Operation; Safety Precautions - Rheem Single Element 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. Do Not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and
liquids, such as adhesives or paint thinner, in vicinity of this or
any other appliance. If such flammables must be used, open
doors and windows for ventilation.
NOTE: Flammable vapors may be drawn by air currents from
surrounding areas to the water heater.
E. If there is any difficulty in understanding or following the OP-
1. WATER TEMPERATURE SETTING — The temperature of the
water in the water heater can be regulated by setting the tem-
perature dial of 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 ther-
mostat(s) are factory set at 120° F or less where local codes re-
quire.
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
thermostat(s) . 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
125°F
TURN OFF
POWER
BEFORE
SERVICING

Operation

ERATION or MAINTENANCE instructions, it is recommended
that a qualified person or serviceman perform the work.
!
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 (gener-
ally 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 min-
utes at the kitchen sink before using any electrical appliance con-
nected 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 jacket ac-
cess panel(s) FOR ANY REASON.
If adjustment is necessary, turn off power to water heater, re-
move jacket access panel(s) and insulation exposing thermo-
stat(s). The thermostat protective cover(s) should not be re-
moved. Set thermostat(s) dial pointer(s), with a small screw-
driver, to desired temperature. (Refer to Fig. 4.) Replace insu-
lation and jacket access panel(s). 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 ex-
cessively high, the Temperature Limiting Control (ECO) breaks
the power circuit to the heating element. Once the control opens,
it must be reset manually.
!
The cause of the High Temperature Condition must be investigated by
qualified service personnel and corrective action taken before plac-
ing the water heater in service again.
To reset Temperature Limiting Control, turn off power to water
heater, remove jacket access panel(s) and insulation. The ther-
6
Time to Produce Serious Burn
More than 5 minutes
1 / to 2 minutes
1
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