Kenmore 32646 Owners Manual - Page 12

Converting the Lower Element These instructions only cover the conversion of the convertible element, read this entire manual before attempting to install or operate the water heater. The water heater is factory set to operate at 3800 watts. The lower element can be converted to operate at 5500 watts. Refer to "Facts to Consider About the Convertible Lower Element" section. The Upper Element, (if double element model) is a conventional 3800 watt element which only operates at its rated wattage on 240 volts. (See rating plate on the water heater. The lower Element of the water heater can be converted from operation at 3800 watts to 5500 watts on a 240 volt system. If after reading these instructions and this manual, if you do not understand any portion call Sears Service Center. Necessary element conversion parts are bag contained within the electrical junction water heater. located in a small box on top of the CONVERSION PARTS BUSS BAR FIGURE 12. Before beginning the conversion turn "OFF" electric power supply to the water heater. Fire Hazard / Electric Shock Hazard Do not use this water heater with any voltage other than shown on the model rating plate• Failure to use the correct voltage shown on the model rating plate could result in death, serious bodily injury, or property damage. FIGURE 13. The convertible element is located behind the lower access panel of the water heater. Remove the two screws securing the access panel, and remove panel. Before making the conversion to 5500 watts, check the (1) power supply . . . must be 240 volts, (2) wiring . . . 10 gauge AWG @ Type TW, 60°C or equivalent, and (3) Circuit breakers or fusing . . .capable of 30 amp loading. Also, the installation must conform with this manual, local codes and electric utility rules. Failure to comply can result in DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. NOTE: Whether or not the element conversion is made the model rating plate must be marked. Using a hard point ink pen, check the appropriate block within the model rating plate, which is located adjacent to the lower access panel. FIGURE 14. Remove the insulation terminal cover. cap with handle to expose the WAETELERCHTREIACTER MODEL NUMBER CAPACITY U.S GAL Q L9IS32TNED SERIAL NUMBER FACTORY UPPER ELEMENT WATTS EQUIPPED WiTH LOWER ELEMENT WATTS MAXIMUM WATTS VOLTS A.C. ONLY CHECK HERE }FINSTALLEDAS FACTORY EQUIPPED MAXIMUM WORKING PRESSURE P,S I OPTIONAL UPPER ELEMENT WATTS WATTAGE LOWER ELEMENT WATTS MAXIMUM WATTS CHECKHERE IFCONVERTED WARNING SEE CONVERSION INSTRUCTION FIGURE 11. FIGURE 15. Lower Element: Lift out the tab as shown to unclip the terminal cover from the thermostat. The terminal cover can now be removed from the thermostat. 12