This document is the owner's manual for a Kuuma Electric Water Heater, specifically for the Australian market. It provides detailed instructions for installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, along with important safety information and warranty details.
Function Description:
The Kuuma Electric Water Heater is designed to provide hot water, primarily for marine use. It can heat water using two methods:
- AC Power: When connected to an electrical supply, the water temperature in the tank is regulated at 140°F (60°C) by a non-adjustable thermostat.
- Heat Exchanger: The unit is equipped with a heat exchanger that allows the water to be heated by the engine's coolant. In this mode, the water temperature in the tank will approach the temperature of the engine coolant. Some units may be equipped with a Temperature Control Valve (TCV) to maintain the temperature at approximately 140°F.
Important Technical Specifications:
The manual provides specifications for several models (405XXX, 406XXX, 411XXX, 418XXX) corresponding to different capacities:
- Capacities: 5 Gallon, 6 Gallon, 11 Gallon, 20 Gallon.
- Material: Tank and Case Material are Aluminum.
- Weight (Dry):
- 5 Gallon: 22 lb
- 6 Gallon: 25 lb
- 11 Gallon: 30 lb
- 20 Gallon: 47 lb
- Overall Size (W/D/H) (approximate, varies by mount type and model):
- 5 Gallon Side Mount: 15.5"/16.5" / 13.6" (without TCV), 15.5" / 16.75" / 13.6" (with TCV)
- 6 Gallon Front/Back Mount: 13.6"/20"/ 13.6" (without TCV), 13.6"/20.5" / 13.6" (with TCV)
- 11 Gallon Front/Back Mount: 16"/22.5"/16" (without TCV), 16" / 23"/16" (with TCV)
- 20 Gallon Cross Mount: 18.75"/18.75" / 29.5"
- Standard Heat Exchanger Location: Front for all models.
- Electrical Rating: 1500 Watts at both 120V (12.5A) and 240V (6.25A).
- Ignition Protection: Yes for all models.
- Certification: UL 174 (Including Marine Supplement) CSA C22.2 No. 110-94, CE.
- Fittings:
- Water Inlet/Outlet: 1/2" NPT F
- Heat Exchanger: 5/8" Hose Barb
- SRV (Safety Relief Valve): 3/4" NPT F
- Warranty: 2 Years.
- Maximum Inlet Water Pressure: 500kPa.
- Pressure & Temperature Relief Valve: Reliance RMC model HT-575, 30kW capacity, maximum 99°C temperature, pressure setting 1000 kPa.
Usage Features:
- Mounting: Must be mounted upright on its base, securely fastened to a stable horizontal surface. Cannot be mounted vertically in any other orientation. Mounting brackets are located on the sides or front and back of the tank.
- Plumbing Connections:
- Cold water supply and hot water outlet use 1/2" NPT Female fittings. Installation of a check valve on the cold water inlet is recommended.
- Heat exchanger inlet/outlet (or TCV inlet) uses 5/8" hose barb fittings, requiring stainless steel hose clamps.
- A Pressure & Temperature Relief Valve (P&T valve) is fitted, requiring a continuously downward discharge pipe in a frost-free environment, terminating within 15cm above or at any distance below the structural floor, and not contacting live electrical parts.
- Electrical Connections:
- Requires connection by a qualified electrician using armored cable or conduit per NEC code ANSI/NFPA 70-1993.
- Units are manufactured for either 120V or 240V circuitry.
- Line (Hot) connects to the pigtail wire from the High Temperature Limiter. Neutral connects to the unused screw terminal on the heating element marked 'N'.
- A strain relief should be installed for the AC wire.
- Grounding is done via a screw on the inside of the access cover. For marine installations, conductors must meet sub chapter S, part 183.425, table 5 of chapter 1 - Coast Guard Department of Transportation Code of Federal Regulations Title 33.
- Galvanic Isolation: For marine installations, a galvanic isolator is recommended to prevent damage from small DC electric currents moving between boat and shore through the safety ground wire.
- Pre-Start Up: Requires completely filling the heater with water and bleeding air from the system by opening the hot water faucet closest to the heater until water runs steady. All connections must be checked for leaks.
- Hydrogen Gas Warning: If the heater has not been used for more than two weeks, hydrogen gas may accumulate. To reduce injury risk, open the hot water faucet for several minutes at the kitchen sink before using any electrical appliance connected to the hot water system.
- Thermostat: Factory set and non-adjustable.
- Remote Switch: The unit is operated by turning a remote switch to ON. Water reaches maximum temperature in approximately 2 hours.
Maintenance Features:
- Pressure-Temperature Relief Valve (SRV) Operation:
- The valve lever MUST be operated at least once every six months to ensure waterways are clear and prevent mineral deposits from rendering it inoperative.
- When manually operating the lever, hot water will discharge, so precautions must be taken to avoid contact and water damage.
- If no water flows when the lever is operated, the valve is inoperative, and the water heater should be turned off, and a plumber called immediately.
- The SRV is not serviceable; if not functioning, it must be replaced. Tampering with it voids the warranty and can cause scalding injury.
- Restoring Air Gap: The tank has an internal air gap to reduce dripping. If dripping occurs due to the air being absorbed, follow these steps:
- Turn off main water supply (pump or hook-up source).
- Let water cool or run until cool.
- Open the hot water faucet closest to the heater.
- Pull the handle of the pressure-temperature relief valve straight out and allow water to flow until it stops.
- Allow the valve to snap shut; close the faucet and turn on the water supply.
- Turn on the water heater and test.
- Repeat this procedure at least once a year.
- Permanent Solutions for Dripping: Install a pressure relief valve in the cold water inlet line (set to relieve at 100-125 PSI) or a diaphragm-type expansion tank (sized for 15 oz. water expansion, pre-charged to water supply pressure).
- Winterizing (Flushing):
- Periodically drain and flush the tank for best performance and extended life.
- Drain and flush the tank before long-term storage or freezing weather.
- Turn off the main water supply before draining.
- For Australian models, the hand wheel on the drain valve may be removed; an 8mm or 5/16” spanner is needed to operate it.
- Heat Exchanger Coolant: Only use the engine manufacturer's recommended coolant. Do not use raw water (salt water) or damaging chemicals in the heat exchanger circuit, as this can cause damage not covered by warranty.
- Bleeding Air: Bleed air from the entire coolant system for proper operation of both the engine and water heater.
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