement. Also, the
information on the rating label must remain readable once installed.

WATER SUPPLY PRESSURE
• Maximum permitted mains water pressure - refer product label and Table 5.2 AS/NZS 3500.4
Note: Inlet pressure-control valve is required where the maximum permitted mains pressure is
likely to be exceeded.
• Minimum inlet water pressure: 60 kPa

CONNECTION SIZES
• Hot water connection:
• Cold water connection:
• Relief valve connection:
• Alternative energy source connections:

INLET/OUTLET CONNECTIONS
Unions must always be provided at the cold water inlet, hot water outlet and at any additional
connections to allow for removal of the water heater should it be required. All connection sockets
on the water heater are parallel threaded and therefore tapered brass nipples must be used to
ensure watertight connections. Parallel brass nipples must not be used and could invalidate
warranty.

NON RETURN VALVE
A non return valve must be installed on the cold water line to the water heater.

PIPE SIZES
The cold water line to the water heater should be the same size or bigger than the hot water line
from the water heater. For best results, choose the most suitable pipe size for each individual
application.

COLD WATER EXPANSION VALVE
A cold water expansion valve must be fitted to the cold water line to the water heater.

TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
When fitting the temperature and pressure relief valve, ensure the probe has not been bent. Seal
the thread with PTFE tape, or similar, as recommended by the valve manufacturer and screw the
valve into the socket provided. Do not use a wrench on the valve body – use the spanner flats
provided. Drain from the TPR valve with a pipe the same size as the valve outlet. The drain must
run downwards to a visible point outside the house, and must comply with the NZ Building Code.
In locations where the pipe exceeds 3 metres unbroken length, or freezing could occur, an air
break must be provided within 300 mm of the TPR valve.

INSTALLATION

RP ¾/20
RP ¾/20
RP ½/15
RP ¾/20.
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