General Safety Precautions; Time / Temperature Relationships In Scalds - Rheem Single and Double Element Models 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
problems 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
!
WATER TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT - Safety and energy
conservation are factors to be considered when selecting 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 out-
lined on the label pictured below. This label is also located
on the water heater near the thermostat access panel
The chart shown above may be used as a guide in determin-
ing the proper water temperature for your home.
!

General Safety Precautions

°

TIME / TEMPERATURE RELATIONSHIPS IN SCALDS

Temperature
120° F
125° F
130° F
135° F
140° F
145° F
150° F
155° F
NOTE: Households with small children, disabled, or elderly
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 be-
hind 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 temperature
by mixing hot and cold water in branch water lines are avail-
able. Contact a licensed plumber or the local plumbing au-
thority for further information.
2
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
Thermostat Dial
Pointer
150°F 90°F
(32°C)
(66°C)
125°F (52°C)
TURN OFF
POWER
BEFORE
SERVICING