1
If one is not already installed,
install a manual shuto valve
in the cold water line that
supplies the water heater. Install the
shuto valve near the water heater so
that it is readily accessible. Only use
valves that are compable with
potable water. Use only full-ow ball
or gate valves. Other types of valves
may cause excessive restricon to the
water ow.
2
Install a Thermostac Mixing
Valve. Consult the valve
manufacturer’s instrucons
or a qualied person.
Figure 14 - Install Thermostatic Mixing Valves
where hot water will be used.
3
For water heaters that are fed
by a solar water heang
system (or any other pre-
heang system), always install a
Thermostac Mixing Valve or other
temperature liming device in the inlet
water supply line to limit water supply
inlet temperature to 120°F (49°C).
Solar water heang systems can supply
water with temperatures exceeding
170°F (77°C) and may result in water
heater malfuncon.
1
Determine the type of water pipes in
the plumbing system. Most systems
use copper water pipes, but some
use CPVC or cross-linked polyethylene
(PEX). Use ngs appropriate for the
type of pipe in the plumbing system.
Do not use iron or PVC pipe – they are
not suitable for potable water.
2
Connect the cold water
supply using 3/4 inch (19mm)
Naonal Pipe Thread “NPT”
to the cold water inlet nipple.
For ease of removing the water heater
for service or replacement, connect
the water pipes with a coupling
called a union. We recommend using
a dielectric-type union (available at
local plumbing supplier). Dielectric
unions can help prevent corrosion
caused by ny electric currents
common in copper water pipes and
can help extend the life of the water
heater.
16 • Commercial Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide
INSTALLATION
If the plumbing system has copper
water pipes, you can solder the
water pipe connecons or use
compression ngs which don’t
require soldering. Compression
ngs are easier to install than
soldering pipe. Check with local
plumbing ocials to determine
what types of pipe materials are
suitable for your locaon. Do not
use lead-based solder.
Do not solder pipes while
they are aached to the water
heater. The water heater’s inlet
and outlet connecons contain
non-metallic parts which could
be damaged. The proper way
to connect the water heater to
copper water pipes is as follows:
• Solder a short length of pipe
(about a foot or so) to a
threaded adapter using only
95/5 n-anmony or equivalent
solder. Aach the threaded
adapters to the water heater’s
connecons (using thread
sealant tape or pipe joint
compound). Connect the water
pipes by soldering, keeping the
connecons at the water heater
cool with wet rags.
INSTALLATION