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Installing the water heater.
CAUTION: The presence of water in the piping and water heater does not provide sufficient conduction for a
ground. Non-metallic piping, dielectric unions, flexible connectors etc. can cause the water heater to be electrically
isolated.
Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions
Branch Circuit Sizing and Wire Size Guide
Total Water Recommended Over Current Protection Copper Wire Size AWG Based
Heater Wattage (fuse or circuit breaker amperage rating) on N.E.C. Table 310-16 (75°C)
120V 208V 240V 120V 208V 240V
1500* 20 15 15 12 14 14
1700 20 15 15 12 14 14
2000 25 15 15 10 14 14
2500 30 15 15 10 14 14
3000 35 20 20 8 12 12
3500 – 25 20 – 10 12
3800 – 25 20 – 10 12
4000 – 25 25 – 10 10
4500 – 30 25 – 10 10
5000 – 30 30 – 10 10
5500 – 35 30 – 8 10
6000 – 40 35 – 8 8
9000 – – 50 – – 8
*Less than 1500 watts may be wired 14 gauge with 15 amp protection. Check Local Electrical Codes, as they will also apply.
Electrical Connections
A separate branch circuit with copper
conductors, overcurrent protective device
and suitable disconnecting means must
be provided by a qualified electrician.
All wiring must conform to local codes
or latest edition of National Electrical
Code ANSI/NFPA 70.
The water heater is completely wired to
the junction box inside jacket at the top
front of the water heater. An opening for
1/2″ or 3/4″ electrical fitting is provided
for field wiring connections.
The voltage requirements and wattage load
for the water heater are specified on the
rating plate on the front of the water heater.
The branch circuit wiring should
include either:
Metallic conduit or metallic sheathed
cable approved for use as a grounding
conductor and installed with
fittings approved for the purpose.
Non-metallic sheathed cable, metallic
conduit or metallic sheathed cable
not approved for use as a ground
conductor shall include a separate
conductor for grounding. It should
be attached to the ground terminals
of the water heater and the electrical
distribution box.
WARNING
W
ARNING
Water heater junction box.
NOTICE: This guide
recommends minimum
branch circuit sizing and
wire size based on National
Electric Code. Refer to
wiring diagrams in this
manual for field wiring
connections.
Ground screw
Junction
box
cover
Wire connections
Conduit
connector
Condensation
Condensation can form on the tank
when it is first filled with water.
Condensation might also occur with
a heavy water draw and very cold inlet
water temperatures.
This condition is not unusual, and will
disappear after the water becomes
heated. If, however, the condensation
continues, examine the piping and fittings
for possible leaks.
Additional information on this subject
may be found at www.rheem.com
under “Library,” scroll down to the
Technical Service Bulletins 1400 Series
Section and choose Bulletin #1402.