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GETTING STARTEDReview all of the instruc onsbefore you begin work.If you aren’t sure that youcan safely and properly do this workyourself, call your Lowe’s store toarrange for Professional Installa on(you may also call a qualified personof your choice, such as a licensedplumber or electrician, to have thework done). Improper installa on candamage the water heater, your homeand other property, and can presentrisks of serious injury or death.GETTING STARTED1Figure 1 - Flexible connectors use compression fittings and do not require soldering.Figure 2 - Use a non-contact circuit testerto insure that the power is off before youwork on a circuit.Figure 3 - Install a Pressure Reducing Valveset to 50 to 60 PSI.Check with your local andstate authori es for any localor state codes that apply toyour area. In the absence of local andstate codes, follow Na onal FireProtec on Associa on (NFPA-70) andthe current edi ons of the Na onalElectric Code (NEC) and the Internaonal Plumbing Code (IPC). Theinstruc ons in this manual comply withna onal codes, but the installer isresponsible for complying with localcodes.2Massachuse s code requires this water heater to be installed in accordancewith Massachuse s 248-CMR 2.00 and248-CMR 5.00: State Plumbing Code.Other local and state authori es mayhave similar requirements or othercodes applicable to the installa on ofthis water heater.3Before you start, be sure youhave, and know how to use, thefollowing tools and supplies: Plumbing tools and supplies appropriate for the type of water pipes inyour home Threaded connectors (Figure 1) forthe cold and hot water pipes For homes plumbed with plastic6 Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guidepipe, use threaded connectors suitable for the specific type of plasticpipe used: CPVC and PEX (crosslinked polyethylene). Do not usePVC pipe. For homes with copper pipes,you may purchase connectorkits with compression fittingsthat don’t require soldering(Figure 1). Compression fittingsare easier to install than soldering copper pipes. Thread sealant tape or pipe jointcompound approved for potablewater Tools to make the electrical connections (for example, screwdrivers,wire strippers) Non-Contact circuit tester to checkfor power (Figure 2) Water Pressure Gauge (Figure 4)Recommended Accessories: Suitable drain pan (Figure 6 on page8) Automatic leak detection and shutoff device Pressure Reducing Valve (Figure 3on page 6) Thermal Expansion Tank (Figure 5on page 7) Point-of-use Thermostatic MixingValves (Figure 7 on page 8)

INSTALLATION Follow these steps for properinstalla on:Water pressureincrease caused bythermal expansion Verify that yourhome is equippedand up-to-date forproper opera onInstalling a new water heater is theperfect me to examine your home’splumbing system and make sure thesystem is up to current code standards.There have likely been plumbing codechanges since the old water heater wasinstalled. We recommend installing thefollowing accessories and any otherneeded changes to bring your home upto the latest code requirements.Use the checklist below and inspectyour home. Install any devices you needto comply with codes and assure thatyour new water heater performs at itsbest. Check with your local plumbingofficial for more informa on. Water pressureWe recommend checking yourhome’s water pressure with a pressuregauge (Figure 4.) Most codes allow amaximum incoming water pressure of80 psi. We recommend a working pressure no higher than 50-60 psi.HOW: Purchase an inexpensive waterpressure gauge available at Lowe’s .Connect the Water Pressure Gaugeto an outside faucet and measure themaximum water pressure experiencedthroughout the day (highest waterpressures o en occur at night).Figure 4 - Use a Water Pressure Gauge tomake sure your home’s water pressure isnot too high.To limit your home’s water pressure:Locate your home’s Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) on the main incoming(cold) water supply line and adjust thewater pressure control to between 50and 60 psi. If your home does not havea Pressure Reducing Valve, install aPRV on the home’s main water supplyline and set it to between 50 and 60psi. Pressure Reducing Valves are available at Lowe’s .BACKGROUND: Over the years, manyu li es have increased water supply pressures so they can serve morehomes. In some homes today, pressures exceed 100 psi. High waterpressures can damage water heaters,causing premature leaks. If you havereplaced toilet valves, had a waterheater leak, or had to repair appliances connected to the plumbing system,pay par cular a en on to your home’swater pressure. When purchasing aPRV, make sure the PRV has a built-inbypass.Verify that you have a properly sizedThermal Expansion Tank (Figure 5). Werecommend installing an expansiontank if your home does not have one.Codes require a properly pressurized,properly sized Thermal Expansion Tankin almost all homes. (See photo oninside front cover.)Figure 5 - A Thermal Expansion Tank helpsprotect the home’s plumbing system frompressure spikes.HOW: Connect the Thermal Expansion Tank (available at Lowe’s ) to thecold water supply line near the waterheater. The expansion tank containsa bladder and an air charge. To workproperly, the Thermal Expansion Tankmust be sized according to the waterheater’s tank capacity and pressurizedto match the home’s incoming waterpressure. Refer to the installa oninstruc ons provided with the ThermalExpansion Tank for installa on details.Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide 7INSTALLATIONStep 1:

INSTALLATIONINSTALLATIONBACKGROUND: Water expands whenheated, and the increased volumeof water must have a place to go, orthermal expansion will cause largeincreases in water pressure (despitethe use of a Pressure Reducing Valveon the home’s main water supplyline). The Safe Drinking Water Act of1974 requires the use of backflowpreventers and check valves to restrictwater from your home reenteringthe public water system. Backflowpreventers are o en installed in watermeters and may not be readily visible.As a result, most all plumbing systemstoday are now “closed,” and almost allhomes now need a Thermal Expansion Tank.A Thermal Expansion Tank is a prac cal and inexpensive way to help avoiddamage to the water heater, washingmachine, dishwasher, ice maker andeven toilet valves. If your toilet occasionally runs for no apparent reason(usually briefly at night), that may bedue to thermal expansion increasingthe water pressure temporarily.of the water supplied to each pointof-use (for example, kitchen sink,bathroom sink, bath, shower).Consult the valve manufacturer’sinstruc ons or a qualified person.WARNING! Even if the water heaterthermostat is set to a rela vely lowtemperature, hot water can scald.Install Thermosta c Mixing Valves ateach point-of-use to reduce the risk ofscalding (page 4).Figure 6 - A suitable drain pan piped to anadequate drain can help protect flooringfrom leaks and drips. Install a suitable drain pan (available at Lowe’s ) under the waterheater (Figure 6) to catch condensation or leaks in the piping connections or tank. Most codes require,and we recommend, installing thewater heater in a drain pan that ispiped to an adequate drain. Thedrain pan must be at least two inches wider than the diameter of thewater heater. Install the drain panso the water level would be limitedto a maximum depth of 1-3/4”. Water temperature regula onWater pipe and tankleaksLeaks from plumbing pipes or fromthe water heater itself can damageproperty and could cause a fire risk. Install an automatic leak detectionand shutoff device (available atLowe’s ). These devices can detectwater leaks and can shut off thewater heater’s water supply if aleak occurs.Figure 7 - Thermostatic Mixing Valvesinstalled at each point -of-use can helpprevent scalds.Install Thermosta c Mixing Valves(Figure 7) to regulate the temperature8 Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care GuideBACKGROUND: A Thermosta c Mixing Valve, installed at each pointof-use, mixes hot water from thewater heater with cold water to moreprecisely regulate the temperature ofhot water supplied to fixtures. If youaren’t sure if your plumbing systemis equipped with properly installedand adjusted Thermosta c MixingValves at each point where hot wateris used, contact a qualified person formore informa on.

5The loca on is not prone tophysical damage by vehicles,flooding, or other risks.Before installing your water heater,ensure that:1 In an area that will not freeze In an area that is suitable for installing the water heater vertically2The loca on has adequatespace (clearances) for periodicservicing.3The floor can support theweight of a full water heater.Your area is not prone toearthquakes. If it is, usespecial straps as required bylocal building codes.NOTICE: The state of California requires bracing, anchoring, or strappingthe water heater to avoid its movingduring an earthquake. Contact localu li es for code requirements in yourarea, visit h p://www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov,or call 1-916-445-8100 and requestinstruc ons. Other loca ons may havesimilar requirements. Check with yourlocal and state authori es.43VehicleStopThe water heater will be: Installed indoors close tothe center of the plumbingsystem. In a suitable drain pan piped to anadequate floor drain or externalto the building (Figure 6 on page8).Locate the water heater’scircuit breaker and turn it OFF(or remove the circuit’sfuses).On the old water heater,remove the electricaljunction box access panel.Using a non-contact circuit tester,check the wiring to make certain thepower is OFF.2DrainPanDrainFigure 8 - In a garage, install a vehicle stopto avoid water heater damage.Avoid loca ons such as a cs,upper floors, or where a leakmight damage the structureor furnishings. Due to the normalcorrosive ac on of water, the tank willeventually leak. To minimize propertydamage from leaks, inspect andmaintain your water heater in accordance with this manual’s instruc ons.Install a suitable drain pan under thewater heater piped to an adequatedrain. Inspect the drain pan, pipes, andsurrounding area regularly and fix anyleaks found. Drain pans are available atLowe’s . Leaks are frequently in theplumbing system itself and not thewater heater.6Step 3:Removing the old waterheaterRead each installa on stepand decide if you have thenecessary skills to install thewater heater. Only proceed if you cansafely perform the work. If you are notcomfortable, have a qualified personperform the installa on.1WARNING! Working on an energizedcircuit can result in severe injury ordeath from electrical shock.Disconnect the electricalwires.4Open a hot water faucet andlet the hot water run un l it iscool (This may take 10minutes or longer).5Figure 9 - Let the hot water run until it is cool.WARNING! Be sure the water runscool before draining the tank to reducethe risk of scalding.Connect a garden hose to thedrain valve and place theother end of the hose in adrain, outside, or a bucket. (Note thatsediment in the bo om of the tankmay clog the valve and prevent itfrom draining. If you can’t get thetank to drain, contact a qualifiedperson.)6Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide 9INSTALLATIONStep 2:Verify that the loca onis appropriate

INSTALLATION7Turn the cold water supplyvalve OFF.8Open the drain valve on thewater heater.Disconnect the water pipes.Many water pipes areconnected by a threadedunion which can be disconnected withwrenches. If you must cut the waterpipes, cut the pipes close to the waterheater’s inlet and outlet connec ons,leaving the water pipes as long aspossible. If necessary, you can makethem shorter later when you installthe new water heater.1112Figure 10 - Draining the old water heater.Also open a hot water faucetto help the water in the tankdrain faster.When the tank is empty,disconnect the Temperature &Pressure (T&P) Relief Valvedischarge pipe. You may be able toreuse the discharge pipe, but do notreuse the old T&P Relief Valve. A newT&P Relief Valve comes installed onyour water heater (or on some models,is in the carton with the water heater).INSTALLATION910Figure 11 - Removing the T&P Relief Valvedischarge pipe.Remove the old water heater.WARNING! Use two or more peopleto remove or install water heater.Failure to do so can result in back orother injury.23Completely read all instrucons before beginning. If youare not sure if you cancomplete the installa on, DO NOTRETURN THIS UNIT TO THE STORE.Seek assistance from any of thefollowing sources: Lowe’s Professional Installationis available for this product and thework is guaranteed. Call your Lowe’s store to have this water heaterinstalled. Schedule an appointmentwith a qualified person to install yourwater heater.1 Call our Technical Assistance Hotline at 1-877-817-675010 Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care GuideSet the water heater in placetaking care not to damagethe drain pan.NOTICE: Most codes require se ngthe water heater in a suitable drainpan piped to an adequate drain. Thedrain pan helps avoid property damage which may occur from condensaon or leaks in the piping connec onsor tank. The drain pan must be atleast two inches wider than the diameter of the water heater. Install thedrain pan so the water level is limitedto a maximum depth of 1-3/4”.Step 4:Installing the newwater heaterInstall a suitable drain panthat is piped to an adequatedrain.4Verify that the water heateris properly set in placeproperly. Check that: The T&P Relief Valve will not be incontact with any electrical parts. There is adequate space to installthe T&P Relief Valve dischargepipe and that it can be piped to aseparate drain (and not into thedrain pan, unless otherwise allowedby state and local codes). There is adequate access and spacearound the water heater for futuremaintenance. The water heater is installedvertically.

DO NOT CONNECT ELECTRICALWIRING UNTIL YOU AREINSTRUCTED TO DO SO.only copper or CPVC pipe. Do notuse any other type of pipe, such asPVC, iron, flexible plas c pipe, or anytype of hose.NOTICE: Connec ng electrical powerto the tank before it is completelyfull of water (water must run FULLSTREAM from a hot water tap for a fullthree minutes) will cause the upperhea ng element to burn out.Relief Valve. Do not cap, block, plug,or insert any valve between the T&PRelief Valve and the end of the discharge pipe. Do not insert or installany reducer in the discharge pipe.Step 5:Most T&P Relief Valves are pre-installedat the factory. In some cases, they areshipped in the carton and must beinstalled in the opening marked andprovided for this purpose and accordingto local codes.WARNING! To avoid serious injuryor death from explosion, install a T&PRelief Valve according to the followinginstruc ons:If your water heater does nothave a factory installed T&PRelief Valve, install the newT&P Relief Valve that came with yourwater heater. Do not reuse an old T&PRelief Valve. Install a T&P Relief Valvedischarge pipe according to local codesand the following guidelines:1 The discharge pipe should be at least3/4” inside diameter and sloped forproper drainage. Install it to allowcomplete drainage of both the T&PRelief Valve and the discharge pipe. The discharge pipe must withstand250 F (121 C) without distor on. UseFigure 12 - The T&P Relief Valve dischargepipe must be installed properly and piped toan adequate drain. Terminate the discharge pipe a maximum of six inches above a floor drainor outside the building. Do not drainthe discharge pipe into the drainpan; instead pipe it separately toan adequate drain. In cold climates,terminate the discharge pipe insidethe building to an adequate drain.Outside drains could freeze andobstruct the drain line. Protect thedrain from freezing.DISCHARGEPIPEDRAINPIPEFigure 13 - The end of the T&P Relief Valvedischarge pipe must stop no more thansix inches above a floor drain or terminateoutside the building. Do not place any valve or other restric on between the tank and T&PResiden al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide 11INSTALLATIONConnect the Temperature and Pressure (T&P)Relief Valve/Pipe

INSTALLATIONStep 6:Install shutoff andtempering valvesIf one is not already installed,install a manual shutoff valvein the cold water line thatsupplies the water heater. Install theshutoff valve near the water heater sothat it is readily accessible. Only usevalves that are compa ble withpotable water. Use only full-flow ballor gate valves. Other types of valvesmay cause excessive restric on to thewater flow.1Install a Thermosta c MixingValve at each point-of-use(for example, kitchen sink,bathroom sink, bath, shower).Consult the valve manufacturer’sinstruc ons or a qualified person.INSTALLATION2system (or any other pre-hea ngsystem), always install a Thermosta cMixing Valve or other temperaturelimi ng device in the inlet water supplyline to limit water supply inlettemperature to 120 F. Solar waterhea ng systems can supply water withtemperatures exceeding 170 F andmay result in water heatermalfunc on.WARNING! Hot water providedby solar hea ng systems can causesevere burns instantly, resul ng insevere injury or death (page 4).WARNING! Even if the waterheater’s thermostat(s) are set to arela vely low temperature, hot watercan scald. Install Thermosta c MixingValves at each point-of-use to reducethe risk of scalding. (page 4.)3For water heaters that are fedby a solar water hea ngIf your home has copper waterpipes, you can solder the waterpipe connec ons or use compression fi ngs which don’t requiresoldering. Compression fi ngsare easier to install than solderingpipe. Check with local plumbingofficials to determine what typesof pipe materials are suitable foryour loca on. Do not use leadbased solder.Step 7:1Connect the watersupplyDetermine the type of water pipes inyour home. Most homes use copperwater pipes, but some use CPVC orcross-linked polyethylene (PEX). Usefi ngs appropriate for the type of pipein your home. Do not use iron or PVCpipe – they are not suitable for potablewater.Connect the cold watersupply using 3/4 inchNa onal Pipe Thread “NPT”to the cold water inlet nipple.For ease of removing the water heaterfor service or replacement, connect the water pipes with a couplingcalled a union. We recommend usinga dielectric-type union (available atLowe’s ). Dielectric unions can helpprevent corrosion caused by ny electric currents common in copper waterpipes and can help extend the life ofthe water heater.2Figure 14 - Install Thermostatic MixingValves at each point where hot water willbe used.IF YOU HAVE COPPERPIPES:12 Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care GuideNOTICE: Do not solder pipes whilethey are a ached to the waterheater. The water heater’s inletand outlet connec ons containnon-metallic parts which could bedamaged. The proper way to connect the water heater to copperwater pipes is as follows: Solder a short length of pipe(about a foot or so) to a threaded adapter using only 95/5 nan m

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