American Water Heater HeavyDuty Surface Thermostat Commercial Electric STCE3150 80 119 User Manual

							31
Restore Factory Defaults  
ACTION DISPLAY
From the Main Menu use the Up/Down buttons to select (highlight in black) 
the “Restore Factory Defaults” menu.
Press the Operational Button underneath “SELECT.” The Restore Factory 
Defaults menu will be displayed.
 
From  the  Restore  Factory  Defaults  menu  press  the  Operational  Button 
underneath “YES.” The display will show text confirming the factory default 
settings have been restored.
Press the Operational Button underneath “BACK” to exit the Restore Factory 
Defaults menu.
GENERALPeriodically  the  drain  valve  should  be  opened  and  the  water 
allowed  to  run  until  it  flows  clean.  This  will  help  to  prevent 
sediment buildup in the tank bottom.
Periodically check the temperature and pressure relief valve to ensure 
that  it  is  in  operating  condition.  Lift  the  lever  at  the  top  of  the  valve 
several times until the valve seats properly and operates freely.
Water  heater  maintenance  includes  periodic  tank  flushing  and 
cleaning, and removal of lime scale from the heating element.
The heater tank is equipped with an anode rod to aid in corrosion control 
and should be inspected periodically (see Anode Rod Inspection).
MAINTENANCE 
						

							32
ANODE ROD INSPECTION
Each  water  heater  contains  at  least  one  anode  rod,  which  will 
slowly  deplete  (due  to  electrolysis)  prolonging  the  life  of  the 
water  heater  by  protecting  the  glass-lined  tank  from  corrosion. 
Adverse water quality, hotter water temperatures, high hot water 
usage,  hydronic  heating  devices,  and  water  softening  methods 
can increase the rate of anode rod depletion. Once the anode rod 
is depleted, the tank will start to corrode, eventually developing 
a leak.
Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between the anode 
rod and the water. The most common complaint associated with 
the anode rod is a “rotten egg smell” produced from the presence 
of hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. IMPORTANT: Do 
not remove this rod permanently as it will void any warranties. A 
special anode rod may be available if water odor or discoloration 
occurs. NOTE: This rod may reduce but not eliminate water odor 
problems. The water supply system may require special filtration 
equipment  from  a  water  conditioning  company  to  successfully 
eliminate all water odor problems.
Artificially  softened  water  is  exceedingly  corrosive  because  the 
process substitutes sodium ions for magnesium and calcium ions.
The  use  of  a  water  softener  may  decrease  the  life  of  the  water 
heater tank.
The  anode  rod  should  be  inspected  after  a  maximum  of  three 
years and annually thereafter until the condition of the anode rod 
dictates its replacement.
NOTE:  Artificially  softened  water  requires  the  anode  rod  to  be 
inspected annually.
The following are typical (but not all) signs of a depleted anode 
rod:•  The majority of the rods diameter is less than 3/8”.
•  Significant sections of the support wire (approx. 1/3 or more 
of the anode rod’s length) are visible.
If the anode rod show signs of either or both it should be replaced. 
NOTE:  Whether  re-installing  or  replacing  the  anode  rod,  check 
for any leaks and immediately correct if found.
In replacing the anode:
1.  Turn off electric supply to the water heater.
2.  Shut off the water supply and open a nearby hot water faucet 
to depressurize the water tank.
3.  Drain  approximately  5  gallons  of  water  from  tank.  (Refer  to 
“Draining and Flushing” for proper procedures). Close drain 
valve.
4.  Remove old anode rod.
5.  Use  Teflon®  tape  or  approved  pipe  sealant  on  threads  and 
install new anode rod.
6.  Turn  on  water  supply  and  open  a  nearby  hot  water  faucet 
to  purge  air  from  water  system.  Check  for  any  leaks  and 
immediately correct any if found.
7.  Restart the water heater as directed in this manual. See the 
Repair Parts Illustration for anode rod location.
FLUSHING THE WATER HEATER
1. Turn  off  the  electrical  supply  to  the  water  heater  at  the 
breaker or disconnect switch.
2.  Ensure the cold water inlet valve is open.
3.  Open  a  nearby  hot  water  faucet  and  let  the  water  run  until 
the water is no longer hot. Then close the hot water faucet.
4.  Connect a hose to the water heater drain valve and terminate 
it to an adequate drain.
5.  Ensure  the  drain  hose  is  secured  before  and  during  the 
entire flushing procedure. Flushing is performed with system 
water pressure applied to the water heater.
6.  Open the water heater drain valve to flush the storage tank.
7.  Flush the water heater storage tank to remove sediment and 
allow the water to flow until it runs clean.
8.  Close  the  water  heater  drain  valve  when  flushing  is 
completed.
9.  Remove the drain hose.
10.  Fill  the  water  heater  –  see  the  Filling  The  Water  Heater 
section in this manual.
11.  Turn on the electrical supply to the water heater.
12.  Place  the  water  heater  back  in  operation.  Allow  the  water 
heater  to  complete  several  heating  cycles  to  ensure  it  is 
operating properly.
SEDIMENT REMOVAL
Water borne impurities consist of fine particles of soil and sand which 
settle out and form a layer of sediment on the bottom of the tank. In 
time, if not removed, the level of sediment might reach the heating 
elements and cause their failure.
For convenience, sediment removal and element lime scale removal 
should be performed at the same time as follows.
LIME SCALE REMOVAL
Lime  scale  accumulations  on  the  heating  elements  is  a  normal 
condition,  common  to  all  immersion  type  elements.  Factors  which 
affect the amounts of this formation are:
1.  Amount  of  hot  water  used.  As  the  volume  of  water  heated 
increases, more scale results.
2.   Water temperature. As the temperature of the water is increased, 
more scale is deposited on the elements.
3.  Characteristics of water supply. 
  Regardless of water treatment, the elements should be examined 
regularly.
Lime scale accumulations may cause noises to occur during operation.
It is recommended that a heating element be removed periodically 
for examination. If it is scaled, all of the elements should be removed 
and cleaned. If the tank bottom has an accumulation of sediment it 
should be cleaned.
Lime scale should be removed by dissolving the accumulation in 
UN•LIME
® delimer. Do not use muriatic or hydrochloric acid base 
deliming solutions to remove lime scale from the elements. 
						

							33
THE	PROCESS	FOR	LIME	SCALE	REMOVAL	IS	AS	FOLLOWS:
1.  Turn off electrical disconnect switch.
2.  Drain the heater following DRAINING instructions.
3.  Open front panel.
4.   Disconnect  the  element  wiring.  Try  not  to  disturb  the  wiring 
unnecessarily and reconnection will be easier.
5.  Unscrew each element.
6.  Remove the elements and gaskets from the openings.
  •  Use a twisting, pulling action to remove elements scaled beyond  
  the size of the tank openings.
  • Brush loose scale from elements.
7.  Lime scale removal:
  •  Place limed ends of heating elements into UN•LIME delimer and  
  allow scale to dissolve. Do not permit delimer or water to contact  
  heating element electrical terminals.
  •  Silicates, sulfates, and aluminates must be removed by scraping  
  or  other  mechanical  means.  Lime  scale  dissolvents  will  
  not  remove  these  types  of  scale  which  are  occasionally  
  encountered.
Call the toll free phone number on the back cover of this Instruction 
Manual to purchase UN-LIME and heating element gaskets. OTHER	SCALE	REMOVAL:
1. 
Flush  cleaned  ends  of  elements  with  water  when  deliming  or 
cleaning is completed.
2.   Remove  sediment  and  scale  from  the  tank  bottom  through 
the  access  provided  by  the  element  openings  or  drain  valve 
opening.
  • The cold water inlet valve and drain valve may be opened to 
  aid the cleanout process.
3.  Clean remaining gasket material from tank and element flanges  
Do not reuse original element gaskets.
4.  Put new gaskets on each element and install into tank openings.
  •  Uniformly  tighten  element  bolts.  Torque  to  approximately  
  32 ft./lbs.
5.  Attach element wires to connection points from which they were 
removed.
6.  Follow FILLING instructions to restore hot water service.
  •   Check for water leaks around elements and proper operation  
  when heater is filled.
  • Close the front panel. 
						

							34
TROUBLESHOOTING CHECKLIST
CHECKLIST
Before  calling  for  service,  check  the  following  points  to  see  if  the 
cause of trouble can be identified and corrected.
Reviewing this checklist may eliminate the need of a service call and 
quickly restore hot water service. See Figure 2 and Figure 3 in this 
manual to identify and locate water heater components.
NOT ENOUGH OR NO HOT WATER
1.  Be  certain  the  electrical  disconnect  switch  serving  the  water 
heater is in the ON position.
2.  Check the fuses.
  • The electrical disconnect switch usually contains fuses.
  • The heater has fusing.
3.  If the water was excessively hot, and is now cold, the high limit 
switch may have activated.
  •  See  the  Temperature  Regulation  section  of  this  manual  for  
  more  information  on  how  to  reset  the  ECO  high  limit  
  controls.
4.  The capacity of the heater may have been exceeded by a large 
demand for hot water.
  •  Large  demands  require  a  recovery  period  to  restore  water  
  temperature.
5.   Cooler incoming water temperature will lengthen the time required 
to heat water to the desired temperature.
6.  Look for hot water leakage.
7.  Sediment or pipe scale may be affecting water heater operation. ABNORMAL SOUNDS
1. 
Sediment or lime scale accumulations on the elements causes 
sizzling and hissing noises when the heater is operating.
  •  The  sounds  are  normal,  however,  the  tank  bottom  and  
  elements should be cleaned. See the Maintenance section of 
  this manual.
2.  Some  of  the  electrical  components  of  the  water  heater  make 
sounds which are normal.
  • Contactors will “click” or snap as the heater starts and stops.
  • Transformers and contacts often hum.
Water leakage is suspected
Refer to Leakage Checkpoint on the following page.
1.  Check to see if the heater drain valve is tightly closed.
2.  If the outlet of the relief valve is leaking it may represent:
  • Excessive water temperature.
  • Faulty relief valve.
  • Excessive water pressure.
3.  Excessive  water  pressure  is  the  most  common  cause  of  relief 
valve  leakage.  It  is  often  caused  by  a  “closed  system”.  See 
“Closed  Water  Systems”  and  “Thermal  Expansion”  in  the 
Installation section of this manual for more information.
4.  Examine the area around the element for gasket leakage.
  • Tighten the elements or, if necessary, follow the WATER AND 
  LIME SCALE REMOVAL procedure to replace the gaskets.
IF YOU CANNOT IDENTIFY OR CORRECT THE SOURCE OF 
MALFUNCTION
1.  Turn the power supply to the water heater off.
2.  Close the supply water inlet valve to the heater.
3.  Contact a Qualified Service Agency in your area. 
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Call the toll free phone number listed on the warranty sheet of this 
Instruction  Manual  for  assistance  in  locating  replacement  parts. 
When ordering parts, specify complete model no., serial no., (see 
rating plate), quantity and name of part desired. Standard hardware 
items should be purchased locally. 
						

							35
LEAKAGE CHECKPOINTS
INSTRUCTIONS:	USE	THIS	 ILLUSTRATION	 AS	A	GUIDE	 WHEN	CHECKING	 FOR	SOURCES	 OF	WATER	 LEAKAGE.  
All  water  which  appears  at  the  heater  bottom  or  on  the 
surrounding  floor  may  be  caused  by  condensation,  loose 
connections  or  relief  valve  operation  and  leakage.  Do  not 
replace  the  heater  until  a  full  inspection  of  all  potential  leak 
points  is  made  and  corrective  steps  taken  to  stop  the  leak. 
Leakage from other appliances, water lines, or ground seepage 
should also be suspected until proved otherwise.
Where  possible,  remove  or  lift  top  cover  to 
examine threads of fittings installed into tank 
for  evidence  of  leakage.  Correct  fitting  leaks 
as necessary.
Relief  valve  operation  and  leakage  may  be 
due  to  water  expansion  during  heating  cycle 
or foreign material on seat of valve. If the valve 
is  not  piped  to  an  open  drain,  the  released 
water could be mistaken for a leaking heater. 
To check where threaded portion enters tank, 
insert  Q-Tip®  or  similar  absorbent  material 
between  jacket  opening  and  valve  to  swab 
spud area. Remove valve* if leak is indicated 
and repair with pipe joint compound. Water  on  the  side  of  the  tank  may  be 
condensation  due  to  the  panel  or  insulation 
not being in place.
Water leaks at the elements may be due to:
1.  Defective elements which leak at terminals 
or through flange. Replace element*.
2.  Loose element/gasket leak:
 
  Tighten  element  with  element  wrench. 
If  leak  continues,  remove  element*  and 
discard  gasket.  Clean  gasket  seating 
areas  and  reinstall  element  with  new 
gasket.
Condensation  and  dripping  may  appear  on 
pipes  when  inlet  water  temperature  is  low. 
Pipe fitting may be leaking.
Drain valve leakage could be from the valve itself. Either 
correct  the  problem  or  replace  the  valve*.  To  check  for 
leakage where threaded portion enters tank, insert Q-tip 
or  similar  absorbent  material  between  jacket  opening 
and  valve  to  swab  spud  area.  Remove  valve*  if  leak  is 
indicated and repair with pipe joint compound.
*  Contact a Qualified Service Agency as it is necessary to 
shut off electricity and drain tank to perform procedure. 
						

							36
PIPING DIAGRAMS
 N
OTES:
1 .  Pref erred  piping  diagram.
2 .  The t emperat ure and  pressure  relief valve  setting  shall not exceed  pressure  rating  of  any  component  in the  syst em.
3 .  Servic e v alv es  are s hown f or serv icing  unit. However , local  codes  shall govern t heir usage.COMMER CIAL ELECTRIC  - (1 UNIT)
LEGEND
TEMPERATURE & PRESSURE
RELIEF V ALVEPRESSURE RELIEF V ALVECIRCULA TING PUMPTA NK  TE M PER AT URE CO NTR O LDRAIN
FULL  POR T BALL  VALVETEMPERA TURE GAGEW ATER FLOW SWITCH
CHECK V
ALVE
W ARNING:  THIS DRA WING SHOWS SUGGESTEDPIPING CONFIGURA TION  AND OTHER DEVICES;
CHECK WITH LOCAL  CODES AND ORDINANCES
FOR  ADDITIONAL  REQUIREMENTS.
FINISHED
FLOOR
HOT WATER 
T O FIXTURES
FUSED
DISCONNECT SWITCH
HOT WATER
RETURN
EXPANSION
TANK
COLD WATER
SUPPLY
PIPE T&P TO
OPEN DRAIN 
						

							37
PIPING DIAGRAMS
NOTES:
1 .  Pref erred  piping  diagram.
2 .  The t emperat ure and  pressure  relief valve  setting  shall not exceed  pressure  rating  of  any  component  in the  syst em.
3 .  Servic e v alv es  are s hown f or serv icing  unit. However , local  codes  shall govern t heir usage.
4 . T he  Tank  Temperat ure Cont rol should  be wired t o and  control the pump  between t he wat er heat er(s)  and the storage t ank(s).
5 . T he  wat er heat er’s  operat ing thermost at  should  be set  5 degrees F higher t han the Tank  Temperat ure Cont rol.COMMER CIAL ELECTRIC  - (1 UNIT) WITH VE RTICAL  STORAGE  TANK
LEGEND
TEMPERA TURE & PRESSURE
RELIEF V ALVEPRESSURE RELIEF V ALVECIRCULA TING PUMPTA NK  TE M PER AT URE CO NTR O LDRAIN
FULL  POR T BALL  VALVETEMPERA TURE GAGEW ATER FLOW SWITCH
CHECK V
ALVE
W ARNING:  THIS DRA WING SHOWS SUGGESTEDPIPING CONFIGURA TION  AND OTHER DEVICES;
CHECK WITH LOCAL  CODES AND ORDINANCES
FOR  ADDITIONAL  REQUIREMENTS.
FINISHED
FLOOR
HOT WATER 
T O FIXTURES
FUSED
DISCONNECT SWITCH
EXPANSION
TANK
ALT. COLD WATER
CONNECTION
HOT WATER
RETURN
COLD WATER
SUPPLY
PIPE T&P TO
OPEN DRAIN 
						

							38
PIPING DIAGRAMS
NOTES:
1 .  Pref erred  piping  diagram.
2 .  The t emperat ure and  pressure  relief valve  setting  shall not exceed  pressure  rating  of  any  component  in the  syst em.
3 .  Servic e v alv es  are s hown f or serv icing  unit. However , local  codes  shall govern t heir usage.
4 . T he  Tank  Temperat ure Cont rol should  be wired t o and  control the pump  between t he wat er heat er(s)  and the storage t ank(s).
5 . T he  wat er heat er’s  operat ing thermost at  should  be set  5 degrees F higher t han the Tank  Temperat ure Cont rol.COMMER CIAL ELECTRIC  - (1 UNIT) WITH HORIZON TAL  ST ORAGE  TANK
LEGEND
TEMPERA TURE & PRESSURE
RELIEF V ALVEPRESSURE RELIEF V ALVECIRCULA TING PUMPTA NK  TE M PER AT URE CO NTR O LDRAIN
FULL  POR T BALL  VALVETEMPERA TURE GAGEW ATER FLOW SWITCH
CHECK V
ALVE
W ARNING:  THIS DRA WING SHOWS SUGGESTEDPIPING CONFIGURA TION  AND OTHER DEVICES;
CHECK WITH LOCAL  CODES AND ORDINANCES
FOR  ADDITIONAL  REQUIREMENTS.
FINISHED
FLOOR
HOT W ATER 
T O  FIXTURES
EXPANSION
TANK
ALTERNATE
LOCATION HOT WATE
R
RETURN
COLD WATER
SUPPLY
FUSED
DISCONNECT SWITCH
PIPE T&P TO
OPEN DRAIN 
						

							39
PIPING DIAGRAMS
NOTES:
1 .  Pref erred  piping  diagram.
2 .  The t emperat ure and  pressure  relief valve  setting  shall not exceed  pressure  rating  of  any  component  in the  syst em.
3 .  Servic e v alv es  are s hown f or serv icing  unit. However , local  codes  shall govern t heir usage.COMMER CIAL ELECTRIC  - (2 UNITS)
LEGEND
TEMPERATURE & PRESSURE
RELIEF V ALVEPRESSURE RELIEF V ALVECIRCULA TING PUMPTA NK  TE M PER AT URE CO NTR O LDRAIN
FULL  POR T BALL  VALVETEMPERA TURE GAGEW ATER FLOW SWITCH
CHECK V
ALVE
W ARNING:  THIS DRA WING SHOWS SUGGESTEDPIPING CONFIGURA TION  AND OTHER DEVICES;
CHECK WITH LOCAL  CODES AND ORDINANCES
FOR  ADDITIONAL  REQUIREMENTS.
EXPANSION
TANK HOT WATE
R
RETURN
COLD WATER
SUPPLY
FUSED
DISCONNECT SWITCH
PIPE T&P TO
OPEN DRAIN
FUSED
DISCONNECT SWITCHPIPE T&P TO
OPEN DRAIN
HOT  WATER 
T O FIXTURES 
						

							40
PIPING DIAGRAMS
NOTES:
1 .  Pref erred  piping  diagram.
2 .  The t emperat ure and  pressure  relief valve  setting  shall not exceed  pressure  rating  of  any  component  in the  syst em.
3 .  Servic e v alv es  are s hown f or serv icing  unit. However , local  codes  shall govern t heir usage.
4 . T he  Tank  Temperat ure Cont rol should  be wired t o and  control the pump  between t he wat er heat er(s)  and the storage t ank(s).
5 . T he  wat er heat er’s  operat ing thermost at  should  be set  5 degrees F higher t han the Tank  Temperat ure Cont rol.COMMER CIAL ELECTRIC  - (2 UNITS) WITH VE RTICAL  STORAGE  TANK
LEGEND
TEMPERA TURE & PRESSURE
RELIEF V ALVEPRESSURE RELIEF V ALVECIRCULA TING PUMPTA NK  TE M PER AT URE CO NTR O LDRAIN
FULL  POR T BALL  VALVETEMPERA TURE GAGEW ATER FLOW SWITCH
CHECK V
ALVE
W ARNING:  THIS DRA WING SHOWS SUGGESTEDPIPING CONFIGURA TION  AND OTHER DEVICES;
CHECK WITH LOCAL  CODES AND ORDINANCES
FOR  ADDITIONAL  REQUIREMENTS.
FINISHED
FLOOR
HOT W ATER 
T O  FIXTURES
EXPANSION
TANK
ALT. COLD WATER
CONNECTION
HOT WATE
R
RETURN
COLD WATER
SUPPLY
FUSED
DISCONNECT SWITCH
PIPE T&P TO
OPEN DRAIN
FUSED
DISCONNECT SWITCHPIPE T&P TO
OPEN DRAIN