Rheem Professional Electric Series Use and Care Manual - Page 13

Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds, Water Temperature Setting

Page 13 highlights

! DANGER: There is a hot water scald potential if the thermostat is set too high. Households with small children, disabled, or elderly persons may require a 120°F or lower thermostat setting to prevent contact with HOT water. Water Temperature Setting The temperature of the water in the water heater can be regulated by setting the temperature dial of the adjustable surface mounted thermostat(s) located behind the jacket access panel(s). Dual element heaters have two thermostats. Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the water temperature setting of the water heater's thermostat(s). The lower the temperature setting, the greater the savings in energy and operating costs. To comply with safety regulations the thermostat(s) are factory set at 120°F or less where local codes require. This is the recommended starting point. Water temperatures above 125°F can cause severe burns or death from scalding. Be sure to read and follow the warnings outlined in this manual and on the label on the water heater. This label is located on the water heater near the thermostat access panel. Mixing valves for reducing point of use water temperature by mixing hot and cold water in branch water lines are available. Contact a licensed plumber or the local plumbing authority for further information. The chart below may be used as a guide in determining the proper water temperature for your home. Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds Temperature 120°F 125°F 130°F 135°F 140°F 145°F 150°F 155°F Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute Time To Produce a Serious Burn More than 5 minutes 11/2 to 2 minutes About 30 seconds About 10 seconds Less than 5 seconds Less than 3 seconds About 11/2 seconds About 1 second ESE ESE TR Reset button TR Thermostat dial pointer Thermostat protective cover 150°F (66°C) (3920°°CF) 125°F (52°C) TURN OFF POWER BEFORE SERVICING If adjustment is necessary... Turn off the power to the water heater. Remove the jacket access panel(s) and insulation exposing the thermostat(s). The thermostat protective cover(s) should not be removed. Using a small screwdriver, set the thermostat(s) dial pointer(s) to the desired temperature. Replace the insulation and jacket access panel(s). Turn on the power to the water heater. Type 59T thermostat and protective cover. 13

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13
If adjustment is necessary…
Turn off the power to the water
heater.
Remove the jacket access panel(s)
and insulation exposing the
thermostat(s).
The thermostat protective cover(s)
should not be removed.
Using a small screwdriver, set the
thermostat(s) dial pointer(s) to
the desired temperature.
Replace the insulation and jacket
access panel(s). Turn on the power to
the water heater.
R
E
S
E
T
R
E
S
E
T
TURN OFF
POWER
BEFORE
SERVICING
90
°
F
150
°
F
125
°
F
(66
°
C)
(52
°
C)
(32
°
C)
Type 59T thermostat and protective
cover.
Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds
Temperature
Time To Produce a Serious Burn
120°F
More than 5 minutes
125°F
1
1
/
2
to 2 minutes
130°F
About 30 seconds
135°F
About 10 seconds
140°F
Less than 5 seconds
145°F
Less than 3 seconds
150°F
About 1
1
/
2
seconds
155°F
About 1 second
Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute
DANGER: There is a hot
water scald potential if the
thermostat is set too high.
Households with small
children, disabled, or elderly
persons may require a 120°F
or lower thermostat setting to
prevent contact with
HOT water.
!
Water Temperature Setting
The temperature of the water in the water
heater can be regulated by setting the
temperature dial of the adjustable surface
mounted thermostat(s) located behind the
jacket access panel(s).
Dual element heaters have two
thermostats.
Safety and energy conservation are factors
to be considered when selecting the water
temperature setting of the water heater’s
thermostat(s). The lower the temperature
setting, the greater the savings in energy
and operating costs.
To comply with safety regulations the
thermostat(s) are factory set at 120°F or
less where local codes require. This is the
recommended starting point.
Water temperatures above 125°F can
cause severe burns or death from scalding.
Be sure to read and follow the warnings
outlined in this manual and on the label on
the water heater. This label is located on
the water heater near the thermostat access
panel.
Mixing valves for reducing point of use
water temperature by mixing hot and cold
water in branch water lines are available.
Contact a licensed plumber or the local
plumbing authority for further
information.
The chart below may be used as a guide in
determining the proper water temperature
for your home.
Reset button
Thermostat
protective cover
Thermostat dial
pointer