Rheem PROE15 1 RH POU

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Water Heaters

Electric Point of Use

The purpose of this manual is twofold: one, to provide the installer

with the basic directions and recommendations for the proper

installation and adjustment of the water heater; and two, for the

owner–operator, to explain the features, operation, safety

precautions, maintenance and troubleshooting of the water heater.

This manual also includes a parts list.

It is imperative that all persons who are expected to install, operate

or adjust this water heater read the instructions carefully so they may

understand how to perform these operations. If you do not

understand these instructions or any terms within it, seek

professional advice.

Any questions regarding the operation, maintenance, service or

warranty of this water heater should be directed to the seller from

whom it was purchased. If additional information is required, refer to

the section on “If you need service.”

Do not destroy this manual. Please read carefully and keep in a

safe place for future reference.

Recognize this symbol as an indication of Important

Safety Information!

California Proposition 65 Warning: This product contains

chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer,

birth defects or other reproductive harm.

2½ through 30 Gallon Capacity

120 and 240 Volt Models

LISTED

786H

AP10227-11 (01/05)

Printed in USA

Use & Care Manual

With Installation Instructions for the Installer

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING—When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons

should be followed, including:

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS

WATER HEATER.

The cord and plug connected water heater covered in this

manual (2

/2 gallon models) must be grounded. Connect

only to properly grounded outlet. See “Electrical

Connections” section on page 8.

Install or locate this water heater in accordance with the

provided installation instructions.

Use this water heater only for its intended use as

described in this manual.

As with any appliance, close supervision is necessary

when used by children.

Do Not use an extension cord set with this water heater. If

no receptacle is available adjacent to the water heater,

contact a qualified electrician to have one properly installed.

Do Not operate this water heater if it has a damaged cord

or plug, if it is not working properly, or if it has been

damaged or dropped.

This water heater should be serviced only by qualified

service personnel. Contact nearest authorized service

center for examination, repair or adjustment.

SAVE THESE

INSTRUCTIONS

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Summary

Installation Instructions

Electrical Connections

Details on wiring requirements and branch circuit sizing.

Water Temperature Adjustment

Scald Risk from Water Temperature

Chart detailing burn times at various water temperatures.

Key Installation Considerations

Relief Valve and Filling Procedures

Relief Valve Installation and Discharge

Proper installation and connection of the temperature and pressure relief valve.

Operational Details and Maintenance

Branch Circuit Sizing Guide

Table for recommended circuit protection and wire gauge.

Operating the Water Heater

Operational Safety Precautions

Safety Controls and ECO Reset

Explanation of thermostat, ECO function, and manual reset procedure.

Water Temperature Setting Procedure

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Before You Call For Service

Common problems and their solutions before contacting service.

Summary

Installation Instructions

Electrical Connections

Details on wiring requirements and branch circuit sizing.

Water Temperature Adjustment

Scald Risk from Water Temperature

Chart detailing burn times at various water temperatures.

Key Installation Considerations

Relief Valve and Filling Procedures

Relief Valve Installation and Discharge

Proper installation and connection of the temperature and pressure relief valve.

Operational Details and Maintenance

Branch Circuit Sizing Guide

Table for recommended circuit protection and wire gauge.

Operating the Water Heater

Operational Safety Precautions

Safety Controls and ECO Reset

Explanation of thermostat, ECO function, and manual reset procedure.

Water Temperature Setting Procedure

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Before You Call For Service

Common problems and their solutions before contacting service.

This document is a Use & Care Manual for Electric Point of Use Water Heaters, specifically covering 2½ through 30-gallon capacity models operating on 120 and 240 volts. It provides comprehensive instructions for installation, operation, safety precautions, maintenance, and troubleshooting, intended for both installers and owner-operators.

Function Description:

The device is an electric point-of-use water heater designed to provide hot water for various applications. Its primary function is to heat and store water, making it readily available at fixtures. The point-of-use design allows for installation close to the demand point, minimizing heat loss in long uninsulated hot water lines and conserving energy and water. The water heater utilizes one or two heating elements, depending on the model and capacity, regulated by adjustable surface-mounted thermostats to maintain the desired water temperature. A temperature limiting control (ECO) acts as a safety feature, breaking the power circuit to the heating element if the water temperature becomes excessively high, requiring manual reset.

Important Technical Specifications:

Capacity: 2½ through 30 gallons.
Voltage: 120 and 240 Volt models.
Thermostat Type: Therm-O-Disc Thermostats (Type 59T).
Heating Elements: Single or double elements, depending on the model and capacity.
Pressure Relief Valve: A combination temperature and pressure relief valve, complying with ANSI Z21.22, is supplied and must be installed. Its pressure rating must not exceed 150 PSI, and its Btuh rating must not be less than the input rating of the water heater.
Grounding: 2½ gallon models with a plug-connected power supply cord must be connected to a properly grounded receptacle. Other models require a separate branch circuit with copper conductors, an overcurrent protective device, and suitable disconnecting means, with grounding to the water heater and electrical distribution box.
Branch Circuit Sizing and Wire Size: A guide is provided based on National Electric Code (N.E.C. Table 310-16 (75°C)), recommending fuse or circuit breaker amperage ratings and copper wire sizes (AWG) for various wattages and voltages (e.g., 1500W at 120V requires 20A protection and 12 AWG wire; 9000W at 240V requires 50A protection and 8 AWG wire).

Usage Features:

Temperature Adjustment: Water temperature is regulated by adjustable thermostats located behind jacket access panels. Factory set at 120°F or lower where local codes require. Users can adjust the temperature using a small screwdriver on the thermostat dial pointer after turning off power and removing the access panel and insulation.
Safety Warnings: Emphasizes the risk of scalding at temperatures above 125°F, providing a Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds chart (e.g., 120°F: More than 5 minutes to produce a serious burn; 155°F: About 1 second). Advises lower settings (120°F or less) for households with small children, disabled, or elderly persons.
Thermal Expansion Control: Explains the phenomenon of thermal expansion in "closed water systems" (where a check valve prevents water from flowing back into the main supply line) and recommends installing an expansion tank in the cold water line to mitigate pressure increases and repeated relief valve operation.
Water Supply Connections: Recommends unions or flexible copper connectors for easy servicing. Cold water supply connects to the bottom (6 and 20-gallon models) or top (2½ gallon models) and hot water to the side near the top (6 and 20-gallon models) or top (2½ gallon models). A shut-off valve and drain valve are recommended in the cold water line.
Filling the Water Heater: Crucial to ensure the tank is completely full of water before turning on the heater to prevent damage. Involves opening the cold water supply shut-off valve and hot water faucets to vent air until a steady flow of water is achieved.
Hydrogen Gas Caution: Warns that hydrogen gas can be produced in hot water systems unused for long periods (two weeks or more) and is extremely flammable. Recommends opening a hot water faucet for several minutes to dissipate gas before using electrical appliances connected to the hot water system.

Maintenance Features:

Routine Preventative Maintenance: Suggests establishing a routine maintenance program, including periodic inspection of operating controls, heating elements, and wiring by qualified service personnel.
Draining: Instructions for draining the water heater, emphasizing turning off power and cold water supply first, and directing hot water to a suitable drain to prevent scalding.
Cleaning Heating Elements: If hissing or singing sounds increase excessively, the electric heating element may require cleaning.
Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve: Recommends lifting and releasing the lever handle on the T&P relief valve at least once a year to ensure it operates freely. Warns against plugging the relief valve outlet if it discharges periodically due to thermal expansion.
Tank Cleaning: Suggests draining a few quarts of water from the tank monthly to clean out hard water deposits.
Anode Rod Inspection: Recommends annual inspection and replacement of the anode rod if more than 6 inches of core wire is exposed, noting that operation without an anode rod shortens tank life and voids warranty.
Insulation Blankets: States that external insulation blankets are generally unnecessary as the heater meets energy conservation standards. If local codes require one, warns against covering operating/warning labels, the top of the heater (electrical junction box), or access panels/valves.
Hot and Cold Pipe Insulation: Two 24-inch sections of pipe insulation are supplied with some models for increased energy efficiency, with illustrations for vertical, horizontal, and side piping arrangements.
Heat Traps: Some models include factory-installed internal or external heat traps for energy efficiency.
Extended Shut-Down: Advises turning off power and water if the heater is idle for an extended period to conserve energy and prevent hydrogen gas buildup. Draining is recommended if freezing temperatures are expected. After a long shutdown, controls should be checked by qualified service personnel, and the heater refilled before operation.
Troubleshooting Guide: A chart is provided to help users diagnose common problems (e.g., rumbling noise, relief valve draining, rattling noise, not enough/no hot water, water too hot) and suggests solutions (e.g., clean heating elements, contact plumber for thermal expansion, reset circuit breaker, adjust thermostat). Emphasizes that electrical repairs, thermostat, and heating element repairs should only be done by qualified service personnel.