A.O. Smith 318257-000 Operating Your Water Heater, Before Using, Water Temperature Regulation

OPERATING YOUR WATER HEATER

Before Using

1.Make sure the water heater has been properly installed. See “Installing Your Water Heater” section.

2.Make sure the air filter is correctly seated, as it may shift during shipping or installation. See “Repair Parts Illustration” section.

3.Completely fill the tank with water (See “Water Piping” section).

4.After the water heater tank is completely filled with water, connect electrical power to the water heater.

5.Read the “Water Temperature Regulation” section of this manual. If you do not fully understand these instruction, contact a qualified person.

6.Press the power button (See Figure 10) to turn the water heater on and allow it to run a system diagnostic. This typically takes eight minutes. Once complete, proceed to the next step.

NOTE: If the system diagnostic yields any codes, reference the Diagnostic Code section in this manual.

7.Adjust the thermostat to the desired temperature setting as described under “Adjusting the User Interface Module/Operational Modes” section.

IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to operate this water heater if the unit has been submerged, subjected to flooding, or surrounding insulation has been exposed to water in any way.

Do not attempt to repair a unit subjected to flood conditions. Water heaters subjected to flood conditions or any time the unit has been submerged in water require replacement of the entire water heater.

Safety Shut-off (ECO)

This water heater is designed to automatically shut-off in the event that the water temperature exceeds 190°F or 87.8°C. A temperature limit switch or ECO (Energy Cut Off) is used to shut off the power to the system if the water temperature exceeds 190°F or 87.8°C (See “Water Temperature Regulation” section). To reset the ECO disconnect power at the circuit breaker/fuse box then remove the upper access panel. Reset the ECO by firmly pushing in the red reset button located on the ECO block. If the ECO continues

to shut-off the water heater contact a qualified person for service.

Water Temperature Regulation

WARNING

Water temperature over 125°F can cause severe burns instantly or death from scalds.

Children, disabled and elderly are at highest risk of being scalded.

Feel water before bathing or showering. Temperature limiting valves are available.

The water heater is adjusted to a temperature setting of no higher than 120°F when it is shipped from the factory. Water temperature can be regulated by adjusting the User Interface Module to the preferred setting as shown in “Adjusting the User Interface Module/Operational Mode” The preferred starting point is 120°F. There is a hot water scald potential if the temperature set point is set too high.

IMPORTANT: Adjusting the set point above 120°F on the User Interface Module will increase the risk of scald injury in the times shown below.

Table 1

	Time for 1st	Time for
Water		Permanent Burns
	Degree Burn
Temperature °F		2nd & 3rd Degree
	(Less Severe Burns)
		(Most Severe Burns)
110	(normal shower temp.)
116	(pain threshold)	45 minutes
116	35 minutes
122	1 minute	5 minutes
131	5 seconds	25 seconds
140	2 seconds	5 seconds
149	1 second	2 seconds
154	instantaneous	1 seconds

(U.S. Government Memorandum, C.P.S.C., Peter L. Armstrong, Sept. 15,1978)

NOTE: During low demand periods when hot water is not being used, a lower temperature set point will reduce energy losses and may satisfy your normal hot water needs. If hot water use is expected to be more than normal, a higher temperature set point may be required to meet the increased demand.

When leaving your home for extended periods (vacations, etc.) set the water heater to Vacation Mode. See “Adjusting the User Interface Module/Operational Modes” section. This will maintain the water at low temperatures with minimum energy losses and prevent the tank from freezing during cold weather. NOTE: When returning from an extended stay remember to set the water heater back to the desired Operational Mode.

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