General Safety Precautions; Time / Temperature Relationships In Scalds - Rheem Single Element Use & Care Manual

Be sure to read and understand the entire Use & Care Manual before attempting to install or operate this water heater. It may save you time and cost. Pay
particular attention to the General Safety Precautions. Failure to follow these warnings could result in serious bodily injury or death . Should you have prob-
lems understanding the instructions in this manual, or have any questions, STOP, and get help from a qualified installer, service technician, or the local
electric utility.
!
WARNING
Gasoline, as well as other flammable materials and liq-
uids (adhesives, solvents, etc.), and the vapors they pro-
duce, are extremely dangerous. DO NOT handle, use or
store gasoline or other flammable or combustible mate-
rials anywhere near or in the vicinity of a water heater.
The arc drawn in the water heater controls can ignite these
vapors. Failure to do so can result in property damage,
bodily injury, or death.
WATER TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT - Safety and en-
ergy conservation are factors to be considered when se-
lecting the water temperature setting of water heater's
thermostat. Water temperatures above 125°F can cause
severe burns or death from scalding. Be sure to read and
follow the warnings outlined on the label pictured below.
This label is also located on the water heater near the ther-
mostat access panel
!
D A N G E R
Water temperature over 125°F can
cause severe burns instantly or
death from scalds.
Children, disabled and elderly are
at highest risk of being scalded.
See instruction manual before
setting temperature at water
heater.
Feel water before bathing or
showering.
Temperature limiting valves are
available, see manual.
!

General Safety Precautions

HOT
BURN

TIME / TEMPERATURE RELATIONSHIPS IN SCALDS

Temperature
120° F
125° F
130° F
135° F
140° F
145° F
150° F
155° F
The chart shown above may be used as a guide in deter-
mining the proper water temperature for your home.
NOTE: Households with small children, disabled, or el-
derly persons may require a 120°F or lower thermostat
setting to prevent contact with "HOT" water.
The temperature of the water in the heater is regulated by the
adjustable surface mounted thermostat(s) located behind the
Jacket Access Panel(s). Dual element heaters have two
thermostats. To comply with safety regulations the
thermostat(s) were set at 120° F before the water heater was
shipped from the factory.
Reset Button
Thermostat Protective
Cover
The illustration above shows the temperature adjustment dial
used for setting the water temperature. Refer to Operation
section of this manual for detailed instructions in how to adjust
the thermostat(s).
!
DANGER
There is a Hot Water SCALD Potential if the thermostat
is set too high.
Mixing valves for reducing point of use water tempera-
ture by mixing hot and cold water in branch water lines
are available. Contact a licensed plumber or the local
plumbing authority for further information.
2
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 1 / seconds
2
About 1 second
Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute
Thermostat Dial
Pointer
150°F 90°F
125°F
TURN OFF
POWER
BEFORE
SERVICING