Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 5
precau ons are par cularly important.
According to a na onal standard
American Society of Sanitary Engineer-
ing (ASSE 1070) and most local plumbing
codes, the water heater’s thermostat
should not be used as the sole means to
regulate water temperature and avoid
scalds.
Properly adjusted Thermosta c Mixing
Valves installed at each point-of-use al-
low you to set the tank temperature to
a higher se ng without increasing risk
of scalds. A higher temperature se ng
allows the tank to provide much more
hot water and can help provide proper
water temperatures for appliances such
as dishwashers and washing machines.
Higher tank temperatures (140°F)
also kill bacteria that cause a condi-
on known as “smelly water” and can
reduce the levels of bacteria that cause
water-borne diseases.
Water Contamination Risk
Do not use chemicals that could con-
taminate the potable water supply. Do
not use piping that has been treated
with chromates, boiler seal, or other
chemicals.
Fire Risk
To reduce the risk of a
fire that could destroy
your home and serious-
ly injure or kill people:
• D o not store things that can burn
easily such as paper or clothes next
to the water heater.
• Be sure the junction box cover and
the access door covers are in place.
These covers keep debris from
entering and potentially being ignit-
ed, and help keep any internal fires
from spreading.
• Keep the water heater from becom-
ing wet. Immediately shut the water
heater off and have it inspected by a
qualified person if you find that the
wiring, thermostat(s) or surround-
ing insulation have been exposed to
water in any way (e.g., leaks from
plumbing, leaks from the water
heater itself can damage property
and could cause a fire risk). If the
water heater is subjected to flood
conditions or the thermostat(s) have
been submerged in water, the entire
water heater must be replaced.
• Make electrical connections prop-
erly, according to the instructions
on page 14. Use 10 gauge solid
copper wire. Use a UL listed or CSA
approved strain relief. Connect
ground wire to green ground screw.
Explosion Risk
High temperatures and
pressures in the water
heater tank can cause an
explosion resulting in property
damage, serious injury or death. A
new Temperature and Pressure (T&P)
Relief Valve is included with your water
heater to reduce risk of explosion by
discharging hot water. Additional
temperature and pressure protective
equipment may be required by local
codes.
A nationally recognized testing labora-
tory maintains periodic inspection of
the valve production process and certi-
fies that it meets the requirements
for Relief Valves for Hot Water Supply
Systems, ANSI Z21.22. The T&P Relief
Valve’s relief pressure must not exceed
the working pressure rating of the wa-
ter heater as stated on the rating plate.
Maintain the T&P Relief Valve properly.
Follow the maintenance instructions
provided by the manufacturer of the
T&P Relief Valve (label attached to T&P
Relief Valve) and the procedure that
starts on page 24.
An explosion could occur if the T&P
Relief Valve or discharge pipe is
blocked. Do not cap or plug the T&P
Relief Valve or discharge pipe.
Fire and Explosion Risk if Hot Water is
Not Used for Two Weeks or More
C AUTION! Hydrogen gas builds up in
a hot water system when it is not used
for a long period (two weeks or more).
Hydrogen gas is extremely
fl
ammable.
If the hot water system has not been
used for two weeks or more, open a
hot water faucet for several minutes at
the kitchen sink before using any elec-
trical appliances connected to the hot
water system. Do not smoke or have
an open
fl
ame or other igni on source
near the faucet while it is open.
S
AFETY
