Bradford White ElectriFLEX HD CEHD50

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document is an installation and operation instruction manual for a commercial electric water heater.

Function Description:

The device is a commercial electric water heater designed to provide hot water. Its operation is based on heating water using electrical elements. The manual emphasizes that the warranty is valid only when the water heater is installed and operated in accordance with local codes and the provided instructions. The manufacturer will not be liable for damage resulting from non-compliance with these instructions. It is strongly recommended that a plumbing professional install and service this water heater for optimal comfort, safety, and convenience.

Important Technical Specifications:

The water heater's design is certified by Intertek (ETL) and listed in accordance with UL1453. It also complies with Canadian National Standard C22.2, No. 110-M90. The manual includes detailed wiring diagrams for single-phase and three-phase configurations, covering models with 3, 6, and 9 elements, both with and without contactor fuses.

The "Amperage Chart" provides electrical specifications across various voltages (208V, 240V, 277V, 380V, 415V, 480V, 600V) for different power inputs (kW) and phases (1Ø, 3Ø). For example, a 6kW input at 208V (1Ø) draws 29 amps, while at 600V (3Ø) it draws 6 amps. Water heaters with an amperage draw of 48 AMPS or more require factory-installed internal fusing to comply with INTERTEK requirements.

The "GPH Recovery Capacities" chart details the gallons per hour (GPH) of hot water the heater can produce at various temperature rises (from 40°F to 140°F) for different kW inputs. For instance, a 6kW input can recover 62 GPH at a 40°F rise, or 18 GPH at a 140°F rise. The recovery computation formula is provided as: GPH = (watts x 3.412) / (8.25 x °Temp. Rise).

The manual also specifies minimum clearances: 0 inches to combustible material for the Top, Sides, Front, and Rear. However, it recommends at least 18 inches (45.7 cm) from the Top and 24 inches (61 cm) from the Front for servicing. To comply with NSF requirements, the water heater must either be sealed to the floor with sealant or installed with an optional leg kit providing a minimum 6" clearance beneath it. For California installations, the water heater must be braced, anchored, or strapped to avoid falling or moving during an earthquake.

Usage Features:

The water heater is designed for commercial use, implying robust construction and capacity for demanding hot water needs. The manual outlines general operation procedures, including how to fill and drain the water heater. To fill, users must close the heater drain valve, open the cold water supply shut-off valve, and open several hot water faucets to allow air to escape until a steady stream of water flows. To drain, users must disconnect power, close the cold water supply shut-off valve, and open the drain valve.

Thermostat adjustment is a key feature, allowing users to set the desired water temperature. However, a warning advises against increasing the thermostat setting above the preset temperature due to the risk of severe burns and excessive energy consumption. An "Approximate Time/Temperature Relationships in Scalds" chart is included to illustrate the danger of hot water, showing that water at 120°F (49°C) can cause scalds in 1½ to 2 minutes, while 155°F (68°C) can cause scalds in about 1 second. The manual recommends installing an ASSE approved mixing valve to reduce point of discharge temperature by mixing cold and hot water in branch supply lines, especially if higher temperatures are needed for appliances like dishwashers.

The water heater is equipped with an energy cut-out device to prevent overheating. If this device activates, the electrical supply to the water heater must be turned off, and a qualified service technician should be contacted.

Maintenance Features:

Regular maintenance is crucial for safe and reliable operation, and the manual strongly recommends that a qualified service technician perform these tasks. Key maintenance points include:

Annual Inspection: The water heater should be inspected at least annually by a qualified service technician for damaged components. It should not be operated if any part is found damaged.
Draining: To ensure efficient operation and long tank life, the water heater should be drained at least once a month through the drain valve until the water runs clear. This prevents noisy operation and the buildup of lime and sediment.
Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve (TPRV): The TPRV should be checked monthly to ensure it has not become encrusted with lime and operates freely. The lever at the top of the valve should be lifted several times until the valve seats properly without leaking. A warning notes that hot water will be released under pressure when lifting the lever, and care must be taken to prevent bodily injury or property damage.
Anode Rod: The magnesium anode rod should be inspected periodically (every 2 years) and replaced when necessary to prolong tank life. The inspection interval may need to be more frequent in areas with hard water or water softener usage.
Thermostat(s): Annually, check the operation of the thermostat(s).
Heating Elements: Bi-annually, check the seal around the heating elements for leaks. If leaks are detected, the power supply must be disconnected, and a plumbing professional or qualified service technician contacted.
Fuses: For models equipped with fuses, these should be checked before removing any fuse. The upper control box door must be opened, and the fuses located as indicated in the wiring diagram.
Corrosion Prevention: The manual warns against the storage or operation of the water heater in areas exposed to corrosive airborne chemical vapors (e.g., from spray can propellants, cleaning solvents, refrigerants, pool chemicals, etc.), as this can cause corrosion and component failure, which is not covered by the warranty.
Leakage Protection: The water heater must be located in an area where potential leakage from the tank or water line connections will not cause damage. If such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan (at least 4 inches larger than the water heater's diameter) must be installed and piped to an adequate drain.

The manual also includes a warning about hydrogen gas accumulation in hot water systems that have not been used for two weeks or more. Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable, and users are advised to open hot water faucets for several minutes at the kitchen sink before using electrical appliances connected to the hot water system. No smoking or open flames should be present near the faucet during this time.

The document concludes with a section for recording the model number, serial number, and installation date, and spaces for service phone numbers, days, address, and supplier information, emphasizing that the manual should be kept with the water heater.